Harvard and Yale Compete for College Football Playoffs Spot

College football’s oldest rivalry, known as “The Game,” between Harvard and Yale, has reached a pivotal moment. After 150 years, the winner of the upcoming matchup will secure a spot in the playoffs. This year marks a historic shift as the Ivy League, which includes these two prestigious institutions, has ended a self-imposed postseason ban that began after World War II.

Historic Rivalry Overview

Harvard and Yale first faced each other in 1875, making this rivalry the second oldest in college football, surpassed only by the Princeton-Yale rivalry. Their long history is decorated with significant achievements:

• Yale holds the record for the most college football titles, with a total exceeding that of Alabama.
• Harvard ranks eighth on the all-time championship list.
• The average attendance for the Harvard-Yale games at the Yale Bowl is approximately 50,000, a figure that surpasses the average attendance of many Major League Baseball teams.

The Role of Students

A significant factor in changing the Ivy League’s postseason policy was student advocacy. Students from these institutions urged the league to allow postseason play, leading to the current opportunity for Harvard and Yale. This development comes at a time when college football is increasingly commercialized, which many Alumni had historically resisted.

Playoff Prospects

The victor of this storied matchup will advance to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs. This division is below the Football Bowl Subdivision, which includes powerhouse programs such as Alabama and Georgia. Even so, this upcoming game has garnered considerable attention due to the teams’ strong performances this season.

Current Team Rankings

As of the latest rankings:

• Harvard is positioned 10th in the FCS with an undefeated record.
• The team boasts the seventh-best scoring offense and ranks third for scoring defense.

Harvard has won its games by an average margin of over 25 points. Yale, currently ranked 25th in the FCS, has lost only one game this season, supported by a defense that ranks sixth in points allowed. Yale’s victories have typically been by double digits.

High Stakes for the Rivalry

The upcoming game carries more significance than any of the previous encounters. The last five meetings have all been tightly contested, with outcomes determined by a touchdown or less. This time, the stakes are higher than ever, as the winner will claim the Ivy League title and an automatic playoff bid, while the loser hopes for an at-large selection.

As Harvard and Yale prepare for this crucial contest, the anticipation surrounding “The Game” continues to grow. The outcome will not only decide playoff eligibility but will also add another chapter to one of sports’ most enduring rivalries.