MIDLAND, Mich. — Michigan Tech defeated Northwood 25-13
today to become the school's third eight-win team in the last 32
years of Huskies' football. Phil Milbrath rushed for 196 yards and
two touchdowns to help Tech finish with an 8-3 overall record and
7-3 conference slate.
The Huskies will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if they
will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Playoffs.
A majority of scoring came in the first half before rain showers
came to Hantz Stadium. Milbrath opened the game's scoring at the
2:50 mark of the first quarter with a 22-yard run. Northwood
answered as quarterback Steve McCollom kept the ball on an option
play.
Keith White gave the visitors the lead for good on an 18-yard pass
from Steve Short at the 8:40 mark of the second frame. The catch
was part of a five-catch, 89-yard day for White.
Milbrath scored again — this time from a yard out — to
put Tech on top 19-7 heading into the lockerroom.
Neither team scored on its opening second half drive, but the
Huskies broke the game open with 4:04 remaining in the third
quarter. Junior fullback Michael Macpherson plunged to paydirt from
a yard out for his first career rushing touchdown.
Tech's defense held the Timberwolves scoreless the entire second
half until 46 seconds were left in the game. McCollom found Mike
Rogers over the middle for a 38-yard strike. Short and company then
kneeled out the remaining clock.
"We did our job," said head coach Tom Kearly in reference to the
playoff situation. "It's a great season for us regardless of
whether we make the playoffs or not. Obviously, we'd love that
chance to get in.
"Phil was a real workhouse for us today, and our defense really
stepped up as well."
Short finished 14-of-20 passing for 233 yards and a touchdown. He
came within two yards of his own school record for passing yards in
a season with 2,192.
Punter Jon Mills averaged just 31.0 yards per kick, but had a great
day by putting all three punts inside the NU 20-yard line.
Safety Jesse Vandenberg and linebacker Michael Rittenour tied for
team-high honors in tackles with seven apiece. Tech was plus-one in
turnovers after recovering two Northwood fumbles.
Michigan Tech has wrapped up its regular season. The announcement
of the 24-team NCAA Division II field will be made between
3:00-3:30 p.m. on ESPNEWS.
Notes: The 2004 (9-2) and 1992 (9-1) teams are the only teams since
1976 to win eight or more games ... Milbrath finished the regular
season with 1,343 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.
