Previewing the Harvard Crimson

The legendary John " Snooks" Kelly once called the Beanpot the  "greatest social and athletic event in the world". Tomorrow night at 5 Pm, it will kick off it's 61st addition when BU meets Northeastern. The late game will feature the 3x defending champion Boston College Eagles vs ECAC rival Harvard. If you've read the blog during the Beanpot you'd know that this tournament is my favorite event of the season and personally, I think this team has a great chance to keep the coveted trophy on Chestnut Hill. The first test will come against a talented yet depleted Harvard Crimson team that has lost 7 seven straight and currently boast a 5-14-1 record overall. I hope the staff has one message for the guys this weekend. Anything can and anything will happen in the Beanpot. This tournament is where teams revitalize their seasons. I watched this Harvard team play BU @ the Jack Parker Rink and come back from a 3 goal deficit in the third period. They have the talent to catch BC off guard if the Eagles ply like they did vs Maine. Harvard's got guys like Vesey, Fallstrom, and Blackwell who can play at a very high level. They're quick, their skilled, and they will certainly make BC play if the Eagles are caught falling asleep in their own end. As for BC, they're coming off one of their stronger performances in quite some time as they easily defeated the Vermont Catamounts 4-1 on Friday night. People will tell you that Vermont stinks and all that but the bottom line is that BC didn't just get a must needed win, they played a game in which all four lines and the defense played really solid. I thought all four offensive lines did a great job in all three zones and created a ton of chances on UVM goalie Brody Hoffman throughout the game. Getting chances is one thing but capitalizing on them is another. The Eagles should have had 6 or 7 goals Friday night but they failed to finish at key junctures in the first period. I look at guys like Destry Straight and Danny Linell to start stepping up and scoring because quite honestly, they should both have a lot more goals than they currently have. I thought Linell played well with Johnny G and Mullane but he needs to find a way to start putting the puck in the net.

Overall, I thought all four lines played well vs UVM but I especially liked the way the fourth line of Quinn Smith-Pat Brown-Brooks Dyroff. When BC is able to roll four lines like that on a consistent basis, they're a much better hockey team. Hopefully, that continues tomorrow night. Believe it or not, these new lines make BC the deepest team in the tournament this season. BU, NU, and especially Harvard are all very thin up front. On Friday night, BC had four lines that were generating offensive chances, not just two. On the defensive side of things, BC just needs to build off what they did Friday. They covered well in their own zone, avoided turnovers, and made smart decisions in all three zones. That's got to continue tomorrow night. One thing I would like to see improve is BC's power play. In order to win in trophy season, you've got to find a way to score on the man advantage. BC has done that in years past and they've got to find a way to do it tomorrow night. With Matheson back, it gives BC two equally powerful units that can score. I look for them to capitalize when given the chances vs the Crimson.

As for tomorrow nights opponent, the Crimson are currently in last place in the ECAC with just 3 league wins and 5 wins overall. It's been as bad as it can for Ted Donato and his team this season. But, as I said earlier, Harvard may by thin but they have three or four really good forwards. They have one big line of Vesey, Blackwell, and Fallstrom. Basically, it's their three best players all in one line. Assuming that's Harvard's first line tomorrow, I think the staff will try to matchup the Arnold, Whitney, and Sit line vs them but they could also go with the Johnny G line. Either way, I think BC should have ample opportunities to score goals tomorrow. No matter what line it is. Harvard's offense has really struggled to put pucks in the net this year. They rank second to last in college hockey in goals scored per game at 2.05. On special teams, the Crimson, who had the best power play in college hockey a season ago, now rank second to last in the country in terms of PP goals, tallying just 8 on the season. No matter how Harvard plays tomorrow, it's not about them. It's about how the Eagles play. If they assert their will like they did in the final 55 minutes vs UVM, then they should win this game.

Keys for the Eagles-

1. Getting off to a good start. Harvard's going to come out flying. BC needs to weather the storm early and then attack.

2. Don't give the Crimson PP chances. When your playing teams you should beat, you can't keep giving them chances to score on the man advantage.

3. Score on the power play.

Scouting Harvard-

Pairwise Rank- Not ranked.

Top scorers- Jimmy Vesey (10-4-14) and Tommy O'Regan (3-9-12)

Best Win- @ BU

Worst Losses- @ Brown, vs St. Lawrence

All Time Series- BC leads 69-44-5. The Eagles are 25-13 vs HU in the Beanpot.


GO EAGLES !

 Previewing the Harvard Crimson: A Comprehensive Overview

The Harvard Crimson, one of the most storied institutions in American higher education, extends its rich legacy into the realm of collegiate sports. Harvard University, with its crimson-clad athletes, boasts a diverse range of athletic programs that compete at a high level. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of Harvard Athletics, previewing the Harvard Crimson's sports teams, their achievements, and what fans can expect in the upcoming seasons. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a well-rounded understanding of Harvard's sports scene.

Harvard Athletics: A Glance at Excellence

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is not only renowned for its academic prowess but also for its commitment to athletics. The institution's athletic teams, collectively known as the Harvard Crimson, compete in various sports at the NCAA Division I level. Harvard is a member of the Ivy League, a conference known for its tradition of academic and athletic excellence.

A Glimpse at Harvard's Sporting Legacy

Harvard has a long and illustrious history in collegiate athletics, with achievements that span across various sports. Here are some notable highlights from Harvard's sporting legacy:

Football Glory: Harvard's football program, one of the oldest in the country, has seen considerable success. The team has claimed multiple Ivy League titles and boasts a fierce rivalry with Yale University.

Basketball Prowess: Harvard's basketball teams, both men's and women's, have consistently ranked among the top in the Ivy League. They have also made appearances in the NCAA Tournament, marking their competitiveness on a national level.

Rowing Dominance: Harvard's rowing teams are renowned for their excellence, with numerous national championships to their name. The annual Harvard-Yale Regatta is one of the oldest and most prestigious rowing competitions in the world.

Hockey Tradition: Harvard's men's ice hockey program, known as the Crimson, competes in the NCAA's ECAC Hockey conference and has a rich history of success, including multiple appearances in the Frozen Four.

Harvard Crimson Sports: What to Expect

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the key sports offered by the Harvard Crimson and what fans can anticipate in the upcoming seasons:

Football: Harvard football continues to be a force in the Ivy League. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups against rivals like Yale and Princeton, as the Crimson aim for conference supremacy.

Basketball: Both men's and women's basketball teams have consistently been contenders in the Ivy League. Expect competitive games, intense rivalries, and the pursuit of NCAA Tournament berths.

Rowing: Harvard's rowing teams, often ranked among the best in the nation, will continue to compete at a high level. The annual Harvard-Yale Regatta remains a highlight.

Hockey: Harvard's men's ice hockey team will vie for success in ECAC Hockey, seeking to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and contend for national championships.

Soccer: Harvard's soccer programs, men's and women's, participate in the Ivy League, with both teams aiming for strong conference showings and NCAA Tournament berths.

Track and Field: Track and field athletes at Harvard compete in various events, showcasing their skills in both indoor and outdoor seasons.

Baseball and Softball: Harvard's baseball and softball teams will strive for success in the Ivy League and look to make their mark in NCAA play.

Harvard Athletics Facilities

Harvard's commitment to athletics is reflected in its state-of-the-art athletic facilities, which support its athletes in achieving their best performances. Some notable facilities include:

Harvard Stadium: The iconic stadium is home to Harvard football and is one of the oldest stadiums in the country. Its historic significance adds to the excitement of every game.

Bright-Landry Hockey Center: This arena hosts Harvard's ice hockey teams and provides an electric atmosphere for fans attending games.

Jordan Field: The field is home to Harvard's soccer and lacrosse teams, offering top-notch playing surfaces for these sports.

Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium: A premier facility for soccer, this stadium hosts Harvard's men's and women's soccer games and accommodates enthusiastic crowds.

FAQs About Harvard Athletics

Let's address some common questions about Harvard Athletics to provide a deeper understanding of the program:

Q1: Can Harvard athletes balance academics and sports effectively?

A1: Yes, Harvard places a strong emphasis on the student-athlete experience, and athletes receive academic support to help them excel in both their studies and their sports.

Q2: How can fans attend Harvard Crimson games?

A2: Fans can purchase tickets for Harvard Crimson games through the official Harvard Athletics website or at the venue on game day. Ticket availability and pricing may vary by sport and game.

Q3: Are Harvard Crimson games broadcasted or streamed for remote viewing?

A3: Yes, many Harvard Crimson games are broadcasted on television or streamed online. Information on where to watch can be found on the official website or through Ivy League and conference partners.

Q4: Are there opportunities for students to get involved in Harvard Athletics, even if they are not athletes?

A4: Yes, Harvard offers various opportunities for students to get involved in athletics, such as through intramural sports, sports clubs, and volunteer positions in sports administration.

Q5: What role do alumni play in supporting Harvard Athletics?

A5: Harvard alumni often contribute to the Crimson's athletic programs through donations, attending games, and mentoring current student-athletes. Their support helps sustain and enhance Harvard Athletics.

Harvard Athletics, embodied by the Harvard Crimson, represents a tradition of excellence in collegiate sports. From football under the lights at Harvard Stadium to the competitive basketball matchups in Lavietes Pavilion, there's a lot to look forward to in the world of Harvard sports. As the seasons progress, fans can expect thrilling games, intense rivalries, and the pursuit of championships. Harvard's commitment to both academic and athletic success makes it a unique and prestigious institution in the realm of collegiate sports.