Post-Game Quotes: Wayne State

Warriors defeat Northern Michigan in GLIAC opener

WAYNE, Mich. – The Wayne State University football team started the 2023 season with a 42-28 victory over Northern Michigan University in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) matchup Saturday afternoon at Tom Adams Field.

WSU (1-0, 1-0 GLIAC) scored the game’s first 14 points in the opening quarter and never trailed in the contest. The Warriors scored on each of their first four possessions and took a 28-0 lead with 6:11 remaining in the first half.

Northern Michigan (0-1, 0-1 GLIAC) scored the next 21 points of the game to cut Wayne State’s lead to 28-21 with 10:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Warriors answered right back as quarterback TJ Banks hooked up with wide receiver Quincy Johnson for a 62-yard touchdown pass to push Wayne State’s lead back to 35-21 with 9:11 left.

The Wildcats scored a touchdown on a 21-yard pass with 3:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Wayne State was able to recover the ensuing onside kick attempt and run out the clock to secure the victory.

Banks leads impressive Warrior offensive performance

Banks completed 19-of-28 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Johnson finished with three catches for 126 yards and a touchdown, while running back Romello Ross rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Wide receiver Cortez Smith caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, and tight end TJ McKenzie had three catches for 44 yards.

The Wayne State offense piled up 510 yards of total offense, including 323 passing yards and 187 rushing yards.

Warrior defense forces four turnovers

The Wayne State defense forced four turnovers on the day, including three interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Linebacker Matt Ivon led the Warriors with eight tackles, while defensive end Cameron Parker had seven tackles and two sacks.

Cornerback William Peacock had two interceptions, while safety Devon Lynch had one interception and forced a fumble.

The Wayne State defense held Northern Michigan to 344 yards of total offense, including 224 passing yards and 120 rushing yards.

Wayne State earns first win in GLIAC opener since 2005

The victory marked the first time Wayne State has won its GLIAC opener since 2005.

The Warriors will return to action next Saturday, Sept. 9, when they travel to Hillsdale College for a GLIAC matchup at 1 p.m.

Post-Game Quotes

Wayne State University head coach Paul Winters

"I'm proud of our team for the way they played today," Winters said. "We started the game fast and never let up. Our offense was able to move the ball up and down the field, and our defense forced some key turnovers."

"This is a great way to start the season, and I'm looking forward to seeing what this team can accomplish this year."

Wayne State University quarterback TJ Banks

"It was a great team win today," Banks said. "The offensive line gave me time to throw, and the receivers made some great catches. Our defense also played great, and they forced some key turnovers."

"I'm excited about the rest of the season, and I think we have a chance to do something special."

Northern Michigan University head coach Kyle Nystrom

"We're disappointed with the loss, but we have to give credit to Wayne State," Nystrom said. "They played a great game, and they deserved to win."

"We have a lot of things to work on, but I'm confident that we can improve and be a successful team this year."