CFB D2 Game Preview: MSU Moorhead Dragons (0-0) vs. Northern Michigan Wildcats (0-0)

Game Details

Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET

Superior Dome

Preview Summary

The MSU Moorhead Dragons make their first trip to the Superior Dome, aiming to build on a late-season surge, while the Northern Michigan Wildcats look to avenge last year’s overtime loss at Moorhead. Expect a physical ground game from Moorhead to clash with NMU’s balanced spread offense and opportunistic defense in this Week 0 showdown.

Season Context

MSU Moorhead closed 2024 with a 7–4 record (5–4 NSIC), fueled by a strong finish under veteran head coach Steve Laqua. The Dragons return their starting offensive line and feature a versatile quarterback looking to take the next step in his second season as the full-time starter. Northern Michigan ended 2024 at 8–3, narrowly missing the NCAA Division II playoff field despite ranking inside the top 15. Third-year head coach Mike Faragher shoulders high expectations after installing a tempo-driven spread scheme and anchoring his defense with several All-conference performers.

Team Overviews

MSU Moorhead Dragons

Head Coach: Steve Laqua (10th season)

2024 Record: 7–4 (5–4 NSIC)

Offense:

QB Trevor Wink (SR) threw for 2,050 yards and 15 TDs, added 400 rushing yards

RB Jack Phillips (JR) averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 180 attempts

Five returning starters on the offensive line anchor the run game

Defense:

LB Jordan Henderson (SR): team-high 75 tackles, 8 TFL

DE Mason Jones (JR): 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles

Northern Michigan Wildcats

Head Coach: Mike Faragher (3rd season)

2024 Record: 8–3 (independent)

Offense:

QB Ethan Fisher (RS-SR) passed for 2,300 yards and 18 TDs

RB Xavier Wilson (SR) rushed for 1,050 yards with 12 TDs

Three returning starters in the receiving corps provide veteran targets

Defense:

LB Cole Bidwell (SR): led team with 85 tackles and 4.0 TFL

DB Jalen Davis (JR): four interceptions and nine pass breakups

Key Storylines

Revenge Motive: Northern Michigan lost in OT at Moorhead a season ago—can the Wildcats settle the score on home turf?

Front Seven Battle: Moorhead’s power-run identity faces NMU’s gap-control defense; the trench warfare will dictate field position.

Early-Season Schemes: Both teams debut new wrinkles—watch how quickly Moorhead adapts to NMU’s tempo and how the Wildcats handle disciplined two-gap runs.

Tactical Matchups

Dragons’ Rushing Attack vs. Wildcats’ Front: Expect inside-zone and power schemes; NMU’s defenders must string out runs and tackle downhill.

Wildcats’ Spread Concepts vs. Moorhead’s Secondary: Quick tempo, screen game, and play-action fakes will test the Dragons’ communication and tackling in space.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting at the Superior Dome, though the clubs split a pair of tight battles in Moorhead in 2018 and 2024.

What to Watch

First-Quarter Rushing Battle: Who wins the early trench fight and sets the physical tone?

Third-Down Efficiency: Can Moorhead stay on the field, or will NMU’s front force quick punts?

Turnover Margin: Early giveaways in Week 0 often swing field position dramatically.