The NMU football team will install the 89th edition of their classic rivalry with the Michigan Tech Huskies this weekend when the team travels to Houghton at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Sherman Field.
NMU head coach Chris Ostrowsky said the teams know each other well heading into his fourth match with Tech.
“Every rivalry takes on a different personality,” Ostrowsky said. “I think the proximity of both schools makes us familiar with each other. It’s as big as any in sports, and it’s a game you want to win for sure. It’s a great event, and it should be a great crowd.”
The (2-1) Wildcats are one-game behind the (3-0) Huskies in the GLIAC North Division heading into this weekend.
The two team’s battle for the Miner’s Cup each season, which is awarded to the winner of the U.P. battle in their annual matchup. The ’Cats will be looking to end a five-game losing streak to the Huskies, which dates back to 2010. The last time the Wildcats defeated Tech was a 48-16 win on Sept. 19, 2009 in Houghton.
Michigan Tech leads the all-time series 41-42-5 over the Wildcats.
Senior wide receiver and U.P. native Austin Young said it’s an honor to be a part of the cross-state rivalry one last time.
“It’s been a big part of my life since I was little,” Young said. “Now that I’m a part of it as a senior is something special. Being a senior you want to get the win, and they’re a tough team. The atmosphere in this game is always amazing.”
NMU is coming off two straight wins this season, most recently winning their homecoming game 33-24 over Hillsdale College on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Superior Dome.
NMU junior quarterback Shaye Brown was 21 for 29 in passing, with 323 yards and one touchdown. On the season, Brown has thrown for 871 yards and five touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Marcus Tucker has been Brown’s main target, bringing home 351 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore running back Aaron Harris has replaced the injured senior Wyatt Jurasin since leaving week two’s game against Quincy University. Harris has reached the end zone for three touchdowns with 258 rushing yards in the 1.3 games he’s played in. Junior linebacker LJ Liston leads the GLIAC in tackles with 13 per game for NMU.
Ostrowsky said his team can build off last week’s performance.
“The keys are the same for us each week,” Ostrowsky said. “We have to understand the importance of the keys to winning football. We dropped a lot of balls last week in a great win for us, and I’m not sure we could do that again. We have to emphasize not turning the ball over this week.”
For Tech, junior quarterback Brandon Cowie has a 70.8 completion percentage in Tech’s first three wins, throwing for 560 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.
NMU has scored 30 points or more in their past two games, but Tech’s defense has yet to give up 30 points this season.
Last year, Michigan Tech defeated the Wildcats on a last-second field goal from senior kicker Garrett Mead at NMU’s Homecoming.
Senior linebacker Levi Perry said it’s time to turn around their streak against Tech.
“It’s huge—it’s my last rivalry game and it’s Tech, so it’s always big deal,” Perry said.
“Last year was a heartbreaker, and I’ve been thinking about it for awhile. It’s time to get
revenge.”
