Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Monon Special

The sweet sounds of the ringing bell and the shouts of "swallows" throughout the Wabash campus can mean one thing­ - it's Bell week. For people like me, it's like Christmas for seven days straight.

And looking at this year's match-up, the game should not disappoint.

Both teams feature ultra-powerful offenses, led by a couple of solid sophomore quarterbacks. Both teams have a strong, multi-faceted running game. Both teams have looked really strong down the stretch.

But all year long, the experienced and opportunistic Wabash defense has made the big plays when they needed it most, and that will again be the deciding factor in this one, which should go right down to the wire.

I'm not necessarily a "numbers" guy when it comes to predicting the winner of a college football game, but here are a few I think are important:

11 - the number of juniors and seniors on the Wabash defense. The poise and experience on the defensive side of the ball has allowed Wabash's "bend-but-never-break" approach. The defense has allowed 315 yards per game but only 13.3 points, which speaks to Wabash's incredible red zone defense. I foresee the defensive seniors coming through in clutch situations again this week, and keeping DePauw out of the end zone when they really need it.

Three - the number of Wabash receivers who have had at least one game with over 100 yards receiving, not including the other two who have been close, with games over 90. Mike Russell, Ray Green, Andrew Rode, Gabe Guerrero, Bart Banach and even the J-Back Brock Graham are all threats to drop triple digits on any day, making up one of the nastiest receiving corps in the country. The depth and talent of the receivers has allowed quarterback Matt Hudson to step in and lead the Little Giants to a phenomenal season after All-American quarterback Dustin Huff went down with a broken leg. The Tiger secondary will have no answer for the explosive passing game, and in particular, the pure speed of Russell, whose had three 100-plus receiving games in the last four weeks.

39 - the number of sacks the Wabash defense has this year. Last year, Spud Dick was clearly flustered by the Little Giants pass rush. Sure, Dick has improved since his freshman year, but so has the Little Giants pass rush. Defensive end Darryl Kennon has emerged as an absolute beast on the defensive line, leading the team with 12.5 sacks. I think the pressure will get to Dick again in this one, forcing a couple of crucial turnovers.

And finally, 123 - the number of tackles for All-American linebacker Adi Pynenberg on the season. Pynenberg, who just last week became the all-time leading tackler in Wabash history, will be huge in his final Bell Game. I predict him doing what he does: flying all over the field and doing cruel, cruel things to the DePauw offense.

DePauw, like many other opponents, will put up plenty of yards in this one, but will come up just short. The Wabash defense will tighten up at the end and seal the undefeated regular season for the Little Giants. The Bell remains in its rightful home in another classic battle.

Prediction: Wabash 35, DePauw 28.

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