D2football.com: Tony Nicolette's Gliac Column

Wayne State (1-4, 2-4) at Hillsdale (4-2, 4-2)

The Warriors will try and make it two straight this week after roughing up Gannon last Saturday. Hillsdale will have to shake off letting a big game get away from them last week at UIndy. Based on how well the Chargers throw the ball and how poorly WSU defends the pass, I'd say things will be a little rosier this weekend in The Dale.

Wayne State Keys:
- Graham/Bell - We've heard a ton about these two guys in the pre and early season. Thus far, Joique Bell has been the only one of the two to stay healthy enough to have a major impact. If these two can have a big day and keep HC's offense on the sideline, WSU's chances improve dramatically.
- Secondary must step up. As I mentioned earlier, the Warriors have been getting torched of late by opposing passing games. Hillsdale LOVES to sling it, so if WSU doesn't do a good job of shutting down the passing lanes this game will likely get out of hand.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Avoid the let down. Last week's loss has to be tough to accept, but the Chargers need to do so and forget about it. Winning out is their best shot at a playoff berth, so HC needs to come out firing and put last week behind them.
- Do what you do: Nicolet chucks it all over the joint, Hillsdale scores points. They may not get a better match-up the rest of the season, as WSU is eleventh in the GLIAC in pass defense.
- Contain Graham/Bell. So far, WSU hasn't been able to threaten anyone via the air. If HC can keep these two from controlling the clock and the flow of the game, they'll be in good shape.

Prediction: Hillsdale has to be ticked at letting last week get away from them. They always play better at home, and WSU's secondary is definitely vulnerable. I think the Chargers recover. They need to, as their playoff season is essentially under way. Hillsdale 55, Wayne State 28.

TWIG Notes

- The dynamic Hillsdale duo of WR's Aaron Waldie and Nick Gurica continue to torch opposing secondaries. Waldie ranks second nationally with 800 receiving yards, and Gurica is fifth with 655. Both are also second and fifth respectively in receiving yards per game, and Waldie is tops in the country with eleven receiving TD's.
- Congratulations to Ashland's Vince Cashdollar, Hillsdale's Mark Nicolet, and Wayne State's Frank Lietke. Each has been named a semi-finalist for the National Football Foundation's Draddy Trophy. The award recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. There were only sixteen semi-finalists in all of Division II, so to get three of those sixteen out of the GLIAC is fantastic. Well done, fellas!
- Despite a lack of help around him, Joique Bell is having another great season for Wayne State. The super-soph is seventh in the country in rushing with 874 yards, and is tied for third nationally in scoring with Ashland's John Schroeder at 15 points per game.
- Last week, teams having their Homecoming game went 5-0 in the GLIAC. So far this year, the league's teams are 7-1 in their Homecoming games, with only Mercyhurst dropping its game against Ashland. Grand Valley, Ashland, and Findlay try their hands this weekend.

Full Column