2014 Wayne State Preview (by Tony Nicolette, GLIAC contributor)

After five consecutive seasons at .500 or better, Wayne State saw a few struggles in 2013.  A 3-8 finish wasn’t what coach Paul Winters and staff had in mind, but with adversity comes growth and there could be silver linings for the Warriors entering 2014.  One big plus will be the level of experience this team possesses, as 14 starters return from last year’s squad.

The returning players’ first order of business will be moving the ball more effectively, as the Warriors netted only 327 yards per game on offense in 2013.  The quarterback position will feature an open competition heading into camp, but the good news there is that all three guys battling for the job (Carl Roscoe, Sean Guinane, and Doug Griffin) each made three or more starts last year.  One other bright spot could be the potential emergence of Desmond Martin at tailback.  Martin was the team’s second leading rusher last year without making a start, so much will be expected of the senior as he transitions into the role of the featured ball-carrier.  Also back to pitch in is the team’s leading receiver, Michael Johnson.

While the offense has some steps forward to take, the WSU defense was statistically in the top half of the GLIAC in most categories a year ago.  While leading tacklers Ed Viverette and Moe Davenport have departed, senior LB Nores Fradi is back.  Also returning intact is the secondary unit that made the bulk of the starts last season.  Led by three-year starter Gerren DuHart, this group will look to spearhead a repeat of last year’s performance that saw the defense finish as the league’s second stingiest against the pass.

The Warriors open with four of their first five tilts at Adams Field, including visits from Michigan Tech and perennial SAC power Carson-Newman in the first two weeks.  After that opening stretch, they’ll make four road trips in five weeks including visits to Grand Valley, Northern Michigan and Findlay.  One of the league’s most interesting rivalries will conclude Wayne State’s season when Hillsdale visits.