Wesleyan's Fast Start Buries Marauders

Saturday, September 3

Buckhannon, W.Va.

12 p.m.

Millersville University

West Virginia Wesleyan

Wesleyan's Fast Start Buries Marauders

9/3/2011 4:53:00 PM | Football

Box Score

Buckhannon, W.Va. – West Virginia Wesleyan played its season opener like a team with a chip on its shoulder. After a 9-2 record last year, it was picked seventh in the WVIAC Preseason Poll. It was going to take out some frustration on someone and that happened to be the Marauders on Saturday. Led by Adam Neugebauer, the Bobcats raced to a 43-3 lead at the half and coasted to a 55-3 win over visiting Millersville.

Little went right for the Marauders. Wesleyan's opening drive went 53 yards in six plays. The second drive went 93 yards in one play. When the defense made a stop, the offense couldn't capitalize. Twice the defense generated turnovers and also forced two poor punts, but the Marauders' offense generated just three points on a 22-yard field goal from Anthony Kassab. Under new starting quarterback Dan Miller, Millersville managed just 45 passing yards—the fewest since the team threw for 25 on Oct. 25, 2007. The team also totaled 10 penalties, three turnovers and went 2-for-16 on third downs.

Miller and Kevin Fowle, who entered after halftime, combined for 8-of-28 passing and 45 yards. 38 of those yards belonged to Fowle, but he also threw an interception that was returned 66 yards for a touchdown by Jeremy Dozier. Miller was responsible for two lost fumbles.

On the ground, Mike Jones totaled 60 yards on 10 carries but did not play a snap in the second half. Ian Sadan managed 28 on nine totes.

Neugebauer, who led the WVIAC in completion percentage a year ago, put his accuracy on display early. He torched the Marauders on 20-of-26 passing for 315 yards in the first half alone. All six of his touchdown passes came in the first half. He cooled down in the second and finished 23-of-34 for 335 yards. After managing 14 yards rushing in the first half, the Bobcats went exclusively to the ground in the second and finished with 144 yards. Wesleyan outgained Millersville 497 to 130.

Millersville's defense surrendered just six points and 168 yards of total offense in the second half. Five times the offense started drives in Wesleyan territory.

David Coates provided a bright spot, totaling 119 yards and a long of 60 on four returns. Jeff Lawson continued the fine special teams play with 10 punts for a 40.5 average. He hit a long of 60.

Millersville, which has now lost seven straight road games, stays on the road next week at Lock Haven. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Coverage can be heard on MSBN.