What Is 1987 Harvard Crimson football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Harvard Crimson football team represented Harvard University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season. They finished with a 5–5 overall record and a 5–2 Ivy League record, placing second in the conference.

Key Facts

5–5 overall record in the 1987 season
5–2 Ivy League record, finishing second in the conference
Head coach was Joe Restic, in his 14th season
Played home games at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts
Outscored opponents 214 to 189 for the season

Overview

The 1987 Harvard Crimson football team competed in the NCAA Division I-AA football season as a member of the Ivy League. Under the leadership of head coach Joe Restic, the team showed strong performance within the conference but had a balanced overall record.

Playing their home games at the historic Harvard Stadium, the Crimson finished second in the Ivy League standings, narrowly missing the championship. The season reflected a competitive squad that demonstrated resilience against both conference and non-conference opponents.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–5 overall record, marking one of the more balanced seasons in Harvard football history during the late 1980s.
Ivy League performance: Harvard posted a 5–2 conference record, placing them behind only the undefeated league champion, which secured them a second-place finish.
Head coach:Joe Restic was in his 14th year as head coach, bringing consistent leadership and a disciplined approach to the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
Scoring: The Crimson scored 214 total points while allowing 189 points, indicating a relatively close balance between offensive production and defensive effectiveness.
Home field: Harvard played all home games at Harvard Stadium, a National Historic Landmark located in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its distinctive horseshoe design and concrete construction.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1987 season featured a mix of competitive matchups and pivotal conference games that defined Harvard’s campaign. Each game contributed to the team’s final standing and shaped their competitive identity.

Season opener: Harvard opened with a 21–14 win over Bucknell, setting a positive tone and showcasing early offensive cohesion.
Key victory: A 24–10 win over Yale in The Game was a highlight, as Harvard reclaimed the rivalry edge after a previous loss.
Loss to Princeton: A 20–17 defeat against Princeton proved costly, as it contributed to their second-place Ivy finish.
Defensive standouts: Linebacker Chris Tormey led the defense with consistent tackles and was named to the All-Ivy second team.
Offensive leader: Quarterback Tom Skladany threw for over 1,200 yards, anchoring the passing game throughout the season.
Non-conference challenge: A 31–10 loss to Holy Cross highlighted areas for improvement outside the Ivy League competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Harvard’s 1987 performance compared closely with other Ivy League teams, particularly in conference wins and point differentials.

Team	Overall Record	Ivy Record	Points For	Points Against
Harvard	5–5	5–2	214	189
Princeton	6–4	6–1	242	187
Yale	4–6	4–3	176	198
Columbia	3–7	2–5	142	214
Penn	3–7	2–5	166	229

The table illustrates that Harvard ranked among the top Ivy teams in both wins and scoring efficiency. While Princeton edged them out in conference play, Harvard’s victory over Yale and strong defensive numbers highlighted their competitiveness. The team’s balanced scoring and disciplined play kept them in contention throughout the season.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season remains a notable chapter in Harvard football history, reflecting both the challenges and achievements of Ivy League competition during that era. It underscored the importance of consistency and rivalry performance in shaping legacy.

Rivalry impact: The win over Yale in The Game had significant cultural and athletic importance, boosting morale and alumni engagement.
Player development: Several players from the 1987 roster went on to earn All-Ivy honors, demonstrating the program’s ability to develop talent.
Coaching legacy: Joe Restic’s long tenure was marked by disciplined play, and the 1987 season exemplified his consistent leadership.
Historical context: This season occurred during a transitional period in college football, as NCAA divisions evolved and Ivy League programs maintained academic-athletic balance.
Stadium significance: Playing at Harvard Stadium, built in 1903, connected the team to over 80 years of football tradition and history.
Foundation for future: The competitive 1987 campaign laid groundwork for improved performances in the early 1990s under new coaching leadership.

Though not a championship season, the 1987 Harvard Crimson football team demonstrated resilience, competitive spirit, and the enduring value of Ivy League athletics. Their record and performances remain a point of pride in Harvard’s extensive football history.