DWU football gameday: Tigers aim to break winless start at Doane

Zech Lambert, The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
·3 min read

Oct. 7—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University's football team has yet to put a mark in the win column after six games, but the Tigers will have another opportunity to do so when they travel to Doane on Saturday.

Here's everything to know about the Tiger-versus-Tiger matchup:

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Al Papik Field, Crete, Nebraska.

Records: DWU 0-6, 0-5 GPAC; Doane 2-2, 2-2 GPAC.

Coaches: DWU's Ross Cimpl (57-56, 11th season); Doane's Chris Bessler (19-23, fifth season).

Last week: DWU lost 20-12 to Concordia at home. Doane lost 41-17 to Jamestown on the road.

All-time series: Doane leads 23-13-1.

Last meeting: DWU 17, Doane 13, on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Mitchell.

Notes: Live video of the game can be accessed through DWU's website. ... DWU has won two straight contests against Doane after previously being on a five-game losing streak that dated back to 2015. ... Special teams helped DWU score 10 of its 17 points in last season's win over Doane, using a blocked-punt touchdown and a field goal to win the game, along with a touchdown catch from Jacob Oxos. ... This season, both Doane and DWU have played Dordt, Jamestown and Concordia. DWU lost all three games, while Doane beat Concordia by two, beat Dordt by three in overtime and lost to Jamestown.

About DWU: The trip to Doane marks the penultimate road game of the season for DWU, with three of its final four games coming at Joe Quintal Field. ... On the road, DWU is being outscored by an average of 20 points per game. However, that includes a 47-point loss to Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa. ... Connor Drake got the start at quarterback last week for the Tigers despite opening-day starter Austin Lee dressing for the game. Coach Ross Cimpl said after the game that Lee is still recovering from an injury, but once he's fully healthy he will presumably return to his starting role. ... In six games this season, DWU is 11-for-21 scoring in the red zone — which ranks 87th out of 97 NAIA football teams this season — with 10 of those drives ending with touchdowns. ... On offense, DWU ranks 13th in the country in time of possession per game at nearly 34 minutes per contest. ... The Tigers are also looking to jump start the pass rush, which has three sacks in the first six games of the season.

About Doane: Doane comes into Saturday's game with one of the nation's worst passing attacks, ranking in the bottom-10 nationally in passing yards per game (127.0), passing yards per attempt (4.4) and passing touchdowns (one for the season) and has thrown nine interceptions through its first four games. ... Doane averages 12 points per game and gained 224.3 yards per game this season. ... Frazzie Wynn leads the rushing game for Doane, toting the ball 65 times for 208 yards, but he's yet to find the endzone this season.

Next: DWU is back home to take on Briar Cliff at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Doane heads back on the road, traveling to Hastings on Oct. 15.

Other GPAC action this weekend:

Friday, Oct. 7

Dordt at Mount Marty

Saturday, Oct. 8

Midland at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.

Jamestown at Concordia, 1 p.m.

Hastings at Morningside, 1:30 p.m.