Northwood University
Record: 2-9 overall, 1-9 GLIAC
Overview: Northwood is looking for a bounce-back season on the gridiron after just two wins during the 2011 campaign. A year ago, the Timberwolves opened with a 14-10 win over Findlay, dropped five straight, defeated Tiffin 20-10, and then dropped four in a row. This season, Northwood is looking to use the experience it gained in some tough losses to turn them into wins in 2012. Northwood has an opportunity to get off to a good start when it hosts Quincy in a non-conference game at Midland Community Stadium on August 31 at 7 p.m. In week two, on September 8, the Timberwolves return to their home stadium to host Walsh in the home and GLIAC opener at 12 p.m. In week three, NU travels to Notre Dame College and in week four travels to Tiffin. The schedule gets considerably more challenging with Wayne State, Saginaw Valley State, Michigan Tech, Grand Valley State, Northern Michigan, Ferris State, and Hillsdale to close the 2012 season.
Offense: Two cornerstones of the Northwood offense this season are expected to once again be quarterback Aaron Shavers and fullback Cameron Jackson. Jackson rushed for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns, and he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Shavers rushed for 247 yards and one touchdown. Through the air, Shavers passed for 587 yards and two touchdowns, and he completed 49.4 percent of his passes. Rashad Hedgepeth is back after rushing for 145 yards, Luke Shaffer rushed for 123 yards, and Josh Sinagoga carried the ball for 117 yards. Last year, as a team, Northwood rushed for 180.6 yards per game.
Defense: Ryan Whittum led the team with 90 total tackles last season, including 38 solos. He also had an interception and half a sack. Spencer Remtema was second on the team with 59 tackles and an interception, while Fabian Jackson had 48 tackles and two interceptions. Damion Horton had 41 tackles.
Special Teams: Last season, Cameron Jackson was a key player on special teams for the Timberwolves with 33 returns for 848 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 25.7 yards per return. His longest return of the season was 91 yards. Tony Hite averaged 40.8 yards per punt last season, with a long of 65 yards. Alex Faust handled the place kicking duties last season and is expected to do the same this fall.
Coaching: Mike Sullivan returns to the sideline as the head coach of the Timberwolves and welcomes back a veteran staff to back him up.
Key Dates: Northwood hosts rival Saginaw Valley State on October 6 in the Axe Bowl, one of the top gridiron rivalries in the GLIAC.