MIDLAND, Mich. – The Wayne State University football team (5-3 overall, 4-1 GLIAC) won for the fifth time in the last six games by posting a 31-10 triumph at Northwood University (0-8 overall, 0-5 GLIAC) on Saturday afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Wayne State defense allowed one first down before forcing a punt.  On WSU's first play from scrimmage, seniors Dakota Kupp (Waterford, Mich. / Mott) and Darece Roberson, Jr. (Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores) connected on a 94-yard touchdown pass, the longest by WSU since fullback Garrett Wiska caught a 97-yard touchdown pass vs. Lake Erie on Nov. 7, 2015.

Northwood garnered one first down on its second drive before punting.  The Warriors then drove 86 yards in 12 plays with Roberson, Jr. hauling in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Kupp to increase the Wayne State advantage to 14-0.  It was the third time this season Roberson, Jr. had two touchdown catches in a game.  Junior Ray'Jon Williams-Jackson (Ypsilanti, Mich. / Ypsilanti Community) had an 18-yard catch on a third-and-eight to keep the drive going.

After the Timberwolves missed a 52-yard field goal attempt, WSU went 65 yards with senior James Hill (Livonia, Mich. / Clarenceville) scoring on a one-yard run off left tackle following a 27-yard reverse by Roberson, Jr.  Sophomore Donte McClure (Port Clinton, Ohio) had a 17-yard reception on a second-and-17 prior to Roberson, Jr.'s reverse.

Wayne State's squib kickoff attempt bounced around and was recovered by Northwood at the WSU 43.  Parker Blust made a 46-yard field goal attempt to conclude the first half scoring.

The Warriors began the second half with a 64-yard drive which ended in a 28-yard field goal by freshman Niccolo Seilo (Royal Oak, Mich. / U. of Detroit Jesuit).

Northwood drove into the red zone but senior linebacker Leon Eggleston (Sylvania, Ohio / Southview) intercepted a pass in the end zone for the second consecutive game.  It was also the fifth straight contest that Eggleston had been part of a turnover (interception or fumble recovery).

On the ensuing possession, Roberson, Jr. caught a 37-yard pass to start the drive, which culminated in a two-yard plunge by Hill.  The 85-yard touchdown drive was WSU's third TD drive of the game of at least 85 yards.

Northwood drove into the red zone but Midland native Spencer Stephenson (Midland, Mich. / Dow) intercepted a pass at the WSU 17 and returned it to the NU 46.

The Timberwolves scored a late touchdown to complete the scoring.

TEAM STATS

Wayne State held a 492-262 edge in total offense, including a 237-102 advantage in rushing yards.  The Warriors were 6-for-10 on third down, compared to 4-of-12 for Northwood.  WSU went 4-for-4 in the red zone, while NU was 0-for-3.

LEADING THE WARRIORS

Deiontae Nicholas (Chesterfield, Mich. / L'Anse Creuse North) rushed for a game-high 61 yards, while Kupp added 57 yards on the ground.  Kupp was 11-of-18 through the air for 255 yards and two touchdowns.  Roberson, Jr. recorded a game-best 147 receiving yards on three catches with two touchdowns.  Eggleston had a game-best 10 tackles, including two for loss along with an interception.

The 255 passing yards by Kupp was the most by Warrior since Jake AmRhein passed for 262 at Ferris State in 2018.

LEADING THE TIMBERWOLVES

Bryant Wright rushed for 53 yards, while Joe Garbarino passed for 120 yards on 9-of-13 with two interceptions.  Nate Gomez completed 3-of-7 for 40 yards and a touchdown.

UP NEXT

Wayne State will continue on the road next weekend with a noon kickoff at Davenport University.