They gave the ball to sophomore running back Montel Harris. And gave it to him. And gave it him. And when it was over Harris tied a school record with 41 carries and he gained 142 yards. It was the seventh time this season Harris has rushed for more than 100 yards, including each of the last four games.

Unlike two weeks ago against Virginia, in which Harris carried 38 times, coaches told Harris he would be the main part of the offense yesterday.

“They gave me a heads-up,’’ said Harris with a laugh. “I don’t feel bad. I could probably go another couple of quarters.’’

But his outlook and condition were far different.

“It feels great now that I don’t have to worry about that cancer stuff,’’ said Herzlich. “I just have to worry about football. I had a good Thanksgiving because there is a lot to be thankful for.’’

Last spring, Herzlich was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma, and he underwent six months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in his left leg.

The treatments ended in October. On Monday, doctors at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia inserted a steel rod to provide extra strength in the leg weakened by the treatment.

Herzlich, who will receive his undergraduate degree next month, will take graduate courses in the spring semester as he attempts to revive his football career.

The first step is to get back in football shape.

“Whenever the pain and the swelling goes down, which should take another week and a half, I can start jogging,’’ said Herzlich.

“The only thing that is holding me back is the pain. I’m not going to push anything.’’