Head coach Chris Ostrowsky had to be pleased with how his club came together down the stretch last year. After a dismal start, the Wildcats went 3-2 to finish the season. Those two losses came by a total of eight points, so Northern Michigan University definitely turned things around in the second half of the season. Keeping that momentum going won’t come easy, as in addition to their North schedule, the Wildcats must face the top three finishers from the South to open the season, including a week-four trip to Ashland University.
Charged with leading the way for the Northern offense will be quarterback Cody Scepaniak, whose insertion into the lineup midway through last season was one of the catalysts leading to the turnaround in Marquette. He’ll be flanked with a strong group of ball carriers, but likely the most explosive skill player returning is senior wideout Christian Jessie.
The defense will look to improve upon the 31.5 points per game it allowed a year ago. Even after the team’s “turning point” last year, it yielded 28 points or more three times, so shoring up that side of the ball will prove key. Junior linebacker Nick Krause will be the lynch pin for the unit. He is coming off a 2012 that saw him lead the team in total tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks.