CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Football enters this week's action ranked 25^th nationally in the FCS Coaches Poll. The Crimson, which opened its season last week with a 45-13 victory over St. Thomas, is also receiving votes in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
 
Harvard began 2023 with a bang, getting a stop on fourth down and then scoring on its first play from scrimmage -- a 79-yard rush by Shane McLaughlin. The Crimson went on to post the game's first 38 points before the Tommies, who last week were receiving votes in the Coaches Poll, dented the scoreboard.
 
In addition to the long scoring run from McLaughlin, the Harvard offense continued making explosive plays throughout the game, getting a 25-yard rushing TD from running back Isaiah Abbey, a 69-yard scoring run from quarterback Charles DePrima, and an 18-yard TD grab from Tyler Neville.
 
Perhaps the most exciting play came from the defense as Ty Bartrum intercepted a pass at the Harvard four-yard line and returned it 96 yards for the touchdown. The safety, who also recorded eight tackles, was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week and earned a spot on the FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Player of the Week Honorable Mention.
 
The defense as a whole was stout against St. Thomas, recording three sacks, nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, six pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. Garrett Sharp led all players with a career-high 12 tackles for a defense that did not allow a point until 7:40 left in the third quarter.
 
Harvard now turns its attention to Friday night when it plays host to Brown in both teams' Ivy League opener. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ET with the contest airing live on ESPN+. Tickets for the game are available at GoCrimson.com.