1974 Michigan Tech Huskies football team

Last updated

1974 Michigan Tech Huskies football
NIC champion
Conference Northern Intercollegiate Conference
Record9–0 (6–0 NIC)
Head coach
Home stadiumSherman Field
Seasons
 1973
1975 
1974 Northern Intercollegiate Conference football standings
ConfOverall
TeamW L TW L T
Michigan Tech $ 6 0 09 0 0
St. Cloud State 5 1 05 5 0
Winona State 3 3 05 4 0
Moorhead State 3 3 04 5 0
Southwest State (MN) 2 4 04 5 0
Minnesota Morris 2 4 03 7 0
Bemidji State 0 6 02 7 0
  • $ Conference champion

The 1974 Michigan Tech Huskies football team was an American football team that represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1974 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics NAIA season. In their second year under head coach Jim Kapp, the Huskies compiled a perfect 9–0 record, won the NIC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 269 to 90. [1] [2] It was Michigan Tech's first perfect season since the 1948 team went 7–0. It was also the program's first nine-win season, [3] and its fourth NIC championship in six years. [4]

Contents

The team played its home games on Sherman Field in Houghton, Michigan.

Schedule

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 7at Northwood * Midland, MI W 15–131,500 [5]
September 14at Alma * Alma, MI W 21–102,500
September 21at St. Cloud State St. Cloud, MN W 3–03,000 [6] [7]
September 28 Winona State
W 32–212,500 [8] [9]
October 5at Bemidji State Bemidji, MN W 62–63,250 [10]
October 12 Moorhead State
  • Sherman Field
  • Houghton, MI
W 19–03,800 [11]
October 19at Minnesota Morris Morris, MN W 24–122,300 [12]
October 26 Southwest State (MN)
  • Sherman Field
  • Houghton, MN
W 76–282,700 [4]
November 2 Ferris State *
  • Sherman Field
  • Houghton, MI
W 17–02,100 [13]
  • *Non-conference game

[14]

Jim Van Wagner

Jim Van Wagner, a 195-pound sophomore tailback from Novi, Michigan, led the team with 1,452 rushing yards, [13] breaking Michigan Tech's single-season record set by Larry Ras in 1971. [2] He led all Division II players with an average of 161.4 rushing yards per game. [2] [15] Sports Illustrated wrote of Van Wagner:

As a soph in 1974 he led Division II in rushing with 1,453 yards. Archie Griffin and Anthony Davis made national headlines, but that November VanWagner had perhaps the most productive month a running back ever had. He gained 231 yards in just 16 carries against Bemidji, rushed a conference record 48 times for 217 yards in a win over Minnesota-Morris that clinched the Northern Intercollegiate Conference title and then rambled through Southwest State for 286 yards and six touchdowns in 30 carries. [16]

Records and awards

In a 76–28 victory over Southwest State (MN), the Huskies set several NIC single-game records, including total offense (670 yards), rushing yards (511), touchdowns (11), and points (76). Van Wagner also established new individual single-game records against Southwest State with 286 rushing yards and six touchdowns. [4]

After the season, Jim Kapp was named "NIC Football Coach of the Year", and six Michigan Tech players received first-team honors on the 1974 All-NIC team selected by the conference coaches. The first-team players were: sophomore tailback Jim Van Wagner; senior fullback Keith Morrison; senior tight end Dave Sprik; senior offensive guard Dan Rhude; junior offensive guard Tom Van Wagner; and junior linebacker Kurt Anderson. Rhude also received the NIC's "Glen Galligan Award" as the NIC's outstanding senior student-athlete. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference</span> NCAA Division II athletic conference

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level, which operates in the Upper Midwest of the United States. Nine of its members are in Minnesota, with three members in South Dakota, two members in North Dakota, and one member in Nebraska. It was founded in 1932. With the recent NSIC expansion, the original six member schools have been reunited.

Lorenzo Dexter White is an American former football running back.

The 1975 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1975 Big Ten Conference football season. In it seventh season under head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan compiled an 8–2–2 record, outscored all opponents by a total of 324 to 130, and was ranked No. 8 in the final AP and UPI polls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1984 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1984 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 16th season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 6–6 record and outscored opponents by a total of 214 to 200. It was the only team in Michigan's 21 seasons under coach Schembechler that did not finish its season with a winning record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1983 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1983 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1983 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 15th season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 9–3 record, lost to Auburn in the 1984 Sugar Bowl, and outscored all opponents by a total of 355 to 160.

The 1973 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1973 Big Ten Conference football season. In his fifth year as Michigan's head coach, Bo Schembechler led the team to a 10–0–1 record. It was Michigan's first undefeated season since 1948. The Wolverines outscored their opponents 330 to 68. Michigan was ranked No. 6 in both of the major post-season polls. Two other selectors, the National Championship Foundation and the Poling System, recognize Michigan as a co-national champion for the 1973 season.

The 1972 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1972 Big Ten Conference football season. In their fourth season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1 record, outscored opponents 264–57, and were ranked sixth in both final polls. Offensive guard Tom Coyle and defensive back Randy Logan were the team captains.

The 1971 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1971 Big Ten Conference football season. In their third season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled an 11–1 record, outscored opponents 421 to 83, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and were ranked No. 4 in the final UPI Poll and No. 6 in the final AP Poll. Defensive back Frank Gusich and center Guy Murdock were the team captains.

The 1970 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1970 Big Ten Conference football season. In their second season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 9–1 record, tied for second place in the conference, and outscored opponents by a total of 288 to 90. Michigan's victories included intersectional contests with Arizona (20–9), Washington (17–3), and Texas A&M (14–10). The team won its first nine games before losing to rival Ohio State and was ranked No. 7 in the final UPI Poll and No. 9 in the final AP Poll

The 1956 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1956 Big Ten Conference football season. In their ninth year under head coach was Bennie Oosterbaan, the Wolverines compiled a 7–2 record, outscored opponents 233 to 123, and finished the season in second place in the Big Ten Conference and ranked No. 7 in the final 1956 AP poll. The team played five of its nine games against ranked opponents, losing to No. 2 Michigan State by a 9–0 score and No. 15 Minnesota by a 20–7 score, but defeating No. 15 Army by a 48–14 score, No. 7 Iowa by a 17–14 score, and No. 12 Ohio State by a 19–0 score.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1956 Illinois Fighting Illini football team</span> American college football season

The 1956 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1956 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 15th year under head coach Ray Eliot, the Illini compiled a 2–5–2 record and finished in a tie for seventh place in the Big Ten Conference.

The 1954 Michigan State Normal Hurons football team represented Michigan State Normal College in the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) during the 1954 college football season. In their third season under head coach Fred Trosko, the Hurons compiled an 8–1 record, tied with Central Michigan for the IIAC championship, and outscored their opponents, 210 to 67. Nicholas Manych was the team captain. The Hurons lost to Central Michigan by a 28 to 7 score in the final game of the season, resulting in the two teams sharing the conference championship. Quarterback Bob Middlekauff led the team with 934 yards of total offense. Virgil Windom led the team with 530 rushing yards and in scoring with 11 touchdowns and 66 points. Middlekauf was also named MVP of the IIAC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2002 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their third season under head coach Mike DeBord, the Chippewas compiled a 4–8 record, finished in sixth place in the MAC's West Division, and were outscored by their opponents, 384 to 267. The team played its home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 103,865 in six home games.

The 1969 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) during the 1969 NCAA College Division football season. In their third season under head coach Roy Kramer, the Chippewas compiled a 7–3 record and outscored their opponents, 254 to 147. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Bob Miles with 305 passing yards, tailback Jesse Lakes with 1,263 rushing yards, and Dave Lemere with 239 receiving yards. On September 27, 1969, Lakes set a school record, rushing for 343 yards in a 41-6 victory over Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lakes broke Jim Podoley's record of 254 yards set in 1954. Lakes' record was broken in 1994 by Brian Pruitt. Tight end Dave Farris received the team's most valuable player award. Nine Central Michigan players received first-team honors on the All-IIAC team.

The 1964 Big Ten Conference football season was the 69th season of college football played by the member schools of the Big Ten Conference and was a part of the 1964 NCAA University Division football season.

The 1940 Marshall Thundering Herd football team was an American football team that represented Marshall University as a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference during the 1940 college football season. In its sixth season under head coach Cam Henderson, the team compiled an 8–2 record and outscored opponents by a total of 334 to 75. Marshall had a 2–0 record against WVIAC opponents, but did not play enough conference games to qualify for the WVAC standings. Jim Roberts and Andy D'Antoni were the team captains. Jackie Hunt set a new single-season college football record with 27 touchdowns scored.

The 2010 Minnesota–Duluth Bulldogs football team was an American football team that won the 2010 NCAA Division II national championship. The team was the first in NCAA Division II history to twice compile a perfect 15–0 record.

The 1965 Saint John's Johnnies football team was an American football team that represented Saint John's University as a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) during the 1965 NAIA football season. In their 13th season under head coach John Gagliardi, the Johnnies compiled an 11–0 record and won the MIAC championship. The team advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics playoff and won the NAIA national championship with a 33–0 victory over Linfield Wildcats in the Champion Bowl. It was the second of four national championships for the Saint John's Johnnies football program under head coach John Gagliardi.

The 1946 Minnesota Teachers College Conference football season was the season of college football played by the six member schools of the Minnesota Teachers College Conference as part of the 1946 college football season. Mankato State and Duluth State were co-champions of the conference. None of the Minnesota Teachers College Conference teams was ranked in the Associated Press poll or played in a bowl game.

The 1956 Northern Michigan Wildcats football team was an American football team that represented Northern Michigan College as an independent during the 1956 NCAA College Division football season. The team compiled a 7–0–1 record and outscored opponents by a total of 263 to 72. It remains Northern Michigan's only undefeated season since the 1929 season when the team compiled a 4–0–2 record.

References

  1. "Michigan Tech Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Gary Larson (November 8, 1974). "Michigan Tech waiting". St. Cloud Daily Times. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Michigan Tech Yearly Totals". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 "NIC Sport Review: Tech swamps Southwest to post unbeaten season". The Pioneer. Bemidji, Minnesota. November 1, 1974. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Michigan Tech clips Northwood". Battle Creek Enquirer and News. September 8, 1974. p. C2 via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Michigan Tech squeaks by St. Cloud". Battle Creek Enquirer and News. September 22, 1974. p. C3 via Newspapers.com.
  7. "MTU tops St. Cloud 3-0". The Winona Daily News. September 22, 1974. p. 21 via Newspapers.com.
  8. "MTU's James boys gun down WSC". The Winona Daily News. September 29, 1974. p. 23 via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Tech Sets Record Defeating Winona". Green Bay Press-Gazette. September 29, 1974. p. D4 via Newspapers.com.
  10. "Michigan Tech rolls, 62-6". Battle Creek Enquirer and News. October 6, 1974. p. C2 via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Tech Blanks Moorhead". Green Bay Press-Gazette. October 13, 1974. p. D8 via Newspapers.com.
  12. "Unbeaten Michigan Tech defeats Morris 24-12". Minneapolis Tribune. October 20, 1974. p. 9C via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 "Tech End Perfect, 17-0". Detroit Free Press. November 3, 1974. p. 6E via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Final 1974 Cumulative Football Statistics Report". National Collegiate Athletic Association . Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  15. "McMillan Dominates Division II Listings". San Angelo Standard. Associated Press. November 8, 1974. p. 3B via Newspapers.com.
  16. Mike Delnagro (October 11, 1976). "A Rambling Wreck for Another Tech: This One's in Michigan, Where Jim Van Wagner Is a Heckuva Runner". Sports Illustrated.
  17. "Whelan only Beaver on NIC All-Conference team". The Pioneer. Bemidji, Minnesota. November 20, 1974. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.