You have good solid stats. It's too early to feel hopeless! One thing to remember is that very few people get accepted into every program they apply to and almost everyone is going to feel the sting of a rejection. Hang in there and good luck!
Unfortunately, no. I have no idea why the jump in the number of applications this year. Maybe applicants are throwing their nets wider and farther? Last year the first acceptance letters went out March 7th. I'm not expecting to be one of those, but it will be exciting when things start moving along and we can see where we are at.