In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies Houghton, home to Michigan Technological University and its proud NCAA Division II football program—the Michigan Tech Huskies. As a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), the Huskies have a storied legacy of gritty football, academic rigor, and community pride. The 2023 season brought a mix of triumphs, trials, and plenty of learning moments for the team and coaching staff under Head Coach Steve Olson.
TLDR:
Michigan Tech’s 2023 football season was marked by a balanced performance, with key victories against regional rivals and close losses that tested the team’s resolve. Quarterback play, strong defensive showings, and special teams highlights punctuated the year, while injuries and inexperience created challenges. The Huskies finished mid-pack in the GLIAC, showing promise for future campaigns. Coach Olson and his staff are focused on developing young talent and strengthening all three phases of the game.
2023 Season Overview
The Michigan Tech Huskies completed the 2023 football season with a 5-6 overall record and 3-4 in conference play. The results place them squarely in the middle of the highly competitive GLIAC, which features perennial powerhouses like Ferris State and Grand Valley State.
Coach Olson, leading the team for his seventh season, emphasized growth and resilience, themes that resonated throughout the campaign. The Huskies opened the season with a convincing win over Hillsdale, setting a tone of physical play and deep commitment. However, the road ahead was filled with ups and downs.
Their season highlights included:
- Week 1 Victory: A 27-14 win over Hillsdale College showcased the defense’s early-season form and a balanced offensive effort.
- Homecoming Triumph: A thrilling overtime victory against Northern Michigan brought joy to the fans at Sherman Field and extended the Huskies’ lead in the Miner’s Cup rivalry.
- Strong Close to the Year: A solid late-season road win against Wayne State helped close out the year on a more positive note.
Yet, inconsistency plagued some of their matchups, especially against top-tier opponents like Ferris State, where execution and depth proved to be the major differences.
Image not found in postmetaKey Player Performances
The Huskies saw several standout contributions on both sides of the ball. Anchoring the offense was quarterback Will Ark, who returned for his senior campaign. Ark passed for over 1,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and showed improved poise in the pocket. Though the offensive line struggled with injuries, Ark’s mobility and leadership helped keep the offense competitive.
Running back Jared Smith was the workhorse for the team, rushing for 900+ yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. His downhill running style and ability to grind out tough yards were central to Michigan Tech’s offensive identity.
Defensively, linebacker Marvin Wright earned All-GLIAC Second Team honors after leading the team in tackles and serving as a vocal leader. He was often the emotional heartbeat of a defense that surrendered fewer than 25 points per game in six contests.
On special teams, kicker Drew Wyble was nearly perfect on extra points and had multiple field goals from beyond 40 yards, offering a reliable scoring option when red zone efficiency declined.
Coaching Reflections and Strategy Shifts
Coach Steve Olson and his assistants focused this season on simplifying schemes while giving young players significant reps. Several underclassmen started on both sides, gaining valuable experience that should pay dividends in 2024.
The offensive strategy leaned heavily on short-to-intermediate passes and clock control, while the defensive plan emphasized zone coverage and gap discipline. Olson noted in a recent interview:
“We’ve built something strong here, and though this season didn’t yield a playoff berth, it was instrumental in developing our depth. You’ll see the results in the years to come.”
One area where the coaching staff made notable in-season adjustments was third-down efficiency. By midseason, the team improved to convert on nearly 45% of third downs—up from 34% early in the year.
Rivalry Games and Fan Engagement
No season would be complete without mentioning the ultra-competitive Miner’s Cup battle with regional rival Northern Michigan. Michigan Tech came out on top once again, extending their winning streak in the series to 13 straight games. The emotional win energized the fan base and revitalized the atmosphere at Sherman Field.
The 2023 season also saw increased student participation and record turnout for key games. The athletic department launched new fan engagement initiatives, including:
- Live postgame interviews with players
- Improved concessions and seating enhancements
- Partnerships with local radio for broader game coverage
These enhancements have laid the groundwork for a refreshed game day culture focused on support, spirit, and sportsmanship.
Challenges Faced
Several injuries, especially along the defensive line and secondary, significantly impacted depth and rotation efficiency. Additionally, red zone conversion rates were underwhelming, with the team scoring touchdowns on only 48% of red zone trips.
Turnover margin also proved to be a sticking point. The Huskies finished the season at -3 in turnover differential, largely due to fumbles and miscommunications in critical situations.
Lastly, the team often struggled defensively in the second half, allowing opponents to mount comebacks or stretch leads. This indicated conditioning and depth concerns, which Coach Olson acknowledged as off-season priorities.
Looking Ahead to 2024
Despite a sub-.500 season, the future remains promising for Michigan Tech Football. The coaching staff is optimistic about the development of several underclassmen, including freshman wide receiver Eli Johnson and defensive back Carter Emery, both of whom showed flashes of disruptive potential.
Among the early storylines for the 2024 season include:
- Quarterback succession plan: With Will Ark graduating, competition is expected at the QB position, potentially leading to a new-look offense.
- Defensive unit depth: New recruits and returning starters will be crucial in solidifying the team’s defense against the GLIAC’s premier offenses.
- Improved scheduling: The Huskies are expected to host more home games in 2024, giving them a better chance to control tempo from familiar turf.
Recruitment efforts have intensified across Michigan and nearby states, with the program emphasizing players who exude toughness and academic excellence—a dual commitment that epitomizes Michigan Tech’s values.
Conclusion
The 2023 Michigan Tech Huskies football season was a testament to the ongoing evolution of a program firmly rooted in tradition yet striving for breakthrough success. With resilience, accountability, and a surge of young talent, Michigan Tech continues to carve out its identity in Division II football, eyeing a brighter and more competitive future in 2024 and beyond. Husky fans and alumni alike can remain confident that the program is building toward sustained excellence, one hard-fought game at a time.
