Huskies’ defense forces five turnovers
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech football team improved to 2-0 after a 48-27 victory over Midwestern State on Saturday at Kearly Stadium. It was the sixth straight home-opening victory for the Huskies, who forced five turnovers in the game.
“With the talent they have, coming out with a 21-point victory, we’ll take that every time,” Tech coach Dan Mettlach said. “Holding their offense to only seven points in the first half was big, and our skill guys–especially at key times—were the difference-makers today.”
Tech jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter. The defense generated three turnovers in the first quarter alone. Jamison Stamps picked off Kaden Brown on a third and 12 and returned it eight yards. From there, Tech marched 56 yards in seven plays capped off by a 16-yard pass from Elliott Larner to Bryce Kurncz. Avery Kucharski added the extra point.
Chase Koch set up the second touchdown of the game with his second interception of the game in the second quarter. His 34-yard return set up the Huskies on the 10-yard line. Elliott Larner had a one-yard jump into the end zone after a three-play drive, and Kucharski added the extra point.
MSU turned the ball over on downs on its next drive, and the Huskies went back to work along with the help of a few defensive penalties. Jake Rueff scored from eight yards out for his first of two touchdowns on the day. Kucharksi made it 21-0.
Tech had a failed onside kick attempt, and the Mustangs were in business from the 41. They scored their first points on a one-yard run up the middle after a seven-play, 41-yard drive that was aided by a 28-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage.
The Huskies scored two more times before halftime. Twins Elliott Larner and Abram Larner connected on a 53-yard touchdown with 1:20 left, and the extra point made it 28-7.
After a three-and-out, Tech got the ball back with 37 seconds left on the 33. Elliott and Abram connected on four straight passing plays to set up a 51-yard field goal try with two seconds left. Avery Kucharski tied a school record, nailing the 51-yarder for a 31-7 halftime lead. Kucharski tied Doug Furnstahl, who hit from 51 on Oct .17, 1978, at Moorhead State.
The Mustangs scored the only touchdown of the third with a 78-yard pitch-and-catch from Kaden Brown to Aanjay Feliciano.
Avery Kucharski hit a 28-yard field goal with 4:27 left in the third to make it 34-14.
The teams combined for four touchdowns in the fourth. MSU scored five seconds in after an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Dominic Cox finished it off with a four-yard run.
Connor Briones jumped on a muffed punt reception at the 11-yard line to set up the home team. Jake Rueff ran into the end zone for his second score and a 40-21 lead with 10:28 remaining.
MSU quickly went 78 yards in 1:42 to score their final points of the game. Kaden Brown found Case Peacock from 16 yards out.
Tech managed the clock well down the stretch with nine straight rushes and went 80 yards in 5:12 on its last scoring drive. Elliott Larner had a 45-yard run and finished the drive with a one-yard rumble into the end zone followed by a successful two-point conversion.
The Huskies forced another turnover on downs and ran out the clock.
Elliott Larner finished the day 14-of-22 for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Rueff ran for 113 yards on 18 attempts and two scores. Abram Larner had seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Nic Nora caught four balls for 95 yards.
MSU quarterback Kaden Brown was 26-for-46 for 328 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Joseph Dodds had 70 yards on the ground for the visitors with a score, and Fabian Baez had eight catches for 63 yards.
Chase Koch led the Huskies’ defense with 10 tackles, including two for loss with a sack, and two interceptions. Dakota Blackwell, Jaiden Bolden, and Mahdi Sabbagh all tallied seven tackles. Jamison Stamps had four breakups and an interception.
“Jake’s effort is there every day, so it was good to see him have a big day,” added Mettlach. “Chase’s two interceptions were critical to our success, and Avery has the leg talent. It was impressive for him to come back after missing an early field goal to hit that one from 51.”
Tech hits the road next weekend for a long trip to Emporia, Kansas, to take on Emporia State for another non-conference game. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Eastern.
