DePauw football suffered a lopsided 45-0 loss this Saturday at Blackstock Stadium at the team's' home opener against Wittenberg University.
The Tigers faced quality opponents in their first two match ups, and they will look to stabilize some of the inconsistencies on the offensive side of the ball, primarily at the quarterback and running back positions.
They also hope to tighten up the defensive execution. Wittenberg racked up 461 total offensive yards as opposed to DePauw's 171 net yards.
Though the Tigers have struggled thus far, the team spirit remains undaunted in the face of adversity.
"The talent is there, this is one of the most talented teams we've had since I've been here. We just need to put it together," senior Andrew Cusumano said.
Cusumano, a member the Tigers' talented backfield core, has been with the team all four years. The Tigers return 15 total starters, seven on offense and eight on defense.
The team has a problem placing players positions, as the market for starting spots has gotten increasingly competitive.
If nothing more, the Wittenberg game illustrated DePauw's dire need to find consistent starters on the offensive side of the ball.
A good football team is traditionally built upon a leader; offensive or defensive. The team is in desperate need of leaders to step up and carry the team in their direction; the right side of the win column.
A lack of consistency at major positions on the offensive side of the ball has caused a lack of rhythm and team chemistry for the players to build on.
Sophomore Justin Murray and first-year Matt Hunt shared a majority of playing time at the quarterback position. Similarly, the running back position is in high demand as four experienced players compete for a starting position.
Seniors Armani Cato, Nikko Sansone, Cusumano, and sophomore Amen Galley are four backs who shared time against Wittenberg this Saturday.
Whether or not starting positions are permanently filled or not, come this Saturday afternoon, there is no doubt that head Coach Bill Lynch will deploy a more refined and cohesive DePauw Tigers in search for their first win of the season. They play this Saturday at Kenyon College.