Northern Michigan University quarterback Drake Davis, center, awaits a shotgun snap during a game earlier this season in the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Photo courtesy NMU)

ALLENDALE — Grand Valley State both proved why it’s the No. 1 team in NCAA Division II and that it wouldn’t overlook Northern Michigan University in their GLIAC football game on Saturday.

Coming off what had to be an emotional 22-21 victory over previous No. 1 Ferris State a week earlier, the Lakers steamrolled NMU 56-3 in Allendale on Saturday.

GVSU rolled up a 478-146 advantage in total yards, more than making up for the Lakers having the game’s one single turnover.

GVSU was especially dominant on the ground, rolling up a 268-18 yardage edge, despite none of nine rushers having more than 58 yards.

Their passing wasn’t too shabby either as a trio of quarterbacks combined to complete 15 of 23 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Like on the ground, the Lakers had no dominant receiver, with nine players making catches, none more than three catches nor for more than 59 yards.

Northern countered with QB Zach Keen, who completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with no TDs but no pickoffs either. Running back Tyshon King led the Wildcats in both receiving and rushing, making six catches for 68 yards and running 12 times for 20 yards.

NMU scored its points midway through the first quarter when Daniel Riser connected on a 39-yard field goal to get the Wildcats within 7-3. The field goal ended a seven-play, 44-yard drive that began after GVSU scored the first points of the game on an 87-yard punt return by Darrell Johnson with 12:07 left.

But GVSU wouldn’t allow any more points, instead scoring another TD later in the opening quarter and three more in the second period for a 35-3 halftime lead.

Tariq Reid scored twice on runs of 2 and 12 yards by halftime.

Defensively, the Wildcats were led by Tavion McCarthy and DJ Hutcherson with 11 tackles apiece, while Antonio Howard and Mequon Hudson each had nine.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.