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The unit came through in a big way Saturday afternoon, causing five turnovers and pitching a shutout in the second half of a 39-14 win over Northern State.
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Winona's Brandon White tackles Northern's Turner Johnson from behind as Justin Jensen blocks his path on Saturday at Maxwell Field in Winona. (Photo by Paul Solberg/Winona Daily News) |
The performance came a week after a 26-21 loss at Michigan Tech, in which the defense played on its heels much of the game.
“We have some young, athletic kids out there and this was just their second big game,” Sawyer said. “They got their hands on a couple of balls and scooped up some fumbles.
“Two games in, I think you can see how good they can be.”
Even the first half Saturday was a bit of a worry. Northern State was able to hang in the game, moving the ball on the ground and in its short passing game.
The Wolves also scored on two big plays in the first half, the first a 25-yard pass from Eric Ellingson to running back Tavis Ve’e.
Ve’e also had a 59-yard run in the second quarter, running over WSU safety Craig Martindale on his way to the end zone. The touchdown pulled Northern State within 20-14.
“The things that got us were fixable — a couple missed tackles and man coverage that was busted,” linebacker Brent Yule said. “You take those two plays away and they didn’t get anything on us.”
That was especially true of the second half. The Wolves had just 128 yards in the second half and committed four turnovers.
Ellingson, who was 9 of 11 for 93 yards and a touchdown in the first half, threw three second-half interceptions. He finished 22 of 33 for 204 yards.
Ve’e rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries. He lost 2 yards on four carries after halftime.
“We played with more intensity and excitement,” said Yule, who had one of the interceptions. “Our defense is fast and physical when we’re intense. We settled down and got confidence in us.”
YARDS GALORE: The Warriors had 346 yards at halftime and finished with 525. Their halftime pace put them on track to break the school record.
WSU had a record 652 yards in last year’s season finale, a 59-34 win over Wayne State (Neb.) at the Metrodome.
Alex Wiese rushed for a record 313 yards in the game.
LIMITED REPS: Backup quarterback Amir Ross played one series in the first half and missed on both his pass attempts. His second was intercepted by Northern State’s Capers Augustus.
Ross played two series late in the second half. He did not attempt another pass.
INJURY UPDATE: Running back Carey Rottman left in the first half with an ankle injury and watched from the sideline on crutches. Sawyer wasn’t sure yet the extent of injury.
Wide receivers Tyrre Burks and Scott Sherman also were banged up in the game, while running back Darren Davis and linebacker Jared Stahlecker both sat out.
SERIES HISTORY: WSU pushed its record in the all-time series to 19-16 and has won the past nine meetings.
Northern State was the last NSIC team to beat the Warriors at home, a 37-34 win in 1999.
NEXT UP: The Warriors play Bemidji State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Maxwell Field.
