The Basics

Score: Northern Michigan 36 - Saginaw Valley 34
Records: NMU (3-2, 2-2 GLIAC) | SVSU (0-5, 0-4 GLIAC)
Location: Superior Dome - Marquette, Mich. 

MARQUETTE - The SVSU football team traveled to Marquette on Saturday afternoon for a matchup between GLIAC North Division Opponents. The Cardinals built a 14-13 halftime lead and scored 20 second half points but a botched point after conversion for the Wildcats turned into a two-point conversion that proved to be crucial in SVSU's 36-34 defeat in the Upper Peninsula.

The Wildcats claimed a 7-0 advantage on their opening drive and capped-off a 6-play, 75 yard drive to take the lead.

SVSU responded with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter, as Brad Odeman Jr. hooked up with Max Corcoran on a 15 yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 7-7 at the 8:42 mark of the quarter. The second score came when Drew Herrell finished off an eight play, 59 yard drive with a 14 yard touchdown run to make the score 14-7 in the Cardinals' favor after an Alex Kenrick PAT.

Northern Michigan answered with a score when 2:20 was showing on the clock in the first half on a touchdown run but the extra point kick failed and the Cardinals carried a 14-13 advantage into the halftime break.

The Wildcats would score again at the 11:40 marker of the third quarter on a 49 yard pass play. On the point after attempt, a bad snap resulted in a run from the holder for the conversion to make the score 21-14. 

Odeman connected with Bryan Fobbs on a 22 yard touchdown strike at the 6:27 marker of the third quarter to even the score at 21-21 after the extra point. 

The Wildcats responded with a scoring drive of their own when they connected on a 31 yard touchdown pass but their botched extra point try resulted in a two point conversion to give the home team a 29-21 advantage. 

Northern would add another score at the 11:26 mark of the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 36-21. 

Jermaih Johnson scored on a five yard touchdown run with 9:47 to play to make the score 36-28 after another Kenrick PAT. 

The Cardinals drove down the field with time expiring and Odeman connected on a short TD pass to tight end Will Farr to make the score 36-34. 

The botched point after for the Wildcats that resulted in two points for the home team forced the Cardinals to go for two points to tie the game.

The point after and potential game-tying two point attempt try failed and the Wildcats held the two point advantage with just 23 seconds on the clock. 

The attempted on-side kick went out of bounds and the 'Cats were able to kneel out the clock for the 36-34 victory.

Inside the Boxscore

• The Cardinals notched 464 yards of total offense in comparison to the Wildcats' 276.
• Odeman completed 21-of-38 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
• Drew Herrell notched a career-high 110 yard on 22 attempts with a touchdown while Jermaih Johnson added a score on eight rushes for 46 yards.
• Fobbs had seven grabs for 107 yards and a touchdown, averaging 15.3 yards per-catch.
• Corcoran had five catches for 42 yards and a score while Farr had one grab for a touchdown, the first of his career.
• Bryan Jones led the defense once again with nine tackles, including a forced fumble.
• Dwight Trammer had six stops as well while Jack Jennings had four tackles and a pair of sacks. 

Meijer "Player of the Game"

Fobbs earned Meijer Player of the Game honors after hauling-in seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. 

From SVSU Head Coach Jim Collins

"Once again, it was good to see our team compete to the bitter end but there are no medals for trying. We have to continue to work hard as a team and improve so that we can do better at the things that it takes to win." 

Up Next for the SVSU...

Saginaw Valley hosts #13 Ashland University on Saturday (Oct. 10) in a 7:00 p.m. matchup at Wickes Stadium. The Eagles are coming off a 42-17 victory at Malone on Saturday. 

@svsu_football | #svsufball