UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University Wildcats concluded their football season with a 30-14 loss to Wayne State University on Saturday in Detroit. This defeat marked the second consecutive season the Wildcats ended without a win, finishing with an 0-11 record.

Despite gaining 293 yards on the ground compared to Wayne State's 247, Northern Michigan struggled in the passing game, managing only 10 yards through the air while allowing Wayne State to accumulate 195 passing yards. The Wildcats also threw two interceptions during their ten pass attempts, whereas Wayne State maintained possession without turnovers.

Northern Michigan's touchdowns were both from one-yard lines. Austin Ridl scored in the first half, and linebacker Mitch Larkin secured his first career touchdown in the second half. Freshman Luc Damiani was notable on defense with eight tackles.

The Wildcats began promisingly by advancing into Wayne State territory during their opening drive but missed a field goal attempt from 37 yards out. Wayne State quickly took advantage when quarterback Champion Edwards executed an 80-yard touchdown run after faking a handoff at 7:56 of the first quarter.

Wayne State extended its lead to 14-0 following a 24-yard rushing touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Northern Michigan responded late in the first quarter and early into the second with a lengthy drive culminating in Ridl's quarterback sneak for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

Before halftime, Wayne State added ten more points through a passing touchdown and a field goal, leading by 24-7 at halftime. The third quarter saw no scoring from either team. In the fourth quarter, Larkin's one-yard touchdown run was flanked by two more field goals from Wayne State. A late interception sealed Northern Michigan’s fate as they fell short at 30-14.