Great Lakes Wire

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan Football team is set to open the 2024 campaign with Thursday Night Football at the Superior Dome. The Wildcats will welcome the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Thursday, August 29th, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on a new turf.

The Wildcats aim to improve after an 0-11 record in 2023. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs enter the season following a successful 9-2 record last year.

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"The vibe around what we've been doing is so positive. The whole mentality of how guys have approached what we're doing is much more clear," said head coach Shane Richardson.

Junior linebacker Mitch Larkin will lead the defense after recording 118 total tackles last season, significantly increasing from his freshman year. Sophomore Jax Hertel also aims to build on his performance after making 65 tackles and two interceptions last season. Both players earned All-GLIAC Honorable Mention honors.

Quarterback Aidan Hoard, who played eight games as a true freshman due to an injury to starter Mariano Valenti, threw for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receivers Michael Love and Sam Peiffer combined for 680 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season, while freshman Kaleb Isom is expected to contribute as well.

In the secondary, Ricky Lancaster, Tim Shannon Jr., and Jeremiah Gossett are set to play significant roles after gaining experience last season.

Northern's schedule includes games in three different states (Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin) in the first three weeks before returning to Michigan for their final eight games. The roster is notably young, with underclassmen comprising over 70% of the team.

Michael Love's notable performance includes a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against SVSU last season—one of only four such returns by GLIAC teams in 2023.

The Bulldogs are ranked No. 17 in the National AFCA Preseason Poll and excelled in rushing offense and defense last year. Graduate tight end Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams have been named to the Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist.

Northern holds an all-time advantage of 11-2 against Minnesota Duluth but suffered a defeat in their most recent meeting last year.

Shane Richardson leads the coaching staff into their second season together with new additions Joe Gatz guiding the offensive line and Kadalls Siner working with tight ends.