UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University football team will travel to Chicago to face Roosevelt University on Saturday, October 18, at 2 p.m. The Wildcats are seeking their first win of the season after a loss to Grand Valley State, where they were tied 7-7 at halftime but eventually lost 35-7. This game marks only the second meeting between the two teams, with Roosevelt winning last year's matchup 16-10 in overtime at the Superior Dome.

Fans can watch the game on FLO College or listen live on 100.3 The Point, with Casey Ford providing commentary.

Head Coach Shane Richardson commented on the team's mindset, saying, "The greatest thing about our team is the resilience factor, in the way that we just come every day ready to do more, ready to learn, while still having a great attitude. Our team is extremely resilient with how we've been able to handle week after week, not getting the result that we want."

In their previous game, the Wildcats' defense performed well in the first half against Grand Valley State, forcing three punts and recording two sacks and an interception by Murphy Monreal. Running back Noah Dobert scored Northern's only touchdown, following a significant 44-yard screen pass to Jahi Wood. Linebackers Jax Hertel and Mitch Larkin combined for 25 tackles and four tackles for loss. Despite these efforts, turnovers in the second half allowed Grand Valley State to score three consecutive touchdowns. Northern Michigan finished with 242 offensive yards compared to Grand Valley's 329.

The Wildcats will continue to rely on their running game, which ranks third in the conference with 213.5 yards per game. Dobert, Wood, and the offensive line are expected to play a key role, while quarterback Trevor Theuerkauf aims to take advantage of Roosevelt's defense, which allows 269.2 passing yards per game.

On defense, NMU focuses on physical play and discipline. Larkin and Hertel lead a unit ranked fifth in the conference, allowing 117 rushing yards per game. Both players are among the conference's top tacklers, with Hertel leading in tackles for loss. Tim Shannon Jr. leads the conference with seven pass breakups, ranking just outside the national top ten.

Roosevelt's offense is led by quarterback Zach Zella, who has completed 61% of his passes with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions, averaging 227 passing yards per game. Receivers Norion Espadron and Jack Young Jr. each average over 45 receiving yards per game, while Cam Davis leads the rushing attack with 65.4 yards per game and three touchdowns.

Defensively, Roosevelt ranks last in the conference, giving up 44 points and 526.6 yards per game, including 257.4 rushing yards per game. Kamal Mukarram leads the Lakers' defense with 44 tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Updates during the game will be available on X (formerly Twitter) at @NMU_Football and @NMU_Wildcats.