Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local Sports

Friday, October 09, 2009

College Football: Oilers prepare for long trek to the UP
Fruth's Sugar House Greenhouse
By BRIAN LESTER

STAFF WRITER

DaJerrian Smith is familiar with the feeling of having nothing on the line in a football game.

A year ago, the Oilers were 2-4 and going no where. But on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, the University of Findlay junior wide receiver was running routes in practice with a bounce in his step.

And for good reason.

The Oilers are in contention for a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship, sitting in a three-way tie for second place with Northern Michigan and Wayne State, and in the hunt for a possible NCAA Division II playoff berth.

UF (5-1, 4-1 GLIAC) is ranked eighth in the Super Region 3 ratings. The top six will earn a postseason berth. UF No. 26 nationally.

"We remember where we came from and that has kept us hungry," Smith said. "We feel good about what we've done so far and we know we have a great opportunity to keep it going."

Third-year UF head coach Jon Wauford can sense that his team is confident and has an understanding of what is at stake.

The Oilers dismantled 24th-ranked Hillsdale 42-17 last week at Donnell Stadium.

"Regardless of where we are ranked in the region or nation, we know there is a lot on the line for us at this point in the season," Wauford said. "These guys believe they can contend for a title and go to the playoffs, and so far no one has proved them wrong."

The Oilers will be on upset alert Saturday when they trek to the Upper Peninsula for a 1 p.m. GLIAC matchup against Michigan Tech (1-4, 1-4).

The Huskies, picked to finish third in the league, lost senior quarterback Steve Short and junior running back Phil Milbrath to injuries in a 48-16 loss to Northern Michigan on Sept. 19.

Short, fifth in GLAIC passing last season (199.3 ypg) suffered a knee injury. Milbrath, who averaged a league-best 134.7 yards in 2008, went down with a high ankle sprain.

The Huskies average 370.8 yards per game and have been led by senior running back Marvin Atkins (70 carries, 360 yards, 3 TDs) and senior wide receiver Bobby Slowik (27 catches, 457 yards, 2 TDs).

Junior Brent Heim (467 yards passing, 3 TDs) has filled in at quarterback.

MTU won its first game of the year last Saturday, drilling Ferris State 38-6 on the road.

"We've had our share of injuries but we've done our best to hold everything together," said fourth-year MTU head coach Tom Kearly. "The quality of the players we lost is what makes the injury situation extreme, but it's not an excuse."

Kearly knows his team will have its hands full against a UF offense that ranks fourth in the league (427.8 ypg) and a defense that is No. 3 (297.2 ypg). UF is third in the nation in turnover margin (plus 13).

The Oilers will have to be at their best against the Huskies on Homecoming and MTU is riding the high of its first win and eager to pull off an upset.

"I told our team at the beginning of the week that the psychological edge is with Tech this week," Wauford said. "This is a classic trap game. Ignoring that is a mistake."

UF will look to continue the success it had throwing the ball last week. The Oilers racked up 360 yards through the air and four different receivers had 50 or more yards.

Smith caught four passes for 55 yards and he has 14 catches for 170 yards on the season.

"Whatever my team needs, I'll do it," Smith said. "I'll make catches, block, it doesn't matter. I just want to help the team win."



Michigan Tech

Record: 1-4 overall, 1-4 GLIAC.

Head Coach: Tom Kearly (21-16, 4th season)

Series: UF trails 5-2.

Key Players: QB Brent Heim (42-of-64, 467 yards, 3 TDs, 2 interceptions); RB Marvin Atkins (70 carries, 360 yards, 3 TD); WR Bobby Slowik (27 catches, 457 yards, 2 TDs); TE Bryan LaChappelle (14 catches, 156 yards, 3 TDs); DB David Carmody (33 tackles); DB Jesse Vandenberg (32 tackles); LB Mike Rittenour (28 tackles).

Noteworthy: Huskies won eight games for the third time in school history in 2008. ... MTU hasn't had a losing season since 2002 when it finished 3-7. ... Huskies were 5-1 at home last season but 0-2 this year. ... The combined record of MTU's first five opponents was 18-11. ... Huskies rank second in the league in third-down conversions (56 percent).

Lester: 419-422-5151,

Send an e-mail to Brian Lester
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail rebeccaconklin@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

SBO

   AREA SPORTS

Local Sports
Duffel Bag

Duffel Bag

The Courier's Sports Duffel Bag carries local sports announcements like camps, clinics and coaching vacancies.

  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
SARA wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
SERIOUSLY?
“ First off, I think this article has been taken WAY out of context. Cograts to the guys who have received their well deserved pro... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:51:20 AM
unknown wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
interested observer
“ hmm do you have any extra money to help us pay for a 4WD if so let me know so i can buy me one. ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:50:56 AM
Citizen wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Road Level Emergencies
“ If the sheriff issues a level 3 for Hancock County, does that include the city of Findlay? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:14:54 AM
Weathertech09 wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Road Advisory
“ Even if you issue advisories law enforcement doesn't do a good enough job issuing citations its that simple your out on a level... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 5:52:51 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Business as usual.
“ I guess I am happy that the Fire Department is getting what they deserve, but I feel that there are a lot of other people in the... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:05:36 PM
Alicia Chamblee wrote in article "Animal neglect cases getting agency's attention":
Animal Shelter Issues
“ I cannot believe that the animal shelter "turns away" animals. Of course there are limits to how many animals can be saved, but... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 2:10:44 PM
jeff wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
9%
“ Actually if you add in the 5% raise they were supposed to get in 2009 but deferred it till 2010 and the 4% raise they got for 20... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 1:09:12 PM
Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
ME...ME...ME...Shut up already
“ All people want to do is complain. You live in OHIO people. Get a 4WD and you won't be trapped in your driveway, street, etc.... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 1:01:05 PM
Just my opinion! wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Firemen
“ My family hasn't seen an increase in over 3 years. My spouse works hard and does everything that is asked of him. I do appreci... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:55:06 AM
Baffled wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
Frightened......please stop....
“ Is it really necessary to find fault with this article? These men have earned these promotions and in receiving them, have the... ” Read More...
2/8/2010 10:17:03 AM
Findlay Implement: John Deere
   LOCAL HEADLINES
  NATIONAL SPORTS