It’s that time of year again: The Game. A clash with so much history that even people who couldn’t name a single Ivy League quarterback will nod knowingly when it’s mentioned. Looking back at the 2023 Harvard-Yale showdown, it’s clear that some bets hit their mark while others fell short—just like Harvard’s offense that day. Yale pulled off a 23-18 victory, which meant heartbreak for bettors who backed Harvard on the money line (-130) or the spread (-1.5). The Crimson simply couldn’t capitalize on key moments, allowing Yale to dominate in a game that was closer on paper than on the field.
The total points line of 53.5 proved to be too optimistic, as the game ended with a combined score of 41 points. Those who bet the under cashed in, likely helped by the overall grind-it-out nature of the game and missed opportunities in the red zone. However, prop bets didn’t fare as well: the prediction of over 2.5 field goals fell flat, with only one successful kick—a 33-yarder by Yale’s Jack Bosman. While the game did include interceptions, there were no fumbles reported, leaving the over 2.5 turnovers bet up in the air.
But 2024 is a new year, and we at the Indy Sportsbook are looking to capitalize on this matchup on Saturday. This Saturday, all eyes will be on the Crimson and the Bulldogs as they face off in Cambridge. While the outcome is anything but certain, the betting lines and prop bets tell their own story. Let’s dive into some fictional bets about the upcoming clash of titans.
Harvard PK (-110): We here at the Indy Sportsbook think the oddsmakers would set the betting line dead even—pick ‘em. No spread, no cushion, just straight-up Harvard or Yale. Last year the Bulldogs were 3.5-point favorites, despite having a worse record going into the matchup. We attribute that to the fact that they were playing at home. However, in 2024, Harvard is the pick. The Crimson has momentum, a sharper offense, and a new coach who is hungry to win this historic matchup. Playing at home in front of thousands of fans will propel the Crimson to their first win since 2021. Harvard wins, but don’t expect it to be easy.
Over 53.5 (+140): If last year’s over/under line of 53.5 taught us anything, it’s that The Game has fully embraced the modern era of Ivy League football: big plays, quick scores, and a defense that seems to take the second half off. Although the matchup last year was a little slow, with only 41 points scored, we think that the offenses of both teams are more developed and ready for a big day. Harvard’s offense has been cooking all season, and while Yale’s defense has had its moments, they cannot be called lockdown. On the other side, the Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry. The weather is forecasted to be a pretty normal Saturday in Cambridge, and we don’t think it will be much of a factor here. We are hammering the over on the hypothetical 53.5 points.
First Team to Score: Yale (-110): Scoring first in a game like this can set the tone, and we’re putting money on Yale to strike early. With Yale running back Josh Pitsenberger coming off a performance with 168 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, we expect him to take over in the first quarter and punch the ball in for Yale early on. While the Crimson’s quick-strike ability can’t be ignored, Yale’s recent trend of strong starts gives them the edge here. They have scored the first touchdown in six of their last seven matches, and we see this trend continue.
Game-Winning Field Goal Attempt: No (-110): In a rivalry as close as Harvard-Yale, the possibility of a game-winning field goal attempt feels almost inevitable, and this year’s odds reflect just how evenly matched the two teams are. At -110 for both “yes” and “no,” the line is daring you to pick a side, but the momentum of The Game suggests that this one could come down to a kicker’s nerves in the final seconds. Harvard and Yale each have solid special teams units, and with the betting line dead even, it’s easy to imagine the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter. Whether it’s a clutch 40-yarder as time expires or a long shot just falling short, the attempt itself would be enough to define the day. And let’s be honest, nothing cranks up the drama like a high-stakes field goal in front of thousands of fans on both sides of this historic rivalry.
At the end of the day, The Game is more than just football—it’s tradition, drama, and a chance for kids at both institutions to drink with (almost) no repercussions. Whether it’s Harvard reclaiming glory at home or a last-second kicker stepping into the spotlight, this year’s matchup promises all the chaos and excitement that make betting on The Game so irresistible.
The bets might be fictional, but the stakes couldn’t feel more real. Will Harvard finally break the streak? Will Yale’s first-quarter dominance hold up? And, most importantly, will we hit that over? This Saturday, the Crimson and Bulldogs are ready to settle it all on the field—and we’re here to see how it plays out. So grab your friends, a handle or two, maybe a little extra cash, and your favorite outfit—this is The Game, and anything can happen.
Luke Wagner ’26 (lukewagner@college.harvard.edu) always gives away his ticket minutes before the game.