Saturday’s 2 p.m. kickoff at Washington University-St. Louis is a non-North Coast Athletic Conference battle stuck between a conference-heavy ending to Wabash’s football schedule.
Wabash first-year coach Erik Raeburn, however, hasn’t had trouble motivating the Little Giants headed into Saturday’s game that precedes four straight league games.
"Our plan going in is to raise our own standard," said Raeburn, who in his first year at the Little Giant helm has led No. 7-ranked Wabash to a 4-0 start. "We have made improvements each week and Saturday we are looking to raise our expectations of play."
Through the early-week practices, Raeburn didn’t see any indication his players were looking past the Bears and ahead to the Oct. 18 conference showdown at Wittenberg. Part of the reason for that is the Little Giants know how talented the Bears are.
Led by a senior quarterback, a balanced rushing attack, and a strong defense that has limited opponents to an average of 17 points per game, the Bears are 3-1 on the season. Washington won its first three games, including winning at NCAC contender Wittenberg 30-27 Sept. 20.
The Bears, however, stumbled in last week’s 28- 10 loss to Rhoades. Washington senior quarterback Buck Smith, who comes into Saturday passing for 900 yards and five touchdowns, threw three interceptions against Rhoades.
Rhoades had continued pressure on Smith, finishing the game with eight sacks. Lynx senior defensive end Desmond Hendricks finished the game with 4 1/2 sacks.
"Two of those interceptions came when he was hit by their defensive end right when he was about to throw the football," Raeburn said. "But their quarterback is very poised in the pocket. He doesn’t take a lot of chances and he makes good decisions."
Tom Gulyas and Matt Mangini have been Smith’s main targets, with Gulyas having 21 catches for 345 yards and Mangini having 20 catches for 247 yards and three touchdowns.
The rushing of Matt Glenn and Jim O’Brien give the Bears a balanced attack. Glenn has 50 carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns, while O’Brien has 50 carries for 171 yards and three touchdowns.
Wabash could go into Saturday’s game shorthanded.
Wabash starting H-Back Brock Graham left last Saturday’s 48-7 victory over Allegheny in the first half after suffering a concussion. Raeburn said Graham is questionable for Saturday’s game. Raeburn also is unsure if senior starting safety Brent Banach, who also was hurt in the Allegheny contest, will be available Saturday.
Graham has helped the Little Giants develop a balanced offensive attack.
Wabash rushed for 239 yards in the win over Allegheny, marking the second straight game the Little Giants have exceeded the 200-yard rushing plateau.
Bobby Kimp led the way with 19 carries for 86 yards. And in his first game back after injuring his ankle in the preseason scrimmage against Wheaton, junior Evan Sobecki rushed eight times for 50 yards. All of Sobecki’s carries came on Wabash’s final drive.
"If his ankle continues to get better, Evan on Saturday will see more plays," Raeburn said. "Evan really ran hard and had some nice runs. As long as he doesn’t re-aggravate his ankle in practice this week, we are going to continue to put him back there."
Complementing the rushing attack, junior quarterback Matt Hudson passed for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Kody LeMond led Wabash with four catches for 86 yards and comes into St. Louis leading the Little Giant receivers with 31 catches for 599 yards and nine touchdowns.