MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University Football Team will travel to University Center, Michigan, this weekend to face Saginaw Valley State University in the second GLIAC matchup for the Wildcats. 

Following a 35-16 loss to Davenport University in the GLIAC opener, the Wildcats are coming off a bye week and will head downstate to face the Cardinals, who are also coming off a bye week ahead of their GLIAC opener. 

While the outcome of the last game didn't fall in Northern's favor, the matchup still highlighted several of the Wildcats' strengths. Northern established the run early and piled up 278 rushing yards, demonstrating their ability to control the line of scrimmage. Defensively, Northern held strong for much of the first half before a second-half surge from Davenport swung momentum. 

With the benefit of a bye week, the Wildcats have had time to rest, reset, and fine-tune both sides of the ball. The extra preparation could make the difference as they look to translate those successes into a complementary performance against the Cardinals.


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Hear from the Coach
"I think it'll be a good opportunity on Saturday for us to go down there and show what we can do on the road in the GLIAC and be able to put a full four quarters together. We've gotta be ready, we certainly have to make sure that we come off the bye with a good hunger and a great anticipation to go out there and play with great energy." 


Last Time Out
In NMU's 35-16 defeat to Davenport, running back Noah Dobert continued to be a workhorse for the Wildcats, rushing the ball 23 times for 126 yards, while being Northern's only touchdown scorer with a pair. The Wildcats ran the ball 59 times, a stark contrast to their five passing attempts. Quarterback Duke Shovald went down in the second quarter with an injury, limiting the passing attack.

Defensively, linebacker Mitch Larkin totalled 10 tackles, with five solo, while picking up his first tackle for loss on the season. Brady Redmer made his presence felt with Northern's only sack, while Jerimiah Gossett delivered in crunch time with a pair of red-zone pass breakups.


What to Expect
On offense, the Wildcats have demonstrated their ability to run the ball effectively, averaging 215.5 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the GLIAC and 21st nationally. However, the pass game has faced struggles, completing just 32 passes on 63 attempts, with five interceptions and just two touchdowns on the year. Backs Jahi Wood and Dobert continue to carry the brunt of the workload for the offense. Dobert is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, while Wood is averaging 3.2 yards per carry.

On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats are averaging 30.5 points allowed per game, ranking them sixth in the GLIAC standings. However, the rushing defense continues to be a strength, as it allows only 90.8 yards per game and remains one of the top-20 nationally ranked run defenses in Division II. The duo of Jax Hertel and Larkin pace the Wildcats in tackles with 36 and 28, respectively. Senior safety Tim Shannon Jr. leads the team in pass breakups with five on the year.


About the Cardinals
Saginaw Valley enters this game 1-3 overall, with signs of a very balanced offensive attack. The Cardinals are averaging 384.8 yards per game with 190.5 yards coming on the ground, while also averaging 28 points scored. This ranks them second in the GLIAC offensively and 58th nationally. 

The Cardinals are led by redshirt sophomore Mason McKenzie, who has accumulated nearly 3,000 yards in his 18 collegiate appearances. McKenzie is averaging 183.8 yards per game with a completion percentage just under 60%, while also being the team's leading rusher. Senior running back Michael Jammerson III provides good depth to the Cardinals' offense with 187 yards on 46 attempts.

On the defensive side for Saginaw, they are led by senior linebacker Christian Boivin, who has stacked up an impressive 41 total tackles through four games. The defense as a unit is allowing 32.3 points per game while allowing just 85 rushing yards, ranking them eighth in total rushing defense. SVSU is also allowing opponents to gain 155 yards per game through the air. 


Keys to Victory for NMU

• Continue to establish the run early. Northern has proved they are able to run the ball effectively, and are one of the strongest rushing teams in the conference. Take the yards when you can, and try to keep the Cardinal offense off the field.
• Limit explosive plays. We've seen consistent defense throughout the season from NMU, with the bulk of scoring coming from extended drives and explosive plays. While the Cardinals are good in the run game, pressuring McKenzie and disrupting SVSU's dynamic offense will be crucial.
• Win the turnover battle. The Wildcat offense has been plagued by turnovers, with five fumbles lost and five interceptions. Limiting turnovers is crucial in any game, but it will be especially important in this matchup. Short, high-percentage throws will help the Wildcats extend drives and complement their strong run game.