MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University Football returns to action this week after enjoying a bye week. The Wildcats will head to Northwood University Saturday afternoon for a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup.
WEEKLY NOTES
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FOLLOW ALONG |
Follow @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continued coverage throughout the week.
LIVE STATS: http://www.nmuwildcats.com/sports/fball/2019-20/boxscores/20191102_hdb5.xml
VIDEO: https://team1sports.com/northwooduniversity/
AUDIO: https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/wupt
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LAST WEEK
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The Wildcats enjoyed a bye last week. The previous week saw NMU host Grand Valley State University in the Superior Dome and come away with two turnovers but the Lakers, ranked #17 at the time, captured a 45-17 victory.
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GETTING THE BALL
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NMU is currently tied for fourth in the country with 11 fumble recoveries this year. Three players lead the Wildcats, as sophomores Anthony Ladd (Columbus, Ohio) and Jack Reiger (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) and redshirt freshman Antonio Howard Jr. (Chicago, Ill.) each have two fumble recoveries. The trio is also leading the conference in fumble recoveries. Against Grand Valley State, Reiger returned one 10 yards for his first career touchdown.
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A GOOD MARGIN
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The Wildcats are eighth in the country in turnover margin with a plus 1.29 margin. This year's defense has forced 16 turnovers while the offense has committed just seven. The positive difference of nine turnovers place the Wildcats in a tie for 13th nationally.
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FORCING TURNOVERS
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Junior Brady Hanson (Kewaskum, Wis.) is tied for 10th nationally and leads the GLIAC with three forced fumbles. He also has added three interceptions for 107 yards which is the second-most interception return yards in the GLIAC. Against GVSU, he returned an INT 69 yards.
Sophomore Jacob Dudeck (Manhattan, Ill.) has forced two fumbles which puts him in a tie for second in the league.
Sophomore Jacob Ager (Boyne City, Mich.) and freshman Tavion McCarthy (Gurnee, Ill.) also have interceptions this year. In addition to Hanson and Dudeck, six others also have forced fumbles. Senior James Brown (Menominee, Mich.) sacked the GVSU quarterback and forced a fumble in the process which Reiger recovered and ran into the end zone.
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SCORING TOUCHDOWNS
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Both sophomore quarterback Ryan Johnson (De Pere, Wis.) and freshman running back Tyshon King (Kankakee, Ill.) are both ranked in the GLIAC for touchdowns. Johnson is tied for sixth with seven touchdown passes this year, averaging one per game. He is also fourth in passing yards. King is fifth with six rushing touchdowns He also is fifth for yards and his season long carry of 75 yards is the fourth longest rush in the GLIAC this season.
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NMU VERSUS NORTHWOOD
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NMU holds a 26-12 advantage in the all time series with Northwood, but the Timberwolves have won the past two meetings by a combined six points. The Timberwolves are currently 0-8 this season. In their last outing, NU fell to Wayne State University 31-10.
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50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S SPORTS
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Throughout the 2019-20 season, NMU will celebrate the history of Women's Sports at Northern Michigan. Fans are encouraged to contribute with their favorite and most memorable moments and athletes of NMU women's sports. Please go to THIS LINK to contribute your favorite or most memorable moment and athletes. More information on this year's celebration can be found HERE.
