Washington State Football Assistant Jeff Phelps Recalls the Fierce Monon Bell Rivalry

November 26, 2017

Jeff Phelps, defensive line coach at Washington State University and an assistant football coach at DePauw University from 2000 to 2002, discussed rivalries before last night's Apple Cup game versus the University of Washington.

"This will be Phelps' first Apple Cup, but he’s no stranger to trophy games," notes an article. "At Minnesota, where he spent the previous six seasons, the Golden Gophers have been playing for Paul Bunyan’s Axe (vs. Wisconsin); the Little Brown Jug (vs. Michigan) and the Floyd of Rosedale (vs. Iowa) for more than 100 years. One of the great rivalries in the nation, though, says Phelps, goes back to his coaching roots at DePauw, where the Monon Bell was on the line each season against mighty Wabash."

Washington State defeated Washington, 41-14, in the 110th edition of that rivalry game.

Access the story here.

At DePauw, Phelps coached the running backs for two seasons before becoming linebackers coach. Read more here.

The 124th Monon Bell Classic was played November 11.  A recap is available here; the "Monon Memory" of the contest can be viewed below.

A limited edition DVD of the game, which includes the FOX Sports telecast and a number of special features, is now being replicated and will ship soon (the front cover is seen at left).  Order a copy here.

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