The homecoming crowd of over 5,000 at Byron P. Hollett Stadium was treated to the Little Giants’ most dominant performance of the year on Saturday, a 48-7 shellacking of Allegheny.
The offense kept up the incredible pace they have set in the first few weeks, racking up 460 total yards and six touchdowns on a defense that had allowed just 12.3 points per game coming into the weekend.
Junior quarterback Matt Hudson was an efficient 13-21 for 221 yards and four touchdowns, giving him an incredible 16 touchdown passes through the first four games.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the offense’s day was the success of the running game, which gained 239 yards on a defense that came into the game allowing just 47 rushing yards per game.
Leading the pack was senior running back Bobby Kimp, who had 84 yards on 19 carries. Sophomore Derrick Yoder contributed 35 yards and a touchdown, and junior Evan Sobecki had a great return to the playing field with 50 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Sobecki missed the first three games with an ankle injury.
"The big key offensively was that we were able to run the ball against that defense," said Head Football Coach Erik Raeburn. "I thought that was huge."
The Wabash defense also came up huge in what Raeburn considers their best performance of the year. The defense allowed just 190 total yards and one score.
Raeburn said the key to the defense’s success was their increased knowledge and comfort in the new system. "The biggest key for them is that they’re comfortable and confidentin what they’re doing," Raeburn said. "They were able to cut loose and play fast. There’s definitely been an improvement each week."
Senior defensive tackle Jared Lange also believes the defense is finally comfortable in the system. "Any time you put in a new system, it takes a while," said Lange, who has 19 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss on the year. "Communication is a real key. The linebackers have been good about communicating to the rest of the defense. The communication’s been better and the recognition’s been better."
The team’s focus this week has been on not becoming complacent with the recent success, as the team prepares for its biggest test thus far. The Little Giants travel to St. Louis this Saturday to face Washington University, who earned its first loss of the year last week against Rhodes College, 10-28.
Raeburn said one of the keys this week will be neutralizing Washington’s outstanding special teams, which was a huge reason for the Bears’ 30-27 win over Wittenberg in week three. Washington blocked two field goals and an extra point, which was returned for two points, in the victory over the Tigers.
Offensively, the Bears are led by senior quarterback Buck Smith, who is 72-129 for 900 yards and five touchdowns this year. The offensive attack is balanced by running backs
Matt Glenn and Jim O’Brien, who have combined for 351 yards and six touchdowns this season.
"They’ve got a veteran quarterback, a senior, they’ve got an experienced offensive line and a talented running back," Raeburn said. "They’ve got balance, which makes the quarterback especially dangerous."
Washington has been impressive defensively as well, allowing just 299.2 yards and 17 points per game. The Bears are led by defensive back Tim Machan, who has 26 total tackles as well as an interception and a fumble recovery this year. The Bears have been an incredibly opportunistic bunch this year, with eight interceptions and six fumble recoveries. Defensive back Tim Makar leads the Bears with three picks.
The Little Giants have handled their first four opponents with ease, but they know they will need to step it up as they move into a tough road trip, travelling to St. Louis this Saturday and then going out to Wittenberg the following week.
"I thought we’ve played well," Raeburn said. "I hope we keep making improvements. There are plenty of things to clean up. We’ve got to raise our level of play."
Photos by Alex Moseman '11
Top left - The Wabash defense smothered the Gators last week, holding Allegheny to 36 rushing yards and one TD.
Bottom right - Senior running back Bobby Kimp helped the Wabash offense run for over 200 yards for the second consecutive week.