By: Kurtis Ternet

HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover College (4-5 overall, 4-2 HCAC) will be hosted by Franklin College (4-5 overall, 4-2 HCAC) for the 92^nd battle of the Victory Bell. Kickoff is set for 1:30PM in Franklin, Ind.

Engineers Control the Ground Game
On Saturday November 5^th, Rose-Hulman (6-3 overall, 6-0 HCAC) defeated Hanover 47-17. The Fighting Engineers were led by running back Grand Ripperda. Ripperda carried the ball 41 times for 204 yards and three scores.

With 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Hanover quarterback senior Matthew Weimer (Georgetown, Ind.) picked up his second rushing touchdown of the day on a designed run from the one yard line.

Following the second Weimer touchdown, Hanover's offense became stagnant. Weimer finished the day going 16-32, 178 yards, and one interception. On the ground, sophomore Austin Oppel (Brandenburg, Ky.) had 43 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Oppel also led the Panthers in receiving with 75 receiving yards on five catches. Oppel caught five of his six targets on the day.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hanover was led by freshman Ben Massey (Indianapolis, Ind.) who collected a career high 15 tackles, to go along with a forced fumble. Junior Caleb Brewster (Hiram, Ga.) and senior Devonte Hardiman (Princeton, Ind.) also recorded double digit tackles with 12 a piece.

Franklin Loses to #22 MSJ
Franklin was not able to upset #22 Mount St. Joseph (9-0 overall, 6-0 HCAC), as the Lions beat the Grizzlies 27-20. The MSJ defense was stifling, as Franklin quarterback Ross Kai completed 13 of 31 passes for 141 yards and no touchdowns. On the ground, the Grizzlies as a whole finished with 133 rushing yards on 44 attempts.

MSJ had two rushers over the century mark. Josh Taylor led the team with 203 rushing yards, while Cornell Beachem Jr. was not far behind with 162 yards of his own. The duo combined for all four Lions' touchdowns.

History of the Victory Bell
The battle for the Victory Bell began in 1898, when Hanover traveled to Franklin and defeated the Grizzlies 18-11. Since then, the Panthers lead the series 45-42-3. Saturday's matchup will mark the 92^nd Victory Bell game between Hanover and Franklin.