The Wildcat football team looks to stay undefeated at home after tight victory over the Cardinals.

The ’Cats hosted the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals on Saturday Oct. 3 at the Dome.

“I thought our guys really embraced the overall idea that you have to finish games,and you have to make plays when they really count,” head coach Chris Ostrowsky said. “I was really excited to see us make plays and make some adjustments at halftime that equaled the W.”

The ’Cats began to understand the importance of consistency this weekend. Playing every game with the same great amount of energy and preparation every week Ostrowsky said.

The final play of the first quarter the Wildcats put the first points of the game up on the board.

After trading points back and forth the Cardinals tied the game at 21 in the third quarter.

NMU increased their lead 36-2. After SVSU came back to make the game close at 36-34 the Wildcat defense was able to hold back the Cardinals and let the Wildcats come out victorious.

NMU rose to a 3-2 record and 2-2 in the GLIAC.

“Our adjustments at halftime, that’s what really made the game take off in the second half,” senior wide receiver Marcus Tucker said. “Then ultimately we executed down the stretch, and were able to come away with a win.

Going into this next weekend Ostrowsky is working on getting past the grind of the sixth week with the team. They’ve been competing for six weeks and had offseason practices well before that.  Making sure that everyone’s bodies are taken care of and fresh is a challenge Ostrowsky said.

The Wildcats stay in Marquette to host the Malone University Cavaliers at 1 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 10 at the Superior Dome.

“I think the biggest challenge coming into Malone is their unpredictability,” senior offensive Kyle Steuck said. “They’re another GLIAC team and every team in the GLIAC’s a good good football team.”

Every game is a new challenge with new surprises, but every game is physically challenging Steuck said.

The Cavaliers are 0-5 overall as well as in the GLIAC.

Last season the ’Cats fell to Malone in overtime 42-35 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

With family weekend happening on campus this weekend players are excited to have their families in attendance at the game.

“ Just seeing their faces up there really motivates you to push a little harder, go a little further, run a little faster, work a little harder this week,” Tucker said. “That’s something that you can’t imitate.”