HOUGHTON, Mich. – The 102nd season of Michigan Tech football begins Thursday night in Bemidji, Minnesota, as the Huskies take to the road for the first-ever Division II week zero contest against No. 25 nationally-ranked Bemidji State at Chet Anderson Stadium slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Fans can follow the action on https://michigantechhuskies.com/live for live stats, live stream and radio play-by-play.Â
The Series
The Huskies and Beavers are foes of the past, playing 30 times between 1955 and 1993. The Black & Gold have won the last four contests against BSU with the series record at Bemidji also favoring the Huskies (9-5), with the 1993 contest being an emphatic 52-23 victory. The Beaver's last win against Michigan Tech was in 1989 (26-14). In total, MTU leads the series 21-10.
About the Beavers
Bemidji State entered the preseason polls among the top-25 in the AFCA (25th) and the D2football.com poll (20th). Marcus Hansen was selected as NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year as the Beavers were tabbed to finish fifth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.Â
Hansen, an Associated Press All-America Second Team and Don Hansen All-America Honorable Mention returns for his redshirt junior season following a decorated sophomore campaign, helping the Beavers advance to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs before bowing out to Central Washington and finishing with an overall record of 9-3.
Head coach Brent Bolte returns for his eighth season at the helm of the Beavers, having made the NCAA Division II playoffs the last three seasons. BSU has big holes to fill offensively with the graduation of Harlon Hill nominee quarterback Brandon Alt and All-American offensive tackle Ty Cobb, who were decorated contributors to BSU's postseason success over the last three seasons.
About the HuskiesÂ
Head coach Dan Mettlach returns for his second season at the helm of the Huskies after going 5-5 overall and 1-5 in league play in year one. The Huskies return Don Hansen All-America Honorable Mention punter Brenden Lach–one of the nation's top punters a season ago with a punting average of 44.6, which ranked first in the GLIAC and fourth nationally.
MTU brings back most of its starters from a season ago with a fiery offense managed by Alex Fries who threw for 1,859 yards and 14 touchdowns–both ranked second in the league. Fries has his top targets back in the all-time reception leader Darius Willis and Ethan Champney who impressed with a team-leading nine receiving touchdowns.Â
Defensively, the Huskies return three players who averaged over six total tackles Marc Sippel (9.3), Hunter Buechel (7.6) and Owen Watson (6.5). Defensive backs Dante Basanese and Sam Ahern have also been stifling for opposing offenses, each recording three interceptions a season ago.
The Huskies were tabbed to finish fifth in the GLIAC Coaches' Poll.
For more information on the Michigan Tech Football program, tickets or schedules, visit Michigantechhuskies.com, follow the Huskies on X (@MTUFB) and on Instagram (@mtufball).
