Michigan Tech Football Set for Wis.-Platteville
| Michigan Tech at UW-Platteville | |
| Date | Saturday, September 16, 2023 |
| Location |
Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, Platteville, Wis. |
| Time | 2 p.m. EST |
| Radio | Mix 93.5 FM WKMJ | Josh Ylitalo |
| Online Audio | Mix 93 WKMJ | Pasty.net |
| Video Stream | WIAC Network |
| Live Stats | Link |
| Game Notes | Notes vs. Wis.-Platteville |
| GLIAC FB | GLIAC Standings |
| Facebook.com/MichiganTechHuskies | |
| Twitter.com/mtufb | |
| Instagram.com/mtufb | |
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech football team is slated to face WIAC affiliate Wisconsin-Platteville for the second meeting ever at the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, set for a 2 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, September 16.
The Series
The Huskies and Pioneers met for the first time in the 100th year of Michigan Tech football a season ago, seeing the Huskies prevail 23-13. In the win, wide receiver Darius Willis posted two touchdown receptions in the second half.
About the Pioneers
In his second year at the helm of the Pioneers, head coach Ryan Munz sees his team start 2-0 with their season-opener win at Lakeland, posting an 80-13 victory (Aug. 31) and more recently besting Dubuque 35-19 on the road last Saturday (Sep. 9).
On the defensive end, Justin Blazek, who was an AFCA First-Team All-American a year ago, ran in two touchdowns, recorded one tackle for a loss of four yards, grabbed an interception for an 11-yard return, one pass breakup and three solo tackles. Tyler Bacon led the Pioneers with three sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss of 10 yards.
The Pioneers totaled 427 yards of total offense in the victory over Dubuque, passing for 292 yards with the additional 135 yards coming on the ground.
Michael Priami went 30-of-34, recording three touchdowns and one interception. Additionally, he had six carries, including a 43-yard run called down at the Dubuque 1-yard line. Priami's primary receiver was Garrett Stare, who was targeted 13 times for 107 yards, Ryan Doherty also recorded over 100 yards receiving coming off nine catches.
The Pioneers were tabbed to finish fifth in the WIAC Preseason Poll, where they finished a season ago going 5-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play.
About the Huskies
Michigan Tech impressed in its season-opener with a 45-20 victory over Hillsdale at Kearly Stadium on Saturday (Sep. 9). The win was the highest-scoring season-opener for the Huskies in over a decade, dating back to the 2012 season when the Huskies toppled Tiffin 51-15.
Alex Fries made his mark as the quarterback for the Huskies, getting his first career start for Michigan Tech, finishing with 258 yards of offense, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt. He went 18-of-27 and threw for three touchdowns. The Saginaw, Michigan, native also showcased his wheels, rushing eight times, highlighted by a 28-yard run.
Additionally, when Fries came out for a few plays in the second quarter, Joe Hartlieb stepped in for three plays, capping the drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Champney.
Speaking of, wide receiver Ethan Champney was targeted seven times, averaging 21.1 yards per catch, with two touchdowns in the game to lead the Black & Gold.
On the ground, running back Kolby Hindenach had his way with the Chargers, garnering eight carries for 72 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came from a 30-yard run to close the third quarter.
Junior Drew Wyble was automatic in the season-opening win, connecting on all six extra point attempts while converting on a 27-yard field goal attempt.
The Huskies defense was highlighted by an interception in the end zone from Sam Ahern, who had a similar play in the last meetup against Hillsdale, along with a scoop and score by defensive lineman Samuel Kinne, with compliments to Josh Cribben, who forced the fumble.