WINONA, Minn. – No. 25 Winona State University (4-0) returns to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday afternoon to host Upper Iowa University (3-1). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Warriors, along with No. 6 Minnesota State-Mankato and No. 7 Sioux Falls are the only undefeated teams remaining in the NSIC. Teams open North/South Divisional action this week.
Warrior Game Day Experience begins at 11 a.m. with the Warrior Walk down Johnson Street at 11:55.
Saturday kicks off Winona's Think Pink Week to support Breast Cancer Awareness. This Saturday's game is also the Morrie Miller Youth Football Day.
HEADLINES
NATIONAL DEFENSE: The Warrior defense has been a key component to Winona's success this season, and is starting to climb its way up the national charts. WSU's 13 defensive turnovers lead the NSIC and rank fifth in all of NCAA DII. Winona has a +6 turnover margin this season. Nick Pridgeon and Andrew Spencer lead the Warriors with three interceptions apiece.
BALANCED ATTACKS: Winona enters Saturday's matchup ranked third in the NSIC in scoring defense (12.8 ppg) and in scoring offense (38.3 ppg). The Warriors have increased their offensive scoring output consecutively in each game this year (30, 34, 42, 47), while the defense has surrendered just five opponent touchdowns through four games. Across the field, Upper Iowa is second in scoring offense (38.5 ppg) and ranks fourth in scoring defense (17 ppg). The Peacocks' 282.3 yards/game allowed on defense are second in the NSIC.
SPECIAL EFFORT: Sophomore Jake Balliu totaled 193 all-purpose yards at Minot last week, including 150 return yards and one touchdown en route to NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. His biggest return of the day was a 53-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Senior Carter McCauley also had a big day, going 4-for-4 in field goal attempts. McCauley is perfect in seven attempts this year.
IN THE TRENCHES: Winona's defensive front line has been a force to reckon with this season, ranking second in the NSIC with 13 sacks (tied with Upper Iowa). Michael Ferrante (3.0) leads the way followed by Carter Duxbury (2.5) and Trey Telez (2.0). Five other Warriors have a least one sack. Ferrante also leads WSU with eight quarterback hurries on the year. Additionally, Winona ranks fourth in the conference in rushing defense (103.3 yards/game).
RUSH TO CONCLUSIONS: WSU has finally seen its rushing game spring to life over the last two weeks. After averaging just 60 yards on the ground in their first two games, the Warriors have averaged over 200 rushing yards in their last two games. Winona exploded for a season-high 335 rushing yards last week. Eric Birth led the way with his second career 100-yard rushing game. Sam Santiago-Llyod rushed for a career-best 89 yards while Javian Roebuck found the end zone for the second straight week. Despite their slow start in terms of yardage, the Warriors are tied with Upper Iowa for the conference lead with 11 rushing touchdowns. WSU has scored at least two rushing TDs in every game this year.
RED ALERT: The Warriors have been extremely efficient inside the red zone early this season, converting on 18 of 19 attempts. WSU has cashed in with touchdowns in 13 of those instances, including 10 on the ground. Defensively, the Warriors have limited their opponent to just four touchdowns in 10 red zone visits.
HIGH-FLYING PEACOCKS: Upper Iowa quarterback Brent Lammers is the reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring five touchdowns (3 passing) in the Peacocks' 58-14 win last week. The dual-threat QB ranks second on the team in rushing. UIU ranks second in the conference in total offense per game this season (451 yards/game). The Peacocks' Jarred Edmonds ranks third in the NSIC with 105.3 receiving yards/game. He's hauled in 27 catches for three touchdowns through four games.
