MISSOURI WESTERN LAST WEEK

The Griffons fell short of a remarkable comeback in a 34-24 loss to Washburn on homecoming at Missouri Western. MWSU scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to close the gap, but a nearly nine minute Washburn drive late in the fourth quarter eliminated the second half momentum gained by the Griffons.  

At times the offense has shined and at times, it's been the defense that has stood out. The injury bug has bitten the Griffons at the quarterback position with three different quarterbacks starting games this season. Skyler Windmiller returned two weeks ago and has started the last two games after MWSU went three straight games with a different starting QB. Now, MWSU heads to Emporia, Kansas, looking for its first win since a 40-8 domination of Lindenwood on Oct. 7.

Windmiller and Dom Marino -- who returned last week after missing two-straight games with an illness -- combined to pass for 228 yards last week. It was the most passing yards for the team this season. In seven games, Marino has completed just more than 56 percent of his passes for a team-high 695 yards and nine touchdowns to two interceptions. Windmiller has completed 43 percent of his passes in three games for 426 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Marino is also the team's second leading rusher on the season and the leading rusher among active Griffons with 351 yards and four touchdowns.

Last week was the first without leading rusher Joshua Caldwell who was dismissed from the team late last week. Freshman Shamar Griffith has 238 rushing yards this season. Dijuan Ussery caught four passes for 84 yards last week and Brock Broughton had four catches for 75 yards and a score. Keylan Mack leads the team with 23 catches for 295 yards. Mack has one touchdown reception. Ussery and Austin Burau are tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with three each.

While opponents' yards and points have fluctuated, the Griffon defense has made a habit of taking the ball away. The Griffons' 24 takeaways are tied for the second most in the nation and are the most in the MIAA. Missouri Western leads the MIAA with 13 interceptions and with 11 recovered fumbles. Thirteen of the Griffons' 24 sacks have come in the last four weeks. Darrian Bass is tied for the MIAA lead with 6.5 sacks while Cody Lindsay ranks third with 5.5. Lindsay is tied for the most tackles for loss in the conference (15) with Bass ranked third with his 14 stops behind the line.

The Hornets lost their second straight game, 34-7 at Fort Hays State. Starting quarterback Braxton Marstall missed the game for Emporia State. The Hornets' 223 offensive yards were the fewest this season and the seven points were the fewest since being shutout in week one at Northwest Missouri.

The Hornets enter averaging 29.6 points per game while allowing 29.3. The offense ranks fourth in the MIAA in total offense with 450 yards per game, but ninth in total defense at 436 yards per game.

Marstall, who is expected back this week, is among the league leaders in all passing statistics. His 2,442 yards are third most and his 20 touchdowns rank second in the conference. Justin Brown ranks third in the MIAA with 792 receiving yards and Louis Dailey's seven receiving TDs rank fourth.

Tre'Vaun Ammons is tied with MWSU's Cody Lindsay for the MIAA lead in tackles for loss with 15. Ammons' 6.5 sacks are tied for conference lead with the Griffons' Darrian Bass. Gabe Cleveland ranks second in the MIAA with 94 total tackles to go with his team-high three interceptions.

Emporia State has won the last four, including a 24-13 win in St. Joseph last year. Still, Missouri Western holds a 24-15 lead in the all-time series.

The season finale for the Griffons comes at home next Saturday, Nov. 11 against Northwest Missouri. The rivalry game will kickoff at 1 p.m. on Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium