Football | 10/14/2016 12:00:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University football team (4-2, 3-1 GNAC) will play host to Western Oregon University (3-3, 2-2 GNAC) amidst an eventful Saturday that is Homecoming. The Wildcats are coming off a hard fought 42-17 victory against Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.
 
"This is a big week for us," CWU head coach Ian Shoemaker said. "Homecoming is always a game that our guys can get excited about. On top of that, we have a chance to move closer to our goal of winning the conference championship. We are in control of whether or not we reach that goal so we have a lot of motivation moving into this game."
 
Series History
 
This marks the 57^th matchup between CWU and WOU dating back to 1936.  The Wildcats hold a 36-20 all-time lead in the series and has won three of the last four matchups, including the first game earlier this year.  At home, the Wildcats hold a 19-7 record over WOU, and have not lost a home game to the Wolves since 1998, a streak that has lasted 12 games.
 
Against Humboldt State
 
Central Washington is coming off an impressive 42-17 road win over Humboldt State University this past Saturday, where they scored 35 unanswered points in the second half.  Justin Lane led the CWU offense connecting on 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Lane's 330 yards is the most yards HSU has given up since Lane threw for 336 almost 12 months ago.  He is the first QB to throw for 300+ yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions against the Lumberjacks since Nov. 10 2012.  The Lumberjacks came into the game allowing just 202 yards per game through the air.
 
The Wildcat defense stepped up their game to a whole new level in the second half of last Saturday's game, allowing just 65 yards after halftime and just five first downs.
 
Defensive Showdown
 
The CWU defense has been a rock for the Wildcat all year, and have climbed into the top 25 in a number of categories this week.  The CWU defense ranks fifth nationally in tackles for loss with 10.2 per game, just 0.5 off the national leader in Morehouse University.  The Wildcats also rank 24^th in both red zone defense and rushing defense.
 
Sanchez Eyes Sack Record
 
Senior defensive lineman Tovar Sanchez needs just one sack to tie the CWU career mark for sacks, which currently sits at 24.0.  Sanchez has recorded 4.5 sacks so far this season, and picked up 0.5 last Saturday.
 
About Western Oregon
 
Western Oregon enters this week's game with a 3-3 record, 2-2 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.  Western Oregon is coming fresh off a 33-7 home win against Simon Fraser, and have won two of their last three games.
 
The Western Oregon offense is putting up 23.5 points per game, with 101.3 yards coming from the ground and 272.5 through the air.  Quarterback Philip Fenumiai ranks third in the GNAC in total offense, averaging 197.8 yards per game.
 
Offense has not been an issue for Western Oregon, but their defense has been their Achilles heel.  WOU gives up 34.3 points per game and 409.8 yards of offense to their oppositions.  Western Oregon's pass defense has allowed 310.3 yards a game, which is second worst in the GNAC.
 
"Western Oregon is a dangerous team," Shoemaker said. "They have some big threats and are coming off a good performance last week. Playing WOU is always a battle, especially with this being our second meeting of the season, we can expect that both teams will enter Saturday's match up well prepared."
 
Homecoming Info
 
Homecoming and all its festivities will be streamed live at Wildcatsports.com and radio for the game can be found locally on the Wildcat Sports Radio Network at 88.1 FM.  For those outside of Ellensburg, you can listen live online here, or you can download the 88.1 The Burg app at via the Apple Store or Google Play and listen live. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
-CWU-