Wayne State Falls To Ashland

The Wayne State University football team suffered a 25-20 setback to visiting Ashland University Saturday afternoon (Oct. 5) before 2,827 fans at WSU Stadium.

After falling behind 16-0 midway through the second period, the Warriors scored 20 of the next 26 points making the score 22-20 Ashland with 11:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.

In the next four drives (two for each team), the Eagles punted twice while WSU lost possession on a fumble and an interception.

AU's Austin Wellock made his school-record sixth field goal of the game with 5:03 remaining to increase the Eagle lead to 25-20.

The Warriors turned the ball over on downs at their own 31, but AU quarterback John Szabo's fumble on the next play was recovered by Daniel Stuckey.

Wayne State drove from its 49 yardline to Ashland's seven over the next eight plays, but Dan Gray's fourth down pass was intercepted at the Ashland five yardline.

Wayne State held the advantage in rushing yards (174-48) and total yards (360-277), but Ashland led in passing yards (229-186).

Warrior junior tailback Craig Duppong rushed for a career-high 164 yards on 22 carries. Duppong became the first WSU runner to rush for more than 100 yards since Thabiti Williamson had 122 yards on 15 carries on Nov. 11, 2000, at Northwood. Williamson had 171 yards on 30 carries on Oct. 14, 2000, at Hillsdale.

WSU starting quarterback Randy Hutchison completed five of 11 passes for 15 with two interceptions. Dan Gray entered the game late in the second quarter and completed 15 of 28 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, but threw four interceptions.

Marqus Anthony led 10 WSU receivers with five receptions for 51 yards.

Ashland's J.R. McCoy rushed 25 times for 81 yards, while Szabo completed 14 of 32 passes for 229 yards. Kevin McMahon had six catches for 92 yards, while Michael Hall had 101 receiving yards on four catches.

The Warriors are now 1-4 overall and 1-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Ashland improves to 1-5 overall and 1-4 in the GLIAC. Wayne State visits Hillsdale on Oct. 12 for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Following a trip to Michigan Tech, WSU returns to WSU Stadium for its annual homecoming contest on Oct. 26 against Northern Michigan. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. due to the Homecoming parade and festivities.