A 5-5 mark in 2012 had to be a bit of a letdown for Wayne State University, as it came on the heels of a run to the National Championship game in 2011. Getting back on the national scene will be in the cross hairs for coach Paul Winters and company this year, as will vying for a top spot in the GLIAC North. To get there, they’ll have to replace quarterback Micky Mohner, who started the last 44 games for the Warriors. Despite Mohner’s departure, the bulk of the offensive production of last year returns in leading rusher Toney Davis and top pass-catcher Dominique Maybanks.
One of the GLIAC’s better scoring defenses from last year will have its top tackler back in Ed Viverette. The senior linebacker is coming off an all-GLIAC season a year ago, as is defensive back Gerren DuHart. Viverette and DuHart will be called upon to lead the way for a unit that must replace more than half of its starters from 2012’s group.
Prior to beginning its North slate, Wayne State will have pair of stern tests right out of the chute. It travels to SAC power Carson-Newman University to open the season in a Thursday night battle and then returns home to host reigning league champ Ashland University. Toss in a pair of road trips to the upper peninsula in its divisional schedule, and it definitely faces one of the more difficult tests in the league.