NMU’s quarterback Ryan Johnson, right, hands off the ball to running back Jake Mayon with Davenport’s Deondre Moore in action Saturday afternoon September 23, 2017 at the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

Northern Michigan Wildcats (1-2, 1-1 GLIAC) at Michigan Tech (2-2, 1-1 GLIAC)

When: Saturday 7 p.m.

Where: Sherman Field.

Radio: 93.5 FM

TV: FOX UP

Series: Michigan Tech leads 44-41-4, including a 12-3 mark since the Miner’s Cup was introduced in 2002. Tech has also won the last seven meetings in the rivalry.

Weather: 50s.

Four storylines

1. NMU’s identity

Much of what Tech has done in Steve Olson’s first year as head coach has appeared relatively the same as Tom Kearly’s tenure. The Huskies rely on a disciplined style of football that’s backed by a certain toughness that’s ingrained into each member in the program. That type of toughness and perseverance was on display in Tech’s 28-24 win over the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals on Saturday. The Huskies rallied from a 24-14 fourth-quarter deficit thanks to two touchdowns from senior back John Williams to move back to .500 on the season (2-2). 

As for NMU first-year head coach Kyle Nystrom, he’s still attempting to develop the Wildcats’ own identity. When Nystrom was hired in January, NMU had over 30 players leave the program. Nystrom’s staff was able to make up some of that deficit by signing 42 guys and having 41 of those players stick with the team. 

“We lost about 30-something guys on a matter of they didn’t want to act like college football players, so they left,” Nystrom said. “The players that stayed have done things our way. We’re still a team that still has to develop in the weight room and figure out who we are. 

“We’re just trying to get back to fundamental football. We want to be tough, give effort and the physical part of our game has to move forward.”

2. Prepared for a physical battle

Nystrom predicted this matchup would be “bloody in the box” and that NMU is “ready for a war in there,” while Olson mentioned his side is “preparing for tough downhill run games on both sides.” So it’s safe to believe this rivalry will have some old-fashioned, in-your-face physicality. For a Tech program that is known for those elements, that style suits them just fine. 

“I think that works out perfectly for us, because that’s what we pride ourselves on,” Tech junior defensive end Cody Goldsworthy said. “If they want to try to run it downhill, we’ll welcome that.”

NMU’s speedy junior back Jake Mayon is second in the country in yards per game (171) and ran for 205 yards against Angelo State (48-20 NMU loss) and 247 yards in Saturday’s 24-14 win over Davenport. 

Tech will also look to exploit NMU’s run defense, which is one of the worst in the country; the Wildcats allow 234 yards rushing per game (151st out of 168 teams in the nation).

3. Wenzlick’s emergence as Tech’s top receiver

Tech’s leading returning receiver from last season, senior Ian Fischer (53 catches, 744 yards, two touchdowns), has yet to make his 2017 debut thanks to a hand injury. In his place, sophomore receiver Jacob Wenzlick has taken on the role as senior quarterback Jake Brown’s top target. Wenzlick has 20 of the team’s 54 catches for 171 yards. He’s coming of an eight-catch, 97-yard performance against SVSU where his 31-yard reception to the SVSU 5 set up Williams’ 5-yard game-winning touchdown.

“Our coaches do a great job of scheming up against defenses so they know what’s going to work,” Wenzlick said. “I just run my routes and do what I’m told, and Jake’s been great with getting me the ball and letting me do stuff with the ball with open space.

“I really don’t feel that much added pressure. We have six, seven and eight guys who can all play at wide receiver and all do very well. I know that if I can’t do it on any given day, we got a number of guys who can back me up.”

4. Tech’s lack of takeaways

Through four games this season, Tech has forced just one turnover — a fumble by Grand Valley State’s Marty Carter that went out of the end zone for a touchback. The Huskies are in a four-way tie (164th) for the least amount of takeaways in the country in Division II.

“I think we’ve been physical and there have been opportunities for us to get some takeaways, but some of that stuff hasn’t necessarily fallen in our lap,” Olson said. “But that’s certainly something we emphasize, and I think our guys did a good job last week digging at the football and ripping at it to get it away. But sometimes you need a break for those turnovers to happen, like a big hit and a ball gets out. 

“We just have to continue to hustle and the opportunities will create themselves by hard work.”