Lake Erie heads to Tiffin on Saturday looking to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Dragons. Tiffin is 6-2 and among the G-MAC’s top offenses, while the 3-5 Storm will lean on a resurgent running game and linebacker Kemari Ward’s recent defensive surge.

By the Numbers
  • Lake Erie: 3-5 overall, 1-5 in the G-MAC; Tiffin: 6-2 overall, 5-1 in the G-MAC.
  • Tiffin has won nine straight meetings and leads the series 10-3.
  • Tiffin averages 31 points per game; running back Ronald Blackman leads the conference with 85.6 rushing yards per game.
  • Lake Erie’s Hakeem Quran rushed for 143 yards last week and has totaled 302 rushing yards and two touchdowns over the past three weeks.
  • Kemari Ward has 60 tackles this season, including 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks over the last four games.
Yes, But

Lake Erie’s recent ground-game momentum faces a tough test against a Tiffin team that has won its past two games and ranks among the conference’s best rushing offenses. The Storm’s kicking has also been a weakness, with only 2-of-8 field goals and 13-of-18 extra points converted.

State of Play
  • Starting quarterback Hunter Newell returned last week and completed 18 of 26 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown.
  • Lake Erie’s red-zone defense ranks second in the G-MAC, allowing opponents to score on 17 of 25 trips inside the 20-yard line.
  • Kickoff is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, at noon at Frost-Kalnow Stadium in Tiffin, Ohio.
Bottom Line

Lake Erie has a path to make this a close game: sustain Quran’s recent rushing production, capitalize on Newell’s return and keep Tiffin’s offense from finishing red-zone drives. Ending the long series skid will require turning those strengths into points.