After starting with two strong wins this season, the Washington University football team has dropped three straight games, two of which were only lost by one field goal.

Saturday’s 24-3 loss to No. 12 Wabash College, however, was far from close, despite just a seven-point deficit at halftime.

The Bears knew that the game against Wabash would be a huge test of their capabilities. Though Wash. U. won a 24-20 nailbiter against the Little Giants last season, they could not get it together this year.

“I think defensively, we played physical and we were able to shut down their running game,” head coach Larry Kindbom said. “We held their big guys to minimal yardage and we played well overall. We just couldn’t get inside the red zone and build a good drive with our offense.”

In the first half, both teams showed their defensive resilience, as the Bears and Little Giants both had trouble moving the chains. Incomplete passes and runs for short gains were prominent throughout the first few drives.

The game started to unravel when junior quarterback Dan Burkett turned the ball over on a fumble, and Wabash capitalized on the mistake with a field goal. Unable to respond on the following possession, the Bears punted again on the fourth down; however, the Little Giants returner, Wes Chamblee, broke a tackle and ran for a 67-yard touchdown.

“I thought we actually did a pretty good job of covering on that punt return,” Kindbom said. “But that kid [Chamblee] is one of the fastest kids in the country. That was definitely a very emotional play for us. We tried to recover from it, but I think it was very hard.”

Despite having a 10-point deficit, the Bears’ defense refused to give up any points in the second quarter. On the other end, Burkett was able to lead the offense down the field to the Wabash 28-yard line. Junior kicker Eric Chalifour finished the drive with a field goal, giving the Bears some hope at halftime.

In the second half, Wash. U.’s offense still couldn’t find a running game, but it did pick up some momentum with through the air; Burkett threw accurate passes to his receivers, driving the football close to the red zone.

These long drives ended, however, on two crucial fourth downs. Burkett was constantly under pressure as the Little Giants brought the blitz.

“I think Wabash knew that we were pretty much going with our passing attack in the second half,” senior wide receiver Easton Knott said. “They took a chance and hurried us up a bit.”

The Bears’ special teams unit committed a costly roughing the kicker penalty that gave Wabash a new fresh set of downs, which it took advantage of by scoring an 18-yard passing touchdown on a vertical route.

Although sophomore defensive back Tate Byers’ interception at the end of the third quarter seemed to boost Wash. U.’s morale, the Little Giants’ offense continued to successfully attack through the air, pulling away with a three-touchdown lead.

With a 2-3 record, the Bears hope to break their losing streak with a win against the College of Wooster at home next Saturday. Kindbom believes that confidence can turn the team around.

“We just need a couple of sparks,” Kindbom said. “We need leadership and players to step up. After being around the game for 35 years, I think we just need to get on a roll. I’m looking forward to seeing how our guys respond, and I know my players will be OK.”