BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The 19th-ranked Wayne State University football team (7-2 overall, 7-2 GLIAC) had its six-game winning streak come to an end with a 42-20 setback at No. 22 Ferris State (7-2 overall, 7-2 GLIAC).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The first three drives of the game, two for WSU and one for FSU, ended in punts.  Bulldog signal caller Reggie Bell scampered 65 yards on the first play of Ferris State's second drive giving the hosts a 7-0 advantage.
 
On the ensuing drive, senior wide receiver Jamel Hicks (East Cleveland, Ohio / Shaw) notched his 100^th career reception hauling in a 28-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Donovan Zezula (Clarkston, Mich.).  Two plays later Zezula was intercepted by former Warrior David Churchwell, who played at WSU from 2010-13.
 
After Churchwell's 47-yard return, the Bulldogs used three plays to cover the final 12 yards with Jajuan Pollock catching a six-yard touchdown pass from Bell.
 
Both teams punted on their next two possessions with WSU driving into the red zone.  Zezula appeared to score on a 14-yard jaunt on a third-and-eight but the Warriors were whistled for an illegal formation penalty.  After an incompletion, Zezula was sacked on fourth down.
 
Ferris State increased its lead to 21-0 on the ensuing drive as Bell tossed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Shakur Sanders.
 
After going 0-for-5 on third down, the WSU offense converted two such opportunities on the following drive as junior running back Romello Brown (Westland, Mich. / Livonia Churchill) gained three yards on a third-and-one and Zezula raced 23 yards up the middle for his first rushing touchdown of the contest on a third-and-two.
 
FSU answered back with Bell scoring on a 37-yard keeper with 4:11 remaining in the first half.
 
Wayne State responded with a 12-play, 78-yard drive just before intermission.  Zezula raced 21 yards on a fourth-and-one to pull the Warriors within 28-13.
 
Ferris State's Jahaan Brown had two touchdown runs in the third period, while Brown tallied the lone touchdown of the fourth quarter.
 
TEAM STATS
 
Ferris State held a 545 to 319 edge in total offense, despite WSU holding a 32:54 to 27:06 edge in time of possession.
 
FSU led in rushing yards (295-207) and in passing yards (250-212).
 
WSU INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
 
Brown rushed for a team-high 87 yards on 20 carries.  Nicholas chipped in with 61 yards on third attempts, while Zezula scored personal-best two rushing touchdowns while gaining 55 yards, one shy of his career-high.
 
Zezula completed 18-of-36 passes for 212 yards.
 
Hicks had game-high totals of seven receptions and 91 receiving yards.
 
Senior middle linebacker Anthony DeDamos (Rockford, Mich.) led the Warriors with 11 tackles, including one for loss.
 
FSU INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
 
Bell rushed 13 times for a game-high 172 yards and two touchdowns.  He completed 13-of-18 passes for 239 yards and two more scores.
 
UP NEXT
 
Wayne State continues its road trip next Saturday (Nov. 5) at Ohio Dominican with a noon kickoff.