In my time at DePauw University, the Tigers have gone 0-3 against Wabash. My sister, who attended DePauw the four years prior to my freshman year, left her time here 0-4 and bell-less. So you could say maybe this isn’t our year yet again. Maybe DePauw will go bell-less for yet another year and maybe the Kobe curse on DePauw is simply too strong to overcome.
In the past, I may have agreed with you, but watching the Cubs break their own Billy Goat Curse I can feel the sports Gods are changing their paradigms. I believe DePauw will become victorious, not just because curses are meant to die hard, but because this year’s team is the most competitive it has been in years.
Without a doubt, this is the best DePauw team since the 2007 team was victorious, and there have been distinctive changes in the school to end the Monon Bell drought. The hiring of Head Coach Bill Lynch in 2012, the upgrade in facilities with the opening of Welch in 2014, and multiple stellar recruiting classes have put DePauw in a rare position: contention.
In last season’s matchup, DePauw was dominated by Wabash in multiple categories that led to their demise. Being out rushed 355 yards to 147, as well as committing three turnovers to Wabash’s zero. Despite a season of improvements, it was obvious that DePauw was not quite there and they would have to grow over the next year if they wanted to compete in this historic rivalry.
So here we are now. On the precipice of what could be a revitalizing win for the football program and for DePauw athletics. After seven years of brutal beatdowns from superior Wabash teams, DePauw’s elite offense and formidable defense has proved throughout the season that they are ready to play.
Throughout the season, it was clear that DePauw’s fast-paced offense, led by senior quarterback Matt Hunt, would prove to be their biggest strength. On three occasions this offense scored more than 50 points in a game and, compared to Wabash’s offense, they clearly have the edge. As a team, DePauw averages 40.8 points per game to Wabash’s 35.3 points. In addition, DePauw’s average yard total far exceeds Wabash’s at 492.4 yards to 389.4.
It’s also hard to underestimate the importance of Hunt’s performance this season. Hunt leads the NCAC with 24 touchdowns and 87.9 yards-per-game. In addition, Hunt has had a phenomenal season as a dual-threat quarterback. With both 788 yards rushing and 2,339 passing yards, he’s proved to be unstoppable this season. As Hunt prepares to start his fourth and final Monon Bell, the Tigers know they have an experienced and talented leader at the helm.
Not only has Hunt matured into an elite NCAC quarterback, DePauw’s offense has depth at the wide receiver position that has not been seen in years. Matt Hunt’s brother, sophomore Andy Hunt, senior Ian Good, and junior Chase Sadler are all capable of making plays and putting pressure on Wabash’s second ranked defense. Sadler, who is fifth in receptions for DePauw, broke the single game touchdown reception record this season, displaying the depth of the Tigers’ receiving core.
Despite DePauw’s explosive offense, there is no denying Wabash’s talented defense. They have consistently helped their opponents to less than 200 passing yards, an area where the Tigers excel.
Although DePauw hasn’t tasted glory in some time. Their offense is extraordinary, their roster is experienced, and Coach Lynch’s first roster made entirely of his own recruits, has created a cohesive unit that is ready to ring the bell.
DePauw wins 28-21.