UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan football team faced a defeat against Alma College on Homecoming, with a final score of 44-27.

Despite trailing 30-10 at halftime, the Wildcats narrowed the gap to two separate 10-point deficits in the second half. However, an early fourth-quarter fumble recovered by Alma for a touchdown extended the lead to three scores, which proved insurmountable for Northern Michigan.

Nico Lukkarinen scored twice on the ground for the Wildcats, while Michael Love achieved over 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career, totaling 107 yards and one touchdown.

Northern Michigan was outgained 469-340 overall but managed to limit Alma to just 98 yards in the second half. Carter St. John threw four touchdowns and accumulated 315 passing yards. Marquette native Ty Lotterman caught six passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Alma initiated scoring four minutes into the game with a 12-play, 65-yard drive leading to a score of 6-0. They added another goal-line score to end the first quarter at 13-0. Lukkarinen put NMU on the board early in the second quarter with his first touchdown from two yards out. Alma responded with a 78-yard touchdown pass between two field goals by Michael Karlen before scoring again before halftime, resulting in a halftime lead of 30-10.

NMU gained momentum on the ground in the third quarter with an additional 110 rushing yards compared to Alma's 15 yards. The Wildcats got within striking distance early in the fourth quarter but failed to maintain it after a fumble recovery touchdown by Alma sealed their victory.

Next week, Northern Michigan will have no games as they prepare for their GLIAC slate starting Saturday, October 5 at home against Saginaw Valley State.

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