The 2012 campaign was a “tale of two seasons” for Northwood University and coach Mike Sullivan. After sprinting to a 4-0 start, the Timberwolves dropped six of their final seven tilts to finish a game under .500 for the year. Despite graduating nearly half its starters, Northwood is still a senior-laden group, led by running backs Jordan Jonker and Cameron Jackson. Aaron Shavers has departed, so there will be a new quarterback at the helm of the offense.
Defensively, Northwood was greatly improved last year, finishing in the top third of the league in both scoring and total defense. Top tacklers Ryan Whittum and Spencer Remtema graduated, meaning new leaders will need to emerge if the Timberwolves want to remain one of the top defensive units in the GLIAC.
At first glance, the Northwood schedule appears to be favorable to a club trying to fill a few key holes. A visit from PSAC foe Slippery Rock University will be a tough opener, but the rest of its September dates are filled with clubs that Northwood defeated last year. The division schedule sets in from there and includes the Axe Bowl game at Saginaw Valley State University, as well as visits from Michigan Technological University and Grand Valley State University to close October.