117th Monon Bell Classic

[Mr. Ypsi]

Have attended from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Boston, Chicago, and Indianapolis.  My first Bell game was 1982 (I was 14  ) and I haven't missed since - playing in 4 ('86-'89).  This makes my 29th straight...

What are your thoughts on the matchup this year?  Keys to the game?  Interesting scenario this year with DPU already in the playoffs...  I expect a very tight game this year.  I haven't confirmed this but heard the stadium is set for 14,000 this year.

Wabash Always Fights!
BB16

Unless someone weighs in with 35 straight from Singapore, I think you may have won the trophy!  Most of your distances are not that impressive, but playing in 4, and never missing a game from 4 years before college to 21 years after graduation is awesome!

[1837Tigers]

November 10:

2007 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=20365

2001 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=11760

1990 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13679

1984 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13709

1979 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13691

1973 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13686

1917 - http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=21546

Also available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KayO6145

[Danny Boy]

Have attended from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Boston, Chicago, and Indianapolis.  My first Bell game was 1982 (I was 14  ) and I haven't missed since - playing in 4 ('86-'89).  This makes my 29th straight...

What are your thoughts on the matchup this year?  Keys to the game?  Interesting scenario this year with DPU already in the playoffs...  I expect a very tight game this year.  I haven't confirmed this but heard the stadium is set for 14,000 this year.

Wabash Always Fights!
BB16

Someone utilized the "team with secured playoff berth may not play as hard" nonsense in a conversation I had the other day.  Ridiculous.  Maybe that applies to the NFL, but I think everyone on this board (even Wallies) understands the importance of this game every year. DPU wants a 10-0 season for the first time ever.  There, I said it.  This would be our first 10-0 season.  That's almost as embarrassing as having a degree from Wabash.  Point is, the Tigers will be coming for blood.

My biggest concern is the weather.  There is a good chance for storms and that would put a damper on our air attack.  I like our line and the ground game can be efficient, but I'd feel a lot better under clear calm skies.  Really thinking this one will be decided in the trenches.

[wally_wabash]

Someone utilized the "team with secured playoff berth may not play as hard" nonsense in a conversation I had the other day.  Ridiculous.  Maybe that applies to the NFL, but I think everyone on this board (even Wallies) understands the importance of this game every year. DPU wants a 10-0 season for the first time ever.  There, I said it.  This would be our first 10-0 season.  That's almost as embarrassing as having a degree from Wabash.  Point is, the Tigers will be coming for blood.

My biggest concern is the weather.  There is a good chance for storms and that would put a damper on our air attack.  I like our line and the ground game can be efficient, but I'd feel a lot better under clear calm skies.  Really thinking this one will be decided in the trenches.

The thing is that it isn't that the game isn't important or that the players aren't going to play hard.  I think there is another level that players, seniors especially, tap into when it's their last game.  Wabash may play another game, they may not.  There is no guarantee for them.  DePauw knows that they are playing next week.  As much as you want to tell yourself that you'll play like it's your last game, it isn't your last game and you don't get to tap into that special reserve.  

It may be complete nonsense, but I think there's something to it.  I've seen DPU twice beat playoff-bound Wabash teams in the last three years and on neither occasion would you have favored DPU to win.   Last year Wabash beat a playoff bound DPU team when Wabash did not have a place in the tournament.  It's less about saving it for the playoffs and more about seniors knowing that this is it for them.  

[bashbrother]

The complex element in breaking down this years match-up is that this 9-0 Depauw team, really hasn't played anyone (of high level) this year?  (Centre was probably their toughest.) and Wabash really has only played one team in Witt.

With the lack of head-to-head common opponents, I will fall back to safe ground and say that anything can and probably will happen.

Has Depauw's defensive secondary improved that much from last year?  One could say yes, but would also admit their improved statistics from this year are against diminished competition in year to year comparison.

Can Wabash's secondary recover from the beating it took last week from Zoeller and Co.?  Will Depauw's undersized D-Line be able to penetrate?

Again, we will see on Saturday.

[D3_DPUFan]

It may be complete nonsense, but I think there's something to it.  I've seen DPU twice beat playoff-bound Wabash teams in the last three years and on neither occasion would you have favored DPU to win.   Last year Wabash beat a playoff bound DPU team when Wabash did not have a place in the tournament.  It's less about saving it for the playoffs and more about seniors knowing that this is it for them. 

I think there is something to it...but not a bunch. The Bell game is so special. If your motor is not in overdrive, both physically and emotionallly, something is wrong. As for the two DePauw wins in recent years, I would have picked the Tigers in 2008 (not by 36-14, though) and would have rated 2007 a push, maybe a DPU edge being at home...I'm just sayin'...

The complex element in breaking down this years match-up is that this 9-0 Depauw team, really hasn't played anyone (of high level) this year?  (Centre was probably their toughest.) and Wabash really has only played one team in Witt.

With the lack of head-to-head common opponents, I will fall back to safe ground and say that anything can and probably will happen.

Has Depauw's defensive secondary improved that much from last year?  One could say yes, but would also admit their improved statistics from this year are against diminished competition in year to year comparison.

Can Wabash's secondary recover from the beating it took last week from Zoeller and Co.?  Will Depauw's undersized D-Line be able to penetrate?

Valid points all around. I would add, the ability of DePauw's O-line to continue to play great football is a key for the Tigers...can't wait to watch it play out...

[gobash]

Have attended from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Boston, Chicago, and Indianapolis.  My first Bell game was 1982 (I was 14  ) and I haven't missed since - playing in 4 ('86-'89).  This makes my 29th straight...

What are your thoughts on the matchup this year?  Keys to the game?  Interesting scenario this year with DPU already in the playoffs...  I expect a very tight game this year.  I haven't confirmed this but heard the stadium is set for 14,000 this year.

Wabash Always Fights!
BB16

Unless someone weighs in with 35 straight from Singapore, I think you may have won the trophy!  Most of your distances are not that impressive, but playing in 4, and never missing a game from 4 years before college to 21 years after graduation is awesome!

Seriously.  Makes my 16 straight look pretty sad.

[bashbrother]

So last night in talking to #3, I made the call that priorities at home were going to unfortunately keep me from the Bell this year, So then a few minutes later the lamps in my 60" HD TV went out.  Watching the game on a 32" dinosaur with no surround sound is not an option.

After 30 minutes or searching the planet for a KDF Lamp assembly that could be here by Friday, I can again relax.

WAF! 

[Ryan Tipps]

After tonight, I'll be away from my computer until selection Sunday as I make the half-day drive back to Indiana for the Bell Game.

Before I go, two things need to be said:

1) Everyone play safe and travel safe on Saturday. The health of these students counts, and players from both teams should remain healthy enough to be able to compete to their fullest no matter whether the next hurdle is the NCAA postseason or final exams.

2) Wabash: Get out there and ruin the Dannies' perfect season -- and make sure the Bell stays at home in Crawfordsville where it belongs!


Wabash Always Fights!!

[DPU3619]

I think DePauw has to be able to run the football with at least some success.  Have to keep the Hard Hats honest. That offense will get some even if they can't run the ball, but they're really hard to stop if they can make the defense respect Ellis & Karazsia.

That defense has been a little suspect to big plays, but they've also knocked more than a couple guys out of games with hard hits. That group has some of the hardest hitters I've seen since Greg Sylvester. It sure would be nice to tee off on Belton a couple times early on and get him thinking about the blitz.

[smedindy]

As to the question about playoffs - I think that while the Monon Bell is enough motivation, it seems that if a team can put a wrench in a playoff year, or playoff seeding, then that's an extra boost.

"We get the Bell, and screw up their season!" can be a huge motivation. Even if 'screw up their season' is putting them on the road in the playoffs and not just keeping them out.

[1837Tigers]

November 10 in Monon Bell History:

2006- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=18443

2000- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13699

1995- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=15236

1989- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13708

1978- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=18374

1972- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=18374

1967- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13704

1916- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=21660

1901- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=21952

1893- http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=22029

[gobash83]

A reliable source reports that the first RV has arrived at Little Giants Stadium....

[Breckenridgebear]

I just got the tailgate menu for V.O.L., as relayed by master chef:

630AM: Kegs and Eggs
930AM: Beer Can Chicken
11:00AM Tomahawk Steaks (2-4 28oz Tomahawks steaks, thin slice the meat, place on a roll, cover with provolone, peppers and onions.)
6:00PM Burgers, Brats, and Victory in Greencastle

I am leaving Denver tonight to travel to CrafordsVile by way of Chicago. It is going to be a long, difficult day at work.

[Breckenridgebear]

11/11/00

http://www.depauw.edu/news/?id=13699