UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University football team faced a challenging game against Michigan Tech University in the annual Miner's Cup, ending with a 39-9 defeat. The game took place on Saturday afternoon in Houghton, Michigan.

Northern's sole touchdown was scored late in the fourth quarter by Tucker Welch, who achieved a career-long 33-yard run. Earlier in the second quarter, Mike Karlen contributed to NMU's score with a 31-yard field goal.

Throughout the game, NMU accumulated a total of 210 yards, with 123 of those being rushing yards. The Wildcats' defense managed to force three turnovers during the match, marking their first multiple-interception game of the season. Jacquille Brown intercepted his first pass of the season while Kade Manzo secured his second interception for the team this year.

Michigan Tech opened the scoring with a 42-yard field goal in the first quarter. Despite NMU outgaining MTU 72-34 in that period and tying the game early in the second quarter through Karlen's field goal, MTU extended their lead before halftime. They scored two touchdowns and another field goal to lead 20-3 at halftime. Nico Lukkarinen led MTU’s ground attack with 71 rushing yards during this time.

In the third quarter, NMU's defense forced two turnovers but struggled offensively to capitalize on these opportunities. Michigan Tech added one more touchdown in that quarter and two additional touchdowns in the final quarter before Welch’s touchdown concluded NMU’s scoring efforts for the day.

Looking ahead, Northern Michigan will host Ferris State next Saturday for their final home game of the season on Senior Day, starting at 1 p.m.