The Lions are once again back at Baker Field, this time to take on the Harvard Crimson (6-1, 4-0 Ivy). The Crimson is undefeated in Ivy play while the 0-7 Lions are still looking for their first win of the season. Check below the jump for coverage of today’s matchup.

Three keys to today’s game

Stop the Run

Rushing defense has been a weakness for the Lions all season and it just so happens that running the football is one of Harvard’s strength. In the past two weeks, the Lions have allowed 267 and 276 rushing yards. Against Dartmouth last week, Harvard ran the ball for 395 yards. Expect to see the Crimson run the ball until the Lions can prove they can stop the run.

Contain Collier Winters

Coach Norries Wilson referred to Harvard’s offense as a “machine”. Not only do they have an excellent running game but their senior quarterback Collier Winters is one of the Ivy League’s best. In just three games, Winters has completed over 71% of his passes, is averaging 260 passing yards per game, and has thrown 7 touchdowns. If the Lions are going to slow down the Harvard “machine” they need to put pressure on Winters and force him to make mistakes.

Pass, Pass, Pass

Harvard has the best rushing defense in the league ut the second worst passing defense. The Lions, who have struggled running the ball all year, will also be without their best offensive lineman, Jeff Adams, and their starting running back, Marcorus Garrett. The Lions need to put up points to keep up with the Crimson and they will have to have an effective passing game to do so.