UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University Wildcats faced the Michigan Tech Huskies in the annual Miner's Cup game at the Superior Dome on Saturday, where they were defeated 56-17. The Wildcats entered halftime trailing 21-3 after multiple trips to the red zone resulted in only a field goal, while Michigan Tech scored three touchdowns on five first-half possessions.

During the second half, the Huskies added five more touchdowns, including one each from a punt return and a fumble recovery. The Wildcats managed to score touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters. Despite their efforts on the ground with 270 rushing yards, Northern Michigan was outpaced by Michigan Tech’s balanced attack, which included 269 rushing yards and an additional 199 passing yards compared to NMU’s 75 passing yards. The Huskies averaged nine yards per play while NMU averaged just under five.

Trevor Theuerkauf led Northern’s offense with 106 rushing yards and 75 passing yards, contributing both a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown to Ian Engstrom—the first of Engstrom's career. Noah Dobert contributed another 93 rushing yards for NMU. On the other side, Elliott Larner ran for 171 yards and four touchdowns for Michigan Tech and also threw for another score.

The defeat moves Northern Michigan to a record of 1-7 overall and 1-4 in GLIAC conference play, while Michigan Tech improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in conference.

The game began with NMU receiving after winning the coin toss but quickly going three-and-out. Michigan Tech capitalized with an early scoring drive that included a long pass followed by an eight-yard touchdown run by Larner. After another missed opportunity by NMU—a failed field goal attempt—Michigan Tech extended its lead with another touchdown run from Larner.

NMU reached inside the Husky ten-yard line early in the second quarter but was set back by four false start penalties before settling for a field goal from Nicholas Gruesen. Later in the half, NMU missed another short field goal following strong runs by Theuerkauf.

At halftime, despite outgaining Michigan Tech in total yardage (189 to 181), NMU had only three points to show for three trips into scoring position.

In the second half, MTU increased its lead when Larner connected with Jake Rueff on a long touchdown pass. After recovering a muffed punt deep in Husky territory, Jahi Wood ran in his seventh touchdown of the season for NMU. However, Michigan Tech responded immediately with another quick scoring drive.

The final quarter saw MTU add scores through various means: running plays, special teams returns, and defensive turnovers. In the closing minute, Theuerkauf completed an eighteen-yard touchdown pass to Engstrom to cap off Northern’s scoring.

Northern Michigan is scheduled to travel next week to face top-ranked Ferris State on Saturday, November 1 at 1 p.m.