MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan Football team will face nationally ranked Grand Valley State University in the Superior Dome this weekend. The opening kickoff is set for Saturday, October 11, at 7 p.m.

The game will carry extra significance, as the Wildcats celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1975 National Championship and retire the jersey of NMU legend Steve Mariucci, which will take place at halftime. For more information about the weekend's festivities, please visit this link. 

Northern is back at home this weekend following a 47-25 defeat at Saginaw Valley State University in their last matchup. Despite the crooked scoreboard, the 'Cats showed improvement in the later stages of the game, scoring 22 points in the second half.

Northern picked up 289 rushing yards, marking the third time this season that they've collectively rushed for over 275 yards in a game.


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From the Coach
"They need to know about the pride and the excitement that goes into something like this, honoring a legacy, let that really inspire you. Let that really connect with you in a way that you've got this tradition, you've got people that have gone before you here at Northern Michigan that have done something really special, and let that inspire us to move forward."



Last Time Out
The Wildcats dropped another hard-fought contest against the Cardinals of Saginaw Valley. The rushing attack for the Wildcats was prominent with running backs Noah Dobert and Jahi Wood leading the team with 107 and 80 yards respectively, as well as each finding the endzone. Quarterback Trevor Theuerkauf saw his first career snaps under center, showing signs of promise, completing six passes for 52 yards, while also finding Sebastian Boyea for a 27-yard touchdown pass. 

Defensively, Northern continued to be led by linebackers Mitch Larkin and Jax Hertel, who combined for 16 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. The defensive unit also forced and recovered two fumbles. Safety Tim Shannon Jr. was among those to force a fumble, while also successfully breaking up two passes. 


What to Expect
Offensively, expect to keep seeing a prominent rushing attack. Northern continues to rank in the top-20 in terms of rushing offense. The Wildcats are averaging 228 yards per game on the ground and have no reason to abandon that success, despite a 0-5 record. The passing game has been a question mark so far this season, with quarterback Trevor Theuerkauf stepping in and showing improvement and ability to add a more balanced aspect to the Wildcats' Offense.

Defensively, the 'Cats have struggled the last couple of games to open the GLIAC season. Despite those struggles, the unit has not wavered from its gritty bend-don't-break mentality. The Wildcats allow opponents to score 33.8 points per game, while only giving up 119 rushing yards on average. Turnover-wise, the Wildcats improved, recovering their first two fumbles of the season against Saginaw last weekend.


About Grand Valley
The Lakers climbed to #8 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll, following a shutout second-half performance, propelling them to victory over Davenport University. The Lakers are led by quarterback Andrew Schuster. Schuster fields a 62.14 completion percentage with only three interceptions on the year, indicating that Schuster is a very efficient passer. The Lakers are averaging 376 yards per game, with 146 rushing yards per game, and 230 yards coming through the air. 

Defensively, the Lakers will bring a top 30-ranked defense in all of Division II. The Lakers are allowing opponents to just 84 rushing yards per game, and will match up well against a run-heavy Wildcat offense. In the pass game, Grand Valley's defense has struggled, allowing opponents 224 yards per game. Despite the pass defense struggles, the Lakers are only allowing opponents to score 19 points per game. 


Keys to Victory for NMU
Win the turnover battle. Grand Valley isn't a team that will make many mistakes offensively, with five total turnovers on the year, compared to the Wildcats' 14. If the Cats can limit mistakes offensively and create extra opportunities on defense, they will drastically increase their chances of winning.

Establish the run early. The Wildcats' identity remains rooted in the ground game, with both Jahi Wood and Noah Dobert proving capable of breaking off big gains. Against a top-15 rushing defense, getting the ball moving early is very important.

Challenge Grand Valley through the air. A defense that is allowing 224 yards per game will be a great opportunity for quarterback Trevor Theuerkauf and the Wildcats to stretch the field, keep drives alive, and create balance to catch Grand Valley off guard.