117th Monon Bell Classic

[D3_DPUFan]

Another great Monon Bell Stag last night at the Murat in downtown Indianapolis. Both schools represented by their presidents and head football coaches. Oh, that's right, Robby Long took the time to be there. Once again, Wabash HC didn't bother.

Congrats to the organizers for a great show...nice to see this tradition gaining momentum.

[D3_DPUFan]

...also congratulations to last night's honorees...two legends...DePauw's Coach Nick Mourouzis and Wabash's Pete Metzelaars.

[DPU3619]

Final thoughts from me as we're under 24 hours until kick:

If DePauw runs the ball with at least some success, doesn't turn it over, and is sound in the kicking game, I think they are about 10 points better.  I think 28 is probably enough in that case.  21 may even be enough.  If those 3 things happen, DePauw will hold the ball for close to 40 minutes with 15 & 16 play drives.  More like the first half last year than the second half.  That's what happened against Millsaps this year.  That's not what happened against Trinity.  If what happened against Trinity happens again, then it's different. I imagine Wabash will create at least one turnover at some point in the afternoon and may cause issues for DePauw's special teams.  That'll make it closer, and probably put this game into the high 30's.  I think if DePauw turns it over more than twice, they probably lose.  DePauw turned it over 3 times last year and it allowed Wabash to hang 32 on them - the first time Wabash had scored more than 21 pts (edit: against DePauw) since 2003.

Also, I'm not too sure that the Wabash QBs throw for 400 and 4 TD's, but they'll probably get a couple.  If they do go bonkers, DePauw is going to be in big trouble.  You can afford to give a big play or two (they usually do), but let's not allow those WRs to run all over the lot.  I'll take DePauw 35-27. 

[Wabash Hokie]

Wes: 

I concur on the point total as I think both defenses are vulnerable. I simply hope that DePauw's offense does not get its passing game into high gear.  Now that we have field turf, even a wet track may not slow down the game unlike in past years.  Wabash's field never drained well and would be a mud bowl if it rained up to a few days before the game.

Here's to staying relatively dry and wind free and watching the teams slug it out.

[1837Tigers]

Report from WXIN/Indy Fox affiliate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RvWrO0zv2U

[D3_DPUFan]

Now that we have field turf, even a wet track may not slow down the game unlike in past years.  Wabash's field never drained well and would be a mud bowl if it rained up to a few days before the game.

Rain didn't seem to slow things down much in 2008. 
The field in 2006 was ridiculous...don't know if it was good work by the crew there or what, but the field was in pretty good shape in '08 after a ton of rain...

[bashbrother]

My Keys to the Bell Game:

Wabash Keys to Victory -

1.  The ability for Wabash's defense to disrupt Engle's rhythm int he pocket.

2.  Offensive line giving Wabash QB time to throw down field.

3.  Keeping penalties to a minimum

4.  Scoring on any Depauw miscue.

5.  Not the game for experiment - Go with one QB

6.  Rushing enough to keep defense honest

7. 3rd down conversions

8.  Wabash receivers cannot drop passes in this one.  May not have that many opportunities.


Depauw's Key to Victory

1.  Offensive line giving Engle & the receivers time.  

2.  Koors factor -  If Wabash loads up on him defensively, other talented receivers will be open, they need to continue to step up as they have.

3.  Depauw rushing game controlling clock

4.  Depauw's defensive backfield protecting the big pass to Horn & co.

5.  3rd Down conversions

6.  Special teams - (Punt team) getting the punts off.


That's about it.   Time to prepare.

Going to be quite a scene tomorrow, hope the weather cooperates.


WAF!

[D3_DPUFan]

Final thoughts from me as we're under 24 hours until kick:

If DePauw runs the ball with at least some success, doesn't turn it over, and is sound in the kicking game, I think they are about 10 points better.  I think 28 is probably enough in that case.  21 may even be enough.  If those 3 things happen, DePauw will hold the ball for close to 40 minutes with 15 & 16 play drives.  More like the first half last year than the second half.  That's what happened against Millsaps this year.  That's not what happened against Trinity.  If what happened against Trinity happens again, then it's different. I imagine Wabash will create at least one turnover at some point in the afternoon and may cause issues for DePauw's special teams.  That'll make it closer, and probably put this game into the high 30's.  I think if DePauw turns it over more than twice, they probably lose.  DePauw turned it over 3 times last year and it allowed Wabash to hang 32 on them - the first time Wabash had scored more than 21 pts (edit: against DePauw) since 2003.

Also, I'm not too sure that the Wabash QBs throw for 400 and 4 TD's, but they'll probably get a couple.  If they do go bonkers, DePauw is going to be in big trouble.  You can afford to give a big play or two (they usually do), but let's not allow those WRs to run all over the lot.  I'll take DePauw 35-27. 

Pretty good assesment and totally agree on turnovers, though they only accounted for 7 of Wabash's 32 last year. In addition to things you mention, that DePauw O-line is going to be very key tomake things happen. Also, FYI, Wabash scored 23 in 2006. 

[DPU3619]

Sure, but you add in the missed FG after the fumbled snap & the tipped interception when DePauw was matriculating the ball down the field, and we're talking anywhere between 6 & 14 more for DePauw too. Nearly a 21 point swing based on just that.

To me, those two plays late in the second changed the whole tone. That game was on its way to being 2008 reloaded, but the bounces went against DePauw that year instead of in favor in '08.

EDIT: You're right about '06. Think I blocked the safety that Spud took late in that game from my memory.

[D3_DPUFan]

Sure, but you add in the missed FG after the fumbled snap & the tipped interception when DePauw was matriculating the ball down the field, and we're talking anywhere between 6 & 14 more for DePauw too. Nearly a 21 point swing based on just that.

To me, those two plays late in the second changed the whole tone. That game was on its way to being 2008 reloaded, but the bounces went against DePauw that year instead of in favor in '08.

Very true.

Looking forward to a high intensity game tomorrow...DPU, 24-14. 

[bashbrother]

Wabash 28
DPU 24

Go Wabash!......

[1837Tigers]

Ring the bell, fellers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdtysGVh47k

[smedindy]

34-31, Wabash (of course)...

[DPU3619]

It's Chirstmas morning! I think I sleep less now the night before Monon than I ever did on Christmas Eve as a younger fella.

Happy Monon you stupid Cavemen. I hate you more than I ever hated anything in my entire life. I'd rather be dead than Wabash red.

[cave2bens]

And to you as well, Wes!  Hope you're enjoying that slivered steak at Bear's Lair - though butchering a choice cut like that is culinary bastardization, much less layering it with cheese - but expected. 

117 meetings later, Wabash Always Fights and DePauw (or DeBauch per the 1970 Bachelor) Never Quits (Swallowing)

- Save Bell Day to All, even the Danny Boys