American college football season
The Northern Michigan Wildcats football program, 2010–2019 represented Northern Michigan University during the 2010s in NCAA Division II college football as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The team was led during the decade by three head coaches: Bernie Anderson (2006–2011); Chris Ostrowsky (2012–2016); and Kyle Nystrom (2017–2019, 2021–2022).
During the decade, the Wildcats did not have a winning season and compiled an overall record of 33–74. Their best season was 2010 when they compiled a 5–6 record, finished in a tie for third place in the GLIAC's North Division, and outscored opponents, 221 to 183.
The team played its home games at Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan .
Year
Head coach
Overall record
Conf. record
Conf. rank
Points scored
Points allowed
Delta[ 1]
2010 Bernie Anderson 5–6
5–5
T–3 (North)
221
183 +38
2011 Bernie Anderson
4–7
3–7
6 (North)
290
326
-36
2012 Chris Ostrowsky 5–6
4–6
T–7 (North)
231
346
-115
2013 Chris Ostrowsky
3–7
3–7
T–6 (North)
235
342
-107
2014 Chris Ostrowsky
3–8
2–8
T–13
281
314
-33
2015 Chris Ostrowsky
5–6
4–6
T–10
315
357
-42
2016 Chris Ostrowsky
3–8
3–7
11
340 442
-102
2017 Kyle Nystrom 1–9
1–8
9
172
303
-31
2018 Kyle Nystrom
3–8
1–7
T–8
291
333
-42
2019 Kyle Nystrom
1–9
0–8
9
152
319
-167
TOTAL 33–74
The 2010 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2010 NCAA Division II football season . In their fifth year under head coach Bernie Anderson , the Wildcats compiled a 5–6 record (5–5 in conference games), finished in a four-way tie for third place in the GLIAC's North Division, and outscored opponents by a total of 221 to 183.[ 2]
The team's statistical leaders included:
Carter Kopach completed 52 of 96 passes (54.17%) for 820 yards, seven touchdowns, six interceptions and a 137.48 efficiency rating.[ 2]
John Privitelli tallied 487 rushing yards on 123 carries for an average of 4.0 yards per carry.[ 2]
D Brancheau tallied 25 receptions for 382 yards, an average of 15.28 yards per reception.[ 2]
Kicker Rockne Belmonte was the team's leading scorer with 44 points on eight field goals and 20 extra points.[ 2]
Josh Droese led the team with 48 total tackles.[ 2] Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/4/2010 at Minnesota State * Mankato, MN L 6–7
9/11/2010 Findlay W 49–104,261 [ 3] 9/18/2010 at Northwood W 31–170
9/25/2010 Ashland Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 23–194,601
10/2/2010 at Wayne State (MI) L 18–262,786
10/9/2010 at No. 1 Grand Valley State L 7–2812,307 [ 4] [ 5] 10/16/2010 Ferris State Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 22–203,773
10/23/2010 Indianapolis Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 5–63,114
10/30/2010 at Tiffin Tiffin, OH W 43–14650
11/6/2010 Saginaw Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 17–24 OT 1,987 [ 6] 11/13/2010 at Michigan Tech L 0–121,943
*Non-conference game Rankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game
The 2011 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2011 NCAA Division II football season . In their sixth and final year under head coach Bernie Anderson , the Wildcats compiled a 4–7 record (3–7 in conference games), finished in a tie for third place in the GLIAC's North Division, and were outscored by a total of 326 to 290.[ 7]
At the end of the 2011 season, Northern Michigan announced that it would not renew Anderson's contract as the school's head football coach.[ 8]
The team's statistical leaders included:
Carter Kopach completed 186 of 327 passes (56.88%) for 1,982 yards, 15 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and a 113.14 efficiencey rating. Kopach also had 502 rushing yards.[ 7]
Prince Young tallied 811 rushing yards on 177 carries for an average of 4.6 yards per carry.[ 7]
C Jessie led the team with 549 receiving yards on 50 receptions.[ 7]
C Marble-king led the team with 53 receptions for 429 yards.[ 7]
Julian Gaynes led the team with an average of 15.6 yards per reception (33 receptions for 515 yards).[ 7]
Kicker Rockne Belmonte led the team in scoring with 68 points on 13 field goals and 29 extra points.[ 7]
Zach Anderson led the team with 61 total tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss.[ 7] Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/1/2011 Minnesota State W 31–245,352
9/10/2011 at Findlay Findlay, OH W 30–231,225
9/17/2011 Northwood W 38–172,623
9/24/2011 at Ashland Ashland, OH L 16–453,837
10/1/2011 Wayne State (MI) L 28–304,333
10/8/2011 Grand Valley State L 7–423,817
10/15/2011 at Ferris State L 6–353,241
10/22/2011 at Indianapolis L 31–382,884
10/29/2011 Tiffin W 59–32,933
11/5/2011 at Saginaw Valley State Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 26–487,068
11/12/2011 Michigan Tech L 18–214,056
The 2012 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2012 NCAA Division II football season . In their first year under head coach Chris Ostrowsky , the Wildcats compiled a 5–6 record (4–6 in conference games), finished in a tie for last place in the GLIAC's North Division, and were outscored by a total of 346 to 231.[ 9]
At the end of the 2011 season, Northern Michigan decided not to renew Bernie Anderson's contract as head coach. Ostrowsky, who had been the school's offensive coordinator the prior two season, was promoted to head coach.[ 8]
The team's statistical leaders included:
Cody Scepaniak completed 74 of 128 passes (57.8%) for 1,055 yards, six touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 133.14 efficiency rating. Scepaniak also rushed for 479, second best on the team.[ 9]
Prince Young tallied 545 rushing yards on 139 carries for an average of 3.9 yards per carry.[ 9]
C Jessie led the team with 501 receiving yards on 32 receptions (15.66 yards per catch).[ 9]
Julian Gaines led the team with 33 receptions, good for 380 yards.[ 9]
Starlin Darling led the team with an average of 16.55 yards per catch (20 receptions, 331 yards).[ 9]
Kicker Rockne Belmonte led the team in scoring with 67 points on 14 field goals and 25 extra points.[ 9]
Nick Krause led the team with 94 total tackles, including 56 solo tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss.[ 9] Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 8/30/2012 at Findlay Findlay, OH L 10–451,673
9/6/2012 Wisconsin–La Crosse W 24–62,467
9/15/2012 at Ohio Dominican L 7–471,152
9/22/2012 Ashland Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 13–423,408
9/29/2012 at Hillsdale L 6–441,362
10/6/2012 Michigan Tech Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 17–414,954
10/13/2012 Grand Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 38–102,217
10/20/2012 at Wayne State (MI) L 31–383,119
10/27/2012 at Northwood W 21–131.012
11/3/2012 Saginaw Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 33–281,733
11/10/2012 Ferris State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 31–322,543
The 2013 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2013 NCAA Division II football season . In their second year under head coach Chris Ostrowsky , the Wildcats compiled a 3–7 record (3–7 in conference games), finished in a tie for last place in the GLIAC's North Division, and were outscored by a total of 342 to 235.[ 10]
The team's statistical leaders included:
Shaye Brown completed 94 of 184 passes (51.09%) for 1,194 yards, seven touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 111.63 efficiency rating.[ 10]
Wyatt Jurasin tallied 545 rushing yards on 145 carries for an average of 3.8 yards per carry.[ 10]
Christian Jessie led the team with 724 receiving yards and an average of 15.4 yards per reception.[ 10]
Marcus Tucker led the team with 49 receptions for 674 yards.[ 10]
Kicker John Oberheide was the team's leading scorer with 39 points on seven field goals and 18 extra point kicks.[ 10]
Nick Krause led the team with 83 total tackles.[ 10] Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/14/2013 Findlay W 41–312,327
9/21/2013 Ohio Dominican Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 23–304,102
9/28/2013 at Ashland L 24–524,118
10/5/2013 Hillsdale Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 17–271,704
10/12/2013 at Michigan Tech L 7–312,862
10/19/2013 at Grand Valley State L 17–4813,391
10/26/2013 Wayne State (MI) Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 33–214,103
11/2/2013 Northwood Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 34–151,672
11/9/2013 at Saginaw Valley State L 17–526,257 [ 11] 11/16/2013 at Ferris State L 22–351,634
The 2014 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2014 NCAA Division II football season . In their third year under head coach Chris Ostrowsky , the Wildcats compiled a 3–8 record (2–8 in conference games), tied for 13th place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 314 to 281.[ 12]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/6/2014 Northwood L 13–233,325
9/13/2014 at Quincy * W 31–141,509
9/20/2014 at Hillsdale L 10–132,017
9/27/2014 Michigan Tech Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 31–346,427
10/4/2014 at Saginaw Valley State L 7–144,110
10/11/2014 at Malone L 35–422,200
10/18/2014 Wayne State (MI) Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 33–303,461
10/25/2014 at Ashland L 14–443,130
11/1/2014 Walsh Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 24–271,205
11/8/2014 at Ferris State L 17–352,465
11/15/2014 Findlay Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 66–381,137
The 2015 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2015 NCAA Division II football season . In their fourth year under head coach Chris Ostrowsky , the Wildcats compiled a 5–6 record (4–6 in conference games), tied for 10th place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 357 to 315.[ 13]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/5/2015 at Northwood Midland, MI L 7–203,005
9/12/2015 Quincy * W 31–142,820
9/19/2015 Hillsdale Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 32–244,289
9/26/2015 at Michigan Tech L 23–243,918
10/3/2015 Saginaw Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 36–341,523
10/10/2015 Malone Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 41–132,347
10/17/2015 at Wayne State (MI) L 31–341,994
10/24/2015 Ashland Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 40–412,576
10/31/2015 at Walsh Tom Benson Stadium Canton, OH W 35–171,655
11/7/2015 Ferris State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 39–492,557
11/14/2015 at Findlay Findlay, OH L 42–45797
The 2016 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2016 NCAA Division II football season . In their fifth and final year under head coach Chris Ostrowsky , the Wildcats compiled a 3–8 record (3–7 in conference games), tied for 10th place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 442 to 340.[ 14]
Jake Mayon led the team with 1,064 rushing yards on 185 carries for an average of 5.8 yards per carry. He also led the team in scoring with 84 points on 14 touchdowns.[ 14]
Quarterback Shaye Brown completed 216 of 370 passes (58.38%) for 2,372 yards, 23 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 130.58 efficiency rating.[ 14]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/3/2016 at Lake Erie W 38–351,400
9/10/2016 Angelo State * L 41–474,527
9/17/2016 at Grand Valley State L 24–5016,236
9/24/2016 Northwood Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 29–244,516
10/1/2016 Walsh Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 54–142,309
10/8/2016 at Saginaw Valley State L 13–417,103
10/15/2016 at Ferris State L 23–453,881
10/22/2016 Ohio Dominican Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 28–382,422
10/29/2016 Hillsdale Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 38–411,295
11/5/2016 Michigan Tech Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 45–513,610
11/12/2016 at Tiffin L 7–561,253
The 2017 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division II football season . In their first year under head coach Kyle Nystrom , the Wildcats compiled a 1–9 record (1–8 in conference games), finished in ninth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 303 to 172.[ 15]
The Wildcats hired Nystrom in December 2016 to take over as the school's head football coach. Nystrom had been the co-defensive coordinator at Ferris State. He spent two seasons at Ferris State and, before that, five season at Central Michigan and 13 seasons at Western Michigan.[ 16]
Running back Jake Mayon led the team with 1,377 rushing yards on 211 carries for an average of 6.5 yards per carry. He also led the team in scoring with 48 points on eight touchdowns.[ 14]
Quarterback Ryan Johnson completed 122 of 203 passes (60.1%) for 1,581 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions.[ 15]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/9/2017 at Angelo State * L 20–483,904
9/16/2017 at Ferris State L 10–426,042 [ 17] 9/23/2017 Davenport W 24–143,971
9/30/2017 at Michigan Tech L 21–282,979
10/7/2017 Ashland Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 13–382,550
10/14/2017 at Tiffin L 24–351,120
10/21/2017 Saginaw Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 12–202,393
10/28/2017 at Grand Valley State L 3–2812,075
11/4/2017 at Wayne State (MI) L 24–262,954
11/11/2017 Northwood Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 21–241,576
The 2018 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2018 NCAA Division II football season . In their second year under head coach Kyle Nystrom , the Wildcats compiled a 3–8 record (1–7 in conference games), tied for last place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 333 to 291.[ 18]
Running back Jake Mayon led the GLIAC with 1,505 rushing yards on 262 carries for an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He also led the team in scoring with 84 points on 14 touchdowns.[ 18]
Quarterback Latrell Giles completed 60 of 114 passes (52.6%) for 989 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions.[ 18]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/1/2018 at McKendree * L 28–341,564
9/8/2018 UT Permian Basin * W 27–222,174
9/15/2018 Grand Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 14–472,042
9/22/2018 Ferris State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 19–354,642
9/29/2018 at Davenport L 30–311,844
10/6/2018 Northwood Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 24–272,119
10/13/2018 at Saginaw Valley State L 10–306,100
10/20/2018 Lawrence Tech * Superior Dome Marquette, MI W 65–72,843
10/27/2018 Michigan Tech Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 33–354,359
11/3/2018 at Wayne State (MI) W 34–242,057
11/10/2018 at Ashland Ashland, OH L 7–411,524 [ 19]
The 2019 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team represented Northern Michigan University as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2019 NCAA Division II football season . In their second year under head coach Kyle Nystrom , the Wildcats compiled a 1–9 record (0–8 in conference games), finished in last place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 319 to 152.[ 20]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source 9/7/2019 McKendree * W 30–92,115
9/14/2019 at UT Permian Basin * L 24–404,701 [ 21] 9/21/2019 Davenport Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 7–213,611
9/28/2019 at Ferris State L 10–385,412
10/5/2019 Wayne State (MI) Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 14–272,533
10/12/2019 at Michigan Tech Houghton, MI L 20–242,608
10/19/2019 Grand Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 17–452,685
11/2/2019 at Northwood Midland, MI L 10–281,021
11/9/2019 Saginaw Valley State Superior Dome Marquette, MI L 10–561,522
11/16/2019 at Ashland Ashland, OH L 10–311,202
^ Delta = the difference between points scored and points allowed^ a b c d e f "2010 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 20, 2025 .^ "Northern Michigan University 49 Findlay 10" . The Lima News . September 12, 2010. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Grand Valley State's focus all on Northern Michigan" . The Grand Rapids Press . October 5, 2010. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com .^ Michael Zuidema (October 10, 2019). "Lakers hold on to early lead: GVSU improves to 6-0 on season" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C6 – via Newspapers.com . ^ "Saginaw Valley tops Northern in overtime" . Lansing State Journal . November 7, 2010. p. 8D – via Newspapers.com .^ a b c d e f g h "2011 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 20, 2025 .^ a b "N. Michigan hires Ostrowsky as coach" . The Herald-Palladium . December 1, 2011. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com .^ a b c d e f g h "2012 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 20, 2025 .^ a b c d e f g "2013 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 20, 2025 .^ "SVSU vs. Northern Michigan: Defense key to avoid spoiling Senior Day" . The Bay City Times . November 8, 2013. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .^ "2014 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ "2015 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ a b c d "2016 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ a b "2017 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ Peter J. Wallner (August 8, 2017). "Former Ferris State assistant coach to be challenged at Northern Michigan" . The Flint Journal . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com . ^ "Ferris Rolls" . The Grand Rapids Press . September 19, 2017. p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .^ a b c "2018 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ "AU Eagles hope to send seniors out with a win" . The News Journal . November 10, 2018. p. 1B – via Newspapers.com .^ "2019 Football Cumulative Statistics" . Northern Michigan University. Retrieved April 21, 2025 .^ Lee Scheide (September 16, 2019). "Going strong: UTPB prevails in key moments for second consecutive win" . The Odessa American . pp. 1B, 2B – via Newspapers.com .
Venues Culture & lore People Seasons National championship seasons in bold
