On Nov. 14, 1998, the 105th Monon Bell Classic was played following the "Halloween Heist," in which eight Wabash students had successfully stolen the Monon Bell trophy two weeks prior to the game at Neal Fieldhouse. DePauw responded in resounding fashion with a 42-7 victory, on five consecutive scores to start the game.
Forty-two points was the second most points scored by a single team in the rivalry's history since the introduction of the bell in 1932.
Last season, the Little Giants upped the ante in the modern history of this timeless classic when they defeated DePauw 47-0. It was a tie for the largest blowout in Monon Bell Classic history. In 1952, Wabash also beat DePauw 47-0.
The 47-0 loss is something the Tigers have used as motivation throughout the season.
"It's in the back of our heads everyday. I'm sure most people have been thinking about it all season," senior defensive lineman Graham Wilkerson said. "You focus on each game, but you got that one big game at the end of the season. Our alumni gave us a mat that says ‘47-0'. It's a reminder. Everyone is ready to get some redemption this week."
This year's saga pits the DePauw Tigers (4-4) against an undefeated Wabash Little Giants (9-0) squad, fresh off a NCAC championship title after last week's win against Wittenberg, 28-17.
"It's going to be a big week of preparation," senior captain defensive lineman Michael Fultz said. "It's obviously the biggest game of the year. We know Wabash is a solid football team. It's the Monon Bell game, anything is possible."
A victory for DePauw in the 2011 Monon Bell Classic would be nothing out of the ordinary. In the past 13 Monon Bell Classic contests, DePauw has beaten a previously undefeated Wabash team three times. The 1998 42-7 win was the first, followed by a 24-21 Tiger win on a game-winning 47-yard field goal by kicker Jordan Havercamp in 2007. The Tigers then beat undefeated Wabash again the next season with a convincing 36-14 victory.
The Tigers look to beat another stout, undefeated Little Giants squad this year. Wabash is ranked No. 9 in the country this season and is Div. III football's third best rushing defense. Wabash uses frequent blitz packages and smart zone pass defense that has talented youth in the starting defensive back positions.
"Wabash brings another stellar defense to the game this year," senior captain and tailback Jon Ellis said. "For us to have success we are going to have to run the ball early and often and convert on our passes to our big play receivers."
Wabash also can score proved with the 28-17 victory over Wittenberg for the NCAC title. The Little Giants have a group of four core receivers highlighted by senior Wes Chamblee, who is also one of the most dangerous return men in the NCAC.
"Momentum and field position will be key factors in determining who wins the game," senior linebacker Matt Johnson said. "For the defense to come out on fire right away is going to give our team a lot of confidence. Hopefully we can put up some points on them early."
Wabash leads the all-time series, 55-53-9, and is looking for their third straight victory in the Monon Bell Classic. Despite being down in the all-time rivalry, dating back to 1890, DePauw holds the all-time lead after the Monon Bell was introduced, 37-35-6.
DePauw enters this matchup on a three-game winning streak, with wins against Ohio Wesleyan, Austin College and Albion College. The Tiger's newfound success has been predicated on minimal offensive turnovers. Quarterback Will King, despite throwing for only 69 yards in last week's 7-3 win against Albion, did not throw any interceptions.
"I feel confident in my abilities, I always have," King said. "Once I was given the shot I felt comfortable in our system and with our coaching staff."
DePauw also adds an improved defense to the game plan that has been intently focused on stopping the run. The Old Gold only allowed 10.0 PPG over the course of their three-game winning steak and ranks 24th in Div. III football in rushing defense.
Injuries have also been a recurring factor for DePauw, most notably on offense. Senior wide receiver Taylor Wagner sustained a sprained ankle on Oct. 29 against Austin College. In that same game, freshman QB Drew Seaman suffered a season-ending concussion. In light of those injuries, freshman D.J. Steward and sophomore Jordan Hickam have stepped up as the primary Tiger receivers and fourth string quarterback Will King has emerged as the new starter under center.
"With all the injuries that have happened the next man has got to be ready," said head coach Robby Long. "That's what we've been preaching in practice."
On the other side of the injury spectrum, DePauw expects Ellis to make his comeback from a torn groin injury. Ellis, who ranks seventh in DePauw history in rushing yards, hasn't played in a game since Sept. 24 against Rhodes College.
"There is a lot of intensity going around, but you don't want to be too intense because when you get too intense you have mental mistakes," Ellis said. "It's about finding the right equilibrium, not too relaxed, but ready to go. "
It is likely the Tigers will have to rely on their senior leaders on offense, such as offensive lineman Lewis Brown and center Mitch Turnbow. King will have to manage the game by effectively creating drives down field, along with big plays from Ellis and sophomores Bryan Coleman and Armani Cato in the rushing attack.
Most of DePauw's experience in this game is located on the defensive line, who gave up only 92 rushing yards on 32 Albion attempts in last Saturday's 7-3 win. Fultz and Graham Wilkerson lead the Tigers up front and are hungry for their second career Monon Bell Victory.
"A win would mean everything to me. It's something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life," Wilkerson said. "I've put my entire heart into this season. We need to play this game for the people that have put on the jerseys before us. Not only for them but for one another."
The Tigers will play amid a sold-out crowd Saturday at Blackstock Stadium. The Tigers look to snap their two-game Monon Bell Classic losing streak. Weather conditions are projected to be more than ideal with a projected high of 56 degrees and partly sunny skies.
"The Monon Bell is the reason you play football," senior linebacker Matt Johnson said. "It's a special rivalry. We are fortunate to take part in such a historic and fierce rivalry. "
HDNet will provide the television Monon Bell Classic live coverage while 91.5 WGRE's coverage of the 118th Monon Bell Classic begins at 10:30AM with a 1:07PM kickoff time.
— WGRE sports contributed to this article.