2010 Record: 5-0 Overall, 4-0 GLIAC 2009 Record: 13-2 Overall, National Runner-up to NWMSU

Last game: W 71-10 vs Tiffin

Players to watch: Grand Valley: senior Kyle McMahon QB, freshman Luther Ware LB, junior Greg Gay WR, freshman Erik Thompson SS NMU: senior Dustin Brancheau WR, junior Tony Awrey WR, junior Anthony Marietti DB, sophomore Jace Daniels OL

Key matchup: NMU Defensive Coordinator Randy Awrey vs GVSU Offensive Coordinator Eric Koehler. So far the Lakers have looked liked an Arena Football League team, with the high-powered offense racking up the points, but that might be coming to an end as Awrey is regarded as the best defensive coordinator in the conference with his play-calling skills. The two coaches have both been at their respective positions for three years and have been able to establish their philosophies with the players. But this matchup falls into the Wildcats favor, as the defensive bag of tricks have yet to open this season.

Key stat: NMU is playing their third straight homecoming game, as GVSU will be returning from their first road trip of the year against Findlay and Tiffin. The last time the Lakers lost at home was their 2004 homecoming against Northwood.

Prediction: Numerous members of the team said this team was hungry for a victory after last week’s loss and Grand Valley is looking a little too full after blowing out two below.500 teams. If NMU can stay out of the penalties, and have the offensive line play their career-best games as a unit, Northern should win this game in the fourth. NMU 38 GVSU 34