Sept. 17, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

FINDLAY GAME STORYLINES

Wayne State has started 2-1 for only the second time in the last 14 years (2006 was the only other time) following a 6-0 triumph over Indianapolis last Saturday.

The Warrior defense has allowed only 33 points in three games, the fewest to start a year since the 1983 squad only surrendered 22 points in its first three contests.

The only score vs. the Greyhounds was when Nick Thomas recovered a blocked punt by Dante Dunn in the end zone late in the first quarter.

For the third consecutive game, Wayne State was unable to put points on the scoreboard in the final 30 minutes. But the WSU defense kept UI off the scoreboard. The last second half points by WSU came in the 2007 season finale when Stan Thornton went 20 yards after picking off a C.J. Van Wieren pass. The last offensive score in the second half came at Ashland on Nov. 3 when Neil Mitchell scored his first collegiate touchdown with a one-yard run.

This Saturday, the Warriors travel to Findlay (Ohio) for the first of three consecutive games against the Ohio contingent of the GLIAC.

With a win in this Saturday's contest, the 2008 Warriors would become just the third team since 1984 to start the year 3-1 (1991 and 2006).

In its last trip down I-75, WSU recorded a 24-3 triumph at Findlay in 2006 to snap a seven-game road losing skein vs. UF.

The Warriors will have to try and contain Findlay quarterback Anthony Lanzara who has completed 56.6 percent of his passes and has not thrown an interception in 99 attempts.

TELEVISION

Wayne State will next appear on Comcast Television on September 27 in a noon match-up against GLIAC newcomer Tiffin. In addition, the October 4 contest at Ashland will be televised by SportsTime Ohio.

IN THE POLLS

Wayne State was selected for ninth in the 2008 GLIAC pre-season coaches' poll, while Findlay was tabbed for 11th.

ALL-TIME SERIES

Findlay leads the all-time series, 11-5, which began in 1923. WSU is 1-7 on the road vs. the Oilers. The road team has won three of the last five meetings.

ON THE HEADSET

Wayne State's Paul Winters has a 15-30 mark in his fifth year with the Warriors. WSU is 14-16 in its last 30 games. The Warriors are 9-13 at home under Winters and won three home games in both 2005 and 2006.

Jon Wauford, a Findlay native, has a 7-7 mark in his second year with the Oilers.

SCOUTING FINDLAY

After scoring 62 points in their first two games, the Oilers were blanked last Saturday at Ferris State.

Lanzara has passed for 517 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Chambers has 22 receptions for 217 yards and a score.

Linebacker Joe Knopick leads UF with 33 tackles (16-17) and averages 37.8 yards per punt.

STRICTLY BY THE NUMBERS

Last Saturday's shutout was the first by WSU since October 17, 1992 (a 21-0 win at Northwood), a span of 156 games. It was also the first shutout at home since Oct. 24, 1987 (a 41-0 win over Northwood), a span of 105 games.

With his four pass break-ups, Dunn moved into seventh place on the WSU all-time list with 22 (5 interceptions/17 break-ups).

Dunn's blocked punt on Saturday was the fifth blocked kick of his career (fourth punt along with one field goal) and also marked the second time his blocked punt resulted in a Warrior touchdown (first was Oct. 29, 2005, in a 14-7 win over Gannon, also in the first quarter).

Shane Morris averaged 34.7 yards on seven punts vs. Indianapolis. His game-best 45-yard boot pinned the Greyhounds at their two yard line setting up the blocked punt.

Junior Matt Shango sealed the victory with his first collegiate interception. Joique Bell needs 59 all-purpose yards to break the school record of 4,536 set by Joe Gough (1991-94).

ON THIS DATE (SEPTEMBER 20)

Wayne State is 5-3 on this date posting wins over St. Francis (30-7 in 1997), Illinois State (17-13 in 1986), St. Joseph's (42-13 in 1975), Ferris State (14-7 in 1969) and Hillsdale (20-6 in 1952).

CROWD NOISE

Wayne State's next home game on Saturday, Sept. 27 is against Tiffin and features the Michael Quatro Band with a halftime concert weather permitting.