The Michigan Tech Huskies football team traveled to Wisconsin-Platteville for their opening game on Saturday afternoon. The Huskies held the lead for most of the game, but in the end, they lost to Wisconsin-Platteville with a score of 24-21. The Pioneers received a chance to take the lead with 1:45 remaining in the game and capitalized on it with an interception. The Huskies now have a record of 2-0 for the season, while the Pioneers suffered their first loss and have a record of 2-1. Head coach Dan Metluck expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance, citing the five turnovers as a major factor in their loss. Despite the setback, Metluck acknowledged that the defense played well and emphasized the importance of learning from this experience.
Both teams had an unusual game offensively, resulting in three interceptions per team. The Huskies also struggled to maintain possession, with two fumbles. However, the veteran defense of the Huskies stepped up throughout the game, with Mark Sippel making a crucial interception with 1:06 left in regulation to seal the victory for Michigan Tech. Sippel also led the team in tackles with 14.
The Huskies started the game strong, winning the coin toss and holding the Pioneers to just five plays and 17 yards on their first drive. Michigan Tech’s offense made notable plays, with Colby Hindenach and Ethan Champney contributing with impressive runs. Hindenach scored the first touchdown of the game with an 8-yard pass from Alex Freese to Champney. The drive showcased Freese’s connection with Champney, with a 20-yard reception on third-and-one and a 30-yard connection leading to Hindenach’s touchdown.
Platteville had a chance to score on their next drive, but a missed 39-yard field goal attempt left them with nothing to show for it. However, they quickly bounced back with a big play, as Carl Richardson took over as quarterback and threw an 89-yard bomb for a touchdown. This brought the score to 14-7 in favor of the Huskies.
The Pioneers responded with a trick play near the end of the first half, scoring a touchdown at the 1-yard line. This tied the game at 14-14 with 2 minutes and 29 seconds remaining in the half. The Huskies’ defense made a key interception on Platteville’s next drive, with Sam Ahern reading the play perfectly and returning the interception for 22 yards. Michigan Tech’s offense capitalized on the turnover, driving down the field and scoring a touchdown to regain the lead at 21-14.
The second half started with both teams struggling offensively, resulting in multiple three-and-outs. Platteville managed to score a field goal, cutting the deficit to 21-17. This was followed by an interception by the Pioneers, giving them a chance to take the lead. They made another field goal, bringing the score to 21-20 with 9:11 remaining in the game.
Michigan Tech’s offense continued to struggle and was unable to capitalize on a key interception by Ahern, which gave them possession on Platteville’s 1-yard line. The Huskies were forced to punt after a six-play drive only gained six yards. The game ultimately came down to a crucial play, as a deflected pass resulted in Sippel’s game-winning interception. The final score was 24-21 in favor of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Despite the loss, there were some standout performances from Michigan Tech players. Will Marano had 20 carries for 59 yards, and both Champney and Darius Willis had over 100 yards receiving. Champney made 11 receptions for 143 yards, while Willis had 10 receptions for 123 yards. Sippel led the team in tackles with 14, followed by Josh Cribben with eight and Hunter Buckel with seven.
The Huskies’ next game will be a non-conference road game against Iowa in Fayette, Iowa. The game will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Stay updated with the latest news and more by subscribing to our newsletter.