Hunter Rockwell and the Dragons take on Michigan Tech in their final home game.
Posted: Nov 01, 2017
Tiffin University takes on Michigan Tech at 1 pm at Frost Kalnow Stadium on Senior Day in their final home game of the 2017 season.
THE SERIES: Tiffin has not had much success against the Huskies historically, but they are hoping that last year's 24-17 win is the start of a trend. It was the first win ever against MTU, and it came at home. TU had come close in 2015 as well, falling 39-28 in overtime.
HUSKIES AND DRAGONS ROUNDUP: Michigan Tech got back on track with a 17-10 GLIAC victory over Davenport University. The Huskies had big plays from all over the field to snap a three-game losing streak.
Tiffin, meanwhile, suffered a hard fought 14-9 setback at Saginaw Valley State on a cold, windy day. Overall TU had 24 first downs to SV's 14 and outgained the Cardinals 410-325 but were hurt by 3 turnovers (interception, two fumbles). The Dragons also went 3 for 14 on third downs.
Michigan Tech Notes
Michigan Tech Offense
The Huskies offense has had trouble getting off the ground this season, and that's a literal fact considering they average only 131.1 passing yards per game. The ground game has been better, but it's not what most are accustomed to seeing as Michigan Tech is averaging 155.1 rushing yards per game. The quarterback position has been a bit of musical chairs over the course of the last two games, with freshman Garrett Young starting in the Huskies' win over Davenport last weekend. Young has played in three games, completing 13 passes for 107 yards. Jake Brown started the season as the starter, but turnovers have been a thorn in his side. Brown has six touchdowns and nine interceptions, and is completing only 50.8% of his passes. Running back John Williams was a monster early in the season, scoring nine rushing touchdowns in his first four games. In his last five games he has scored only two touchdowns and is averaging only 73.5 yards per game after averaging 127.5 yards per game in his first four games. Williams was inactive in the Huskies 17-10 win over Davenport last weekend. Jacob Wenzlick leads all Michigan Tech receivers with 37 receptions and 412 yards. The Huskies have allowed 12 sacks this season, and have committed 14 turnovers this year. On 3rd downs, the Huskies are converting 38%, 5th in the GLIAC.
Michigan Tech DefenseThe Huskies are allowing 26.6 points per game, 5th most in the GLIAC. Opponents have attacked the Michigan Tech defense from both land and air, averaging 175.1 rushing yards and 166.6 passing yards. It has been feast or famine for the Huskies, allowing 34 points per game in losses and 17 points per game in victories. Teams have had equal success in scoring against the Huskies, scoring 15 rushing touchdowns and 14 passing touchdowns. Linebacker Marvin Wright is the leading tackler for Michigan Tech, hauling in 74 stops, 2.0 sacks, and 7.0 tackles for loss. Defensive lineman Mattias Hoehnen is the leader in sacks with 3.5. Cody Goldsworthy is another defensive lineman to keep an eye on, holding the team lead in tackles for loss with 8.5. In the secondary, you'd think a defensive back would lead the team in interceptions, but it is the linebacker Wright with a pair that leads the team.
Michigan Tech Special Teams
The Huskies kicker is sophomore Evan Gornick, connecting on 5 of 7 attempts this year with a long of 34. Gornick is 22 of 23 on point after attempts. The punter is Michael James who is averaging 37.8 yards per attempt. James has punted 44 times this year, downing 13 inside the 20-yard line. Michigan Tech has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this year, including one against Davenport last weekend. The Huskies are averaging 28 yards per return.
Tiffin notes
Tiffin Offense
The Dragons scored only nine points in a road loss to Saginaw Valley State last Saturday. The Dragons have dropped three of their last four games, with two against nationally ranked teams. Over the course of those four games Tiffin is averaging 17.8 points per game. During Tiffin's four game winning streak earlier this year, Tiffin averaged 39 points per game. Quarterback Nick Watson eclipsed 2,000 passing yards last weekend, throwing for 240 or more yards in four of his last five games. Nick has completed 165 passes for 2,027 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has carried the ball 98 times for 262 yards and five touchdowns. Watson has been battered and bruised in his last four games, being sacked 14 times. The Dragons have surrendered 24 sacks this year, and have yet to have a game without allowing a sack. JaQuan Hardy has been a battering ram for the Dragons this season, carrying the ball 158 times for 806 yards and six touchdowns. Hardy is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards, seeking to become the first running back since 2005 to eclipse the mark. Tyler Denton is the leading receiver for Tiffin with 495 yards and five touchdowns. Denton has been Tiffin's big play receiver, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. The Dragons will look to get back on track on 3rd downs, converting only 28% over their last five games.
Tiffin DefenseThe Dragons continue to be a strong unit defensively, allowing only 20.8 points per game, 4th fewest in the GLIAC. On the ground, teams are averaging 169 yards per game, scoring a total of 12 rushing touchdowns. In the air Tiffin is allowing 157.1 yards per game and has surrendered 12 passing touchdowns. In their last outing, Tiffin surrendered only 14 points to Saginaw Valley State. Tiffin is led by Brandon Burks with 75 tackles. The linebacker also leads the Dragons in tackles for loss with 10.5. Defensive end Victor Cave has come on strong down the stretch, totaling a team high and GLIAC leading seven sacks. Carrington Contee and Daijon Isbell anchor the secondary with 68 and 56 tackles respectively.
Tiffin Special Teams
Kicker Joe Metcalf was 1 for 2 at Saginaw Valley last Saturday with the lone miss coming off a low snap. Metcalf is 11 for 17 this year with a long of 41 yards. Punter Harry McCollum has been a vital weapon for Tiffin, helping flip the field when needed. McCollum is averaging 38.7 yards per attempt with 19 downed inside the 20-yard line, the second most in the GLIAC.
Tiffin Football Record Countdown
Tiffin University Career Top 10
Receptions – 190 – 3rd all-time – needs 37 to be the all-time leader
Yards – 2627 – 2nd all-time
Touchdowns – 30 – 2nd all-time
Scoring – 30 - touchdowns 5th all-time
Points – 180 – 8th all-time
Most 100-yard receiving games – 10 – 2nd all-time
Most 200-yard receiving games – 3 – 2nd all-time
GLIAC Career Records within reach
Receiving Yards – 2239 – Needs 453 to move into 10th all-time
Tony Shead
Receptions – 195 – 3rd
Yards – 2182 – 5th
Receiving Touchdowns – 14 – T9th
Kickoff Returns – 67 – 4th
Kickoff Return Yards – 1491 – 4th
All Purpose Yards – 3769 – 5th