Matt Hunt spearheads the Tigers' balanced offensive attack. Photo courtesy DePauw Athletic Communications

DePauw is experiencing a balancing act this season.

Statistically, the Tigers boast almost equal offensive attacks through the air and on the ground. So far, it's been a successful recipe as the team was atop the NCAC standings before Saturday's 27-22 setback to Ohio Wesleyan.

"That was a goal of ours going into the year – we wanted to be balanced," DePauw coach Bill Lynch said. "We felt like we would be able to throw the ball with Matt Hunt coming back. We put a big emphasis on the running game in preseason camp. To this point, it paid off. We have to continue it.

"We've been consistent. I think that is what I am most happy about."

DePauw averages 254.1 yards passing per game through the air and 239.3 rushing. Both go attacks go hand-in-hand.

"Coach Lynch is always talks about establishing the run game and, once we do that, it opens up the passing game," junior quarterback Matt Hunt said. "The big thing we haven't done well in the past is completing third downs."

The Tigers, who are converting on 54 percent (58 of 107) of their third downs (up from 46 percent last year), have benefited from the Hunt connection through the air. Matt Hunt is a three-year starter, while his brother, Andy, is a freshman receiver and emerged as one of the team's top targets.

"We're really happy to have both of them. Matt has played a lot for us and continued to improve," Lynch said. "We felt like Andy would be a really good player. You never know how a player will adjust to a new situation. I am sure Matt has helped him, but he has played well. Hopefully, he'll keep improving."

Andy has fit right in on the squad. He has 24 catches this season, which ranks second on the team.

"It's been a great experience so far. I came to almost every game last year, so I kind of got the feeling for what it'd be like," he said. "I didn't know how much I'd play. Just being part of the team experience is great, so far. It's a good feeling being able to help the team."

Matt had no doubt Andy would be a reliable target

"He has done really well. I knew that he had the potential to come in and play right away. It's fun to see him excel," he said. "It's fun for my parents to watch. I hope we continue to do well the rest of the year."

While adjusting to the college game was something new, the quarterback/receiver relationship was not. The brothers have been playing catch for years, but did not connect too much on offense when they attended Heritage Christian School in Indiana. Matt was a quarterback, but Andy played mostly defense when he was younger.

"We throw the ball around a lot at home. We've played a lot of sports together like basketball and hockey," Matt said. "It's one of those things where I know where he is going to be. I throw to him so much, I know where he can get the ball. It's been a natural thing."

Added Andy, "It's an awesome experience to catch passes from him. I learned a lot from him so far. Just throwing in the backyard and playing sports together, I know what he is looking for. I think it gives us a little edge."

Those two have plenty of help in the offense. Junior Jason Kirchhoff emerged as one of the conference's top running backs with 653 yards on 109 carries after injuries hampered senior Amen Galley.

"When Jason has had the chance to carry the ball, he has been really solid. He's been consistent and played well so far," Lynch said. "We've tried to play several backs over the last several years. Guys can get banged up and you need the next guy to step in. I think we've developed some depth there."

Another key is that the Tigers have been able to hold onto the ball. They had one fumble lost and one interception through the first six weeks. Turnovers caught up to the team in Saturday's loss, though. DePauw had two interceptions and one lost fumble.

The Tigers face a formidable end of their schedule. They battle Denison (6-1) this week, Oberlin in two weeks and close the regular season against Wabash (7-0).

Game of the week

Case Western Reserve came through with a huge win in a 35-28 triumph over No. 15 Washington and Jefferson. Sophomore quarterback Rob Cuda continued his strong play for the Spartans. He passed for a career-best five touchdowns. He threw for 278 yards and ran for another 100. Case Western remained tied atop the PAC standings with Thomas More. The two meet on Nov. 7.

Down to the wire

Trine rallied for 21 unanswered points to upset Albion, 55-51, in MIAA play. The Thunder faced a 51-34 deficit with 6:12 left in the game. Mark Wilson's program-tying fifth touchdown made it a 51-48 game with 1:09 to go. Trine recovered the onside kick and cashed in for the winning touchdown with 21 seconds left on the clock. Logan Konopka picked off a pass to seal the victory.

What to watch

Albion travels to Olivet in a key MIAA battle. The Britons (6-1) are coming off a 55-51 upset loss against Trine. The Comets cruised to a 55-21 win over Kalamazoo. Olivet is 7-0 for the second time in program history. It last went 7-0 in 1901. Can the Comets keep it going? How will Albion respond to its loss? We'll find out.

DePauw visits Denison in another big matchup. Both teams are 6-1 and battling for sole possession of second place in the NCAC standings. Both have matchups left with leader Wabash (7-0).

In the polls

No. 1 Mount Union (7-0) crushed Wilmington, 69-0, for its 100th straight regular season win. The Purple Raiders welcome Otterbein on Saturday.

No. 9 Wabash (7-0) topped Wooster, 55-7. The Little Giants entertain Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday.

No. 11 Thomas More (8-0) had no problem posting a 66-14 win at Grove City. The Saints welcome Waynesburg on Saturday.

No. 17 John Carroll (6-1) moved up a spot with its 48-0 triumph at Capital. The Blue Streaks welcome Muskingum on Saturday.