The Harvard-Yale game of 1899 was closely contested, with one of Harvard's best scoring chances coming when their quarterback, Charles Daly, fair caught a punt on Yale's 35-yard line. Despite signaling for the fair catch, two Yale players tackled Daly, and the resulting penalty gave Harvard the ball on Yale's 20-yard line with the option for a free kick.

Harvard chose to kick. Their center and kicker, F. L. Burnett, positioned himself at the 25-yard line to begin the run-up for his dropkick. Most of the Yale team lined up on the 10-yard line, intent on rushing Burnett when he moved forward on the dropkick attempt. While waiting on Burnett, the Yalies yelled unpleasantries at the kicker, which had an effect as Burnett missed the twenty-yard attempt.

Harvard missed another field goal attempt in the game's closing seconds, allowing Yale to escape with a 0-0 tie.

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