Harvard–Yale football rivalry

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The Harvard–Yale football rivalry, also known as "The Game," is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in American college football. The rivalry is between the Harvard Crimson and the Yale Bulldogs, two of the most prestigious universities in the United States. The first game was played on November 13, 1875, and the rivalry has continued annually, with few exceptions, ever since.

History

The rivalry began in the late 19th century, a time when college football was still in its infancy. The first game in 1875 was played under a modified version of the rugby rules, as the modern rules of American football had not yet been fully developed. Harvard won the inaugural game with a score of 4–0.

Over the years, "The Game" has become a significant cultural event, not only for the students and alumni of the two universities but also for the broader college football community. The rivalry is steeped in tradition, with each game drawing large crowds and significant media attention.

Significant Games

Several games in the history of the Harvard–Yale rivalry stand out due to their impact on the series or their dramatic nature:

• The 1968 Game: Known as "The Tie," this game ended in a 29–29 tie after Harvard scored 16 points in the final 42 seconds. The headline in the Harvard Crimson famously read, "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29."

• The 2004 Game: Harvard defeated Yale 35–3, completing an undefeated season and winning the Ivy League championship.

• The 2019 Game: This game was notable for a student protest that delayed the game for nearly an hour. Harvard eventually won 50–43 in double overtime.

Traditions

The Harvard–Yale game is rich with traditions that have developed over the decades:

• The Bonfire: Harvard students traditionally hold a bonfire rally before "The Game."

• The Marching Bands: Both universities have their marching bands perform at halftime, often with humorous and satirical shows.

• The Pranks: Students from both schools have a long history of attempting to pull off elaborate pranks on each other during "The Game."

Cultural Impact

The Harvard–Yale rivalry has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. It is often cited as an example of the intense rivalries that can develop between academic institutions.

Also see

• College football rivalries in the United States
• Ivy League
• Harvard Crimson football
• Yale Bulldogs football