The Yale Harvard football game, also known as "The Game", is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. Dating back to 1875, it is the second-oldest rivalry in the sport, trailing only the Lehigh-Lafayette series. The two Ivy League powerhouses have faced off 136 times, with Yale holding a slim 68-59-8 edge in the all-time series. The game has been played annually since 1897, with the exception of the World War I and II years.

The 2020 Game

The 2020 version of The Game was scheduled to take place on November 21 at the historic Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ivy League made the decision to cancel all fall sports, including football. This marked the first time since 1918 that the game was not played. The announcement was met with disappointment from players, coaches, and fans alike, as the rivalry is a beloved tradition.

The History of The Game

The Yale Harvard football game has produced countless memorable moments and has been the stage for some of the sport's greatest players. In 1968, Yale's Brian Dowling led the Bulldogs to a 29-29 tie with Harvard, throwing for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Dowling went on to play for the New York Jets and was the inspiration for the character of "B.D." in the comic strip Doonesbury. In 1982, Harvard's Eddie Mahan returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown, securing a 45-27 win for the Crimson. Mahan's performance earned him the nickname "The Snake" and cemented his place in Harvard football lore.

The rivalry has also been the site of some incredible upsets. In 2006, Yale entered The Game with a 6-3 record and was a heavy underdog to a 9-0 Harvard squad. However, the Bulldogs pulled off the shocker, winning 34-13 and spoiling Harvard's undefeated season. The win was Yale's first in the series since 2000.

The Future of The Game

While the 2020 game was not played, plans are already in motion for the 2021 and 2022 editions of The Game. The 2021 game is scheduled to take place at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while the 2022 game will be played at the Yale Bowl. Both schools are eager to get back on the field and renew the rivalry, and fans are already eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this storied series.

In Conclusion

The Yale Harvard football game is a tradition that spans over a century and has produced some of college football's most iconic moments. While the 2020 edition of The Game was canceled due to COVID-19, the rivalry remains as strong as ever. With plans in place for the 2021 and 2022 games, the stage is set for the next chapter in this historic series.

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