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Jefferson City, Tenn. -- The Wayne State University football squad suffered a 55-28 setback in its season opener Thursday evening at 17th-ranked Carson-Newman.

The host Eagles scored touchdowns on their first six possessions, including three straight scores after the Warriors had knotted the game at seven on a 21-yard scamper by junior running back Desmond Martin (Redford, Mich. / Thurston), his fourth career rushing touchdown. A key play on the drive was a 28-yard swing pass to senior running back Toney Davis (Muskegon Heights, Mich. / Muskegon) on a third-and-four at midfield.

WSU put together an 11-play, 65-yard drive midway through the second stanza to pull within 21-14 as senior Jay Hayes (Goodell, Mich. / Memphis) hauled in a six-yard scoring toss from sophomore quarterback Carl Roscoe (Kentwood, Mich. / Kelloggsville).

The Warriors converted three third-down plays on the scoring drive - junior wide receiver Michael Johnson (Detroit, Mich. / Clintondale) had a 13-yard catch on a third-and-seven; Hayes grabbed a 32-yard strike on third-and-nine; then the scoring reception.

Following an exchange of fumbles and punts in the third quarter after the Eagles scored to start the half, Wayne State answered with a five-play, 54-yard drive culminating in a 41-yard TD pass from junior Sean Guinane (St. Joseph, Mich.) to senior wide receiver Dominique Maybanks (Muskegon, Mich.) on the play following an eight-yard reception by sophomore tight end Trent Brodbeck (Toledo, Ohio / St. John's Jesuit) on a fourth-and-five.

After the Warrior defense stopped the hosts on a fourth-and-one, the WSU offense drove 63 yards in 10 plays with junior Val Showers (Detroit, Mich. / Crockett) notching his first Wayne State touchdown with a six-yard catch on a fourth-and-four play.

C-N totaled 363 yards on the ground and 213 in the passing game for 576 yards of total offense.

WSU was limited to 79 rushing yards on 27 attempts, while passing for 333 yards on 26-of-46 and three touchdowns.

Roscoe was 14-of-23 for 200 yards in his first collegiate start. Guinane completed 12-of-22 for 133 yards and a pair of scores.

Johnson led all receivers with seven catches for 112 yards.

Wayne State will play the first collegiate night game in Adams Field history on Sept. 14 as the Warriors entertain Ashland in a 6 pm kickoff.