DETROIT -- The Wayne State University football team (2-5 overall, 1-4 GLIAC) suffered its fourth consecutive setback falling 20-10 to visiting Northwood University (4-3 overall, 2-3 GLIAC) Saturday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Warriors were unable to capitalize on the fourth-longest non-scoring kickoff return in school history to start the game, as sophomore DeOntay Moffett (Muskegon Hts., Mich. / Mona Shores) went 79 yards to the Northwood 17.  On fourth-and-one at the Timberwolves eight, senior running back Romello Brown (Westland, Mich. / Livonia Churchill) was stopped for no gain.  On the ensuing possession, the WSU defense allowed one first down but forced a punt.  Wayne State garnered one first down as senior Demetrius Stinson (Detroit, Mich. / Douglass) had two carries for 12 yards, but then a punt by freshman Taylor McCarty (Oxford, Mich. / Lake Orion) was fair caught at the NU 13.

Northwood quarterback Joe Garbarino recovered his own fumble on first down, then was stripped by junior linebacker Anthony Pittman (Birmingham, Mich. / Groves) on the next play with sophomore defensive tackle Justin Hollins (West Bloomfield, Mich.) recovering at the NU 10.  On fourth down, senior place-kicker Paul Graham (Commerce Twp., Mich. / Orchard Lake St. Mary's) connected on a 28-yard field goal attempt putting the Warriors ahead 3-0.

The next three drives of the game (two by Northwood and one by Wayne State) ended in punts.  On the fourth play of the second period, junior quarterback D.J. Zezula (Clarkston, Mich.) completed a sideline pass to senior Manny Mendoza (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester), who went 57 yards before a fumble went through the end zone for a touchback.

The WSU defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense responded with a 60-yard touchdown drive on eight plays using over four minutes on the clock.  The Warriors converted two third down plays on the drive - a four-yard run by Stinson and 17-yard touchdown pass from Zezula to junior wideout Corey Ester (Lake Orion, Mich.).  The biggest play of the drive was a 42-yard reception by sophomore Darece Roberson, Jr. (Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores) between two Northwood defenders.

The Timberwolves pulled within 10-7 as Andre Carter had a 57-yard kickoff return, then Garbarino's third down pass in the end zone found an open Gary Landless after he pushed off a WSU defensive back.  The last three drives before intermission concluded in punts.

NU took a 13-10 lead on the opening drive of the second half as Landless hauled in a 16-yard scoring toss from Garbarino, after Carter began with a 40-yard kickoff return.  Following a Wayne State punt, the Timberwolves concluded the scoring with a four-play, 62-yard drive.  Justin Cook had a 49-yard run on the second play and Garbarino scored on a one-yard keeper.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Warriors drove into Northwood territory but a fumble by WSU was apparently recovered in-bounds by the Timberwolves.

TEAM STATS

Wayne State led in total offense 333-232, and in passing yards 245-45, while Northwood had the advantage in rushing yards 187-88.

LEADING THE WARRIORS

Brown had 21 carries for a game-high 74 yards.  Zezula completed 14-of-30 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown.  Stinson had a game-high five receptions, while Mendoza led with a game-best 73 receiving yards.

LEADING THE TIMBERWOLVES

Garbarino led NU in rushing with 58 yards on 17 attempts with one touchdown.  He completed 5-of-13 passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.  Both of the receptions by Landless went for six points.

UP NEXT

Wayne State will make the trek to Houghton, Mich., to face the Michigan Tech Huskies in a 1 p.m. kickoff next Saturday.