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Friday, October 23, 2009

GLIAC Football: Oilers in another key clash
By BRIAN LESTER

STAFF WRITER



The NCAA Division II football playoffs don't begin for another four weeks.

But the University of Findlay is already in a win or go home scenario.

The Oilers, ninth in the Super Region 3 ratings this week, have three games to play in the regular season and must win out to have any chance at the playoffs. Only the top six teams in the region will earn a postseason berth.

Third-year head coach Jon Wauford reminded his team of that reality this week as it prepared for Saturday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference clash against Northern Michigan at noon at Donnell Stadium.

UF (6-2, 5-2 GLIAC) and NMU (5-2, 5-2) are among five teams currently tied for second place in the conference and have come a long way from their two-win seasons of a year ago.

The Oilers were knocked out of a tie for first place last Saturday by defending league champion Grand Valley State, 38-13. NMU lost its share of first place in a 28-17 setback to Hillsdale.

“Us and every other team in our conference with two losses are in playoff mode,” Wauford said. “It hasn't been difficult to bounce back this week because we know how important these next three weeks are. What people need to understand is that we could have lost to Grand Valley by 100 points and it wouldn't have mattered. If we lose to Northern by one point, our playoff dream dies.”

Redshirt freshman nose guard Richard Sumlin is determined to help keep that dream alive.

Sumlin has started all eight games for UF and is a former Northeast Ohio Defensive Player of the Year out of Medina High School.

“Football has been the joke of the campus the last few years and we were tired of it,” Sumlin said. “We've turned things around but we definitely aren't satisfied. We know we still have our goal of making the playoffs within reach if we do our job.”

It won't be an easy job.

NMU averages 393.9 yards per game and the Wildcats are cranking out 248.6 rushing yards behind the play of versatile quarterback Carter Kopach.

The sophomore signal-caller has rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 918 yards and nine TDs. He has only been picked off twice.

“He is an outstanding football player,” Wauford said. “He is a competitor and is one of the main reasons they are a 5-2 football team. The other concern is their size. They are a lot bigger than us on the offensive and defensive lines.”

Running back Antonio Wallace has played a role in the ground attack as well, rushing for 591 yards and eight TDs. Wide receiver Zach Nichols (25 catches, 394 yards, 5 TDs) has been Kopach's favorite target.

There will be a lot of pressure on UF's defensive line to slow down the NMU's versatile offense. Sumlin understands that. He has emerged as one of the top defensive players, making 22 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss. He has hurried the quarterback six times.

The Oilers are giving up 315.8 yards per game and are a plus 12 (22-10) in turnover margin. The defensive line has registered 11 sacks.

“I owe a lot of my success to the veterans around me like E.J. Whitlow and Brandon Cornell,” Sumlin said. “They give me advice all the time. Against Northern, we need to use our quickness to get pressure on them. They have a great offense but we are ready for the challenge.”

The NMU defense will attempt to slow down a UF offense that is averaging 384.9 yards per game. The Oilers average 215.2 yards per game through the air and 169.6 on the ground.

Linebacker Nathan Yelk (61 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions), a second-team all-GLIAC selection last year, anchors the NMU defense.

Yelk is part of a defense that has allowed only 301.1 yards per game (second in the GLIAC) and is giving up just 98.1 yards rushing. The Wildcats have given up only eight TDs in the red zone and are 18-9 in turnover margin.

“Playoff games are often decided by turnovers,” Wauford said. “The team that doesn't turn the ball over is going to have the best chance to win.”

Although the Oilers are ready for the next challenge, the injuries have taken their toll on the starting lineup.

Linebacker Andrew Leddy and offensive linemen Chris Condeni and Tom Orlosky are all expected to be out on Saturday.

“As a season goes on in college football, injuries are going to happen. I know it sounds like a cliche, but we just need to have other players step up,” Wauford said. “Even though we have others filling in, the key is to make sure we continue to get better as a team.”



Northern Michigan

Record: 5-2 overall, 5-2 GLIAC.

Head Coach: Bernie Anderson (15-22, fourth season).

Series: Oilers trail 9-4, falling 29-21 last season.

Key Players: QB Carter Kopach (77-of-128, 918 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs); RB Antonio Wallace (75 carries, 591 yards, 8 TDs); RB Mark Bossuah (108, 579, 10 TDs); WR Dustin Brancheau (26 catches, 243 yards, TD); WR Zach Nichols (25, 394, 5); LB Nathan Yelk (61 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs); LB Zach Gauthier (50 tackles, 3 INTs); LB Demitri Stewart (40 tackles).

Noteworthy: Wildcats have highest scoring offense in league, averaging 35.7 points per game. ... NMU has given up 57 points on the road and has allowed 48 at home. ... Wildcats are allowing 100 yards less (301.1) than they did a year ago. ... Lloyd, Carr, Tom Izzo, Steve Marriucci and Jerry Glanville are notable NMU alums. ... Wildcats won the 1975 NCAA Division II national championship.

Lester: 419-422-5151,

Send an e-mail to Brian Lester


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