Venue: Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium, University Center, Michigan
Capacity: ~6,300
Special Event: Axe Bowl — annual rivalry game between the two mid-Michigan programs
Coverage: FloFootball / Local Radio via Cardinal Sports Network & Northwood Timberwolves Radio
Weather Forecast (University Center, MI)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild evening
Kickoff Temperature: ~74°F (23°C)
Wind: 5–7 mph from the southwest
Precipitation Chance: <10%
Impact: Ideal early-fall football weather — minimal effect on passing or kicking games
Injury Report
Saginaw Valley State Cardinals
QB1 (Probable) – Healthy after 2-TD performance vs. Gannon
RB1 (Probable) – 100+ yards rushing in Week 2, no reported injury
WR2 (Questionable) – Minor ankle sprain, limited in practice
LB1 (Probable) – Shoulder wrap, cleared for contact
Northwood Timberwolves
QB1 (Probable) – Expected to start after full participation in practice
RB1 (Questionable) – Hamstring tightness, game-time decision
CB1 (Out) – Knee injury, expected to miss 2–3 weeks
Recent Form
Saginaw Valley State
Week 1: Lost to Northeastern State 28–21
Week 2: Defeated Gannon 49–28 — explosive offense, +2 turnover margin
2024 Finish: 6–5 overall, 3–4 GLIAC
Northwood
Week 1: Defeated Northern Michigan 23–18 — defense held strong late
2024 Finish: 5–6 overall, 2–5 GLIAC
Series History
All-Time: Saginaw Valley State leads 33–14
Last Meeting: Sept. 14, 2024 — SVSU won 38–14, rushing for over 250 yards
Trend: Cardinals have won 10 straight in the series; last Northwood win came in 2012
Key Player Matchups
SVSU QB1 vs. Northwood Secondary: Cardinals’ vertical passing game vs. a Timberwolves defense missing a starting cornerback
Northwood RB1 vs. SVSU Front Seven: Timberwolves’ inside run game will test a Cardinals defense that allowed 150+ rushing yards in Week 1
Special Teams: SVSU’s kicker perfect on FGs this season; Northwood’s return unit averaging 22 yards per kick return
Betting Trends
SVSU is 7-3 ATS in last 10 home games vs. GLIAC opponents
Northwood is 3-7 ATS in last 10 road games
The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 SVSU games
Game Odds
Northwood Timberwolves 52.5
Saginaw Valley State Cardinals – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025
