Bernell DorroughThirteen points. That is the difference between the Washington University football team’s current 1-3 record and 4-0. Unfortunately though, the Bears have not been able to score those points, and find themselves with an ugly-looking record. In fact, the Bears have scored exactly as many points this season (80) as they have given up.
This Saturday, the Bears will return home to Francis Field and attempt to get back on track with a win against Rhodes College. The Lynx are 2-2 and are coming off of a victory against previously undefeated Pomona-Pitzer. Getting the victory will be a tough task, but at least the Bears have some extra motivation: last year, they lost a heartbreaker to Rhodes in overtime after Rory Faver of Rhodes scored a touchdown from one yard out to tie the game and force the extra period.
“Obviously we haven’t had much success against these guys the past two years,” said quarterback Adam Meranda.
In order to break through against Rhodes, the Bears will need to do a better job of moving the ball and sustaining drives. And perhaps more importantly, they have to avoid turning the ball over when they do get a drive started.
“I know that last year we had at least four turnovers,” said Meranda. “We just need to play our game, do what we do best, and take care of the ball. We feel like if we do that, there is no way they can stop us.”
One thing the Bears offense doesn’t have to worry about is wide receiver play. Not only has the team enjoyed good depth at the position, but they continue to have one of the best wideouts in the conference in Brad Duesing. After another stellar performance against Rose-Hulman last Saturday, he moved to 22nd in all of Division III in receiving yards with 106.3 per game. Duesing also ranks 30th in receptions with 6.8 per game. But perhaps most impressive, he has already ascended to ninth all-time in Bears history, with 96 career receptions – less than halfway through his sophomore year.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears will continue to focus on defense, something they have done with much success so far this season. They have only allowed 112 rush yards per game, among the best in the conference.
“Our number one goal is always to stop the run,” said defensive lineman Aaron Albritton. “We are all going to fly to the ball and just play hard-nosed defense.”
The good news for the Bears is that despite their tough losses, they have again been picked to win the UAA, according to the conference’s coaches poll, ahead of Case Western Reserve and Carnegie Mellon. Another win this year would give the Bears an unprecedented third consecutive UAA title. And while the game against Rhodes will not help their cause in that area, it will serve as a great test of the Bears’ readiness for conference play.