DETROIT – After a pair of tough road losses to top-25 teams, the Saginaw Valley State University football team got back on track with a one-sided victory over Wayne State University, topping the Warriors in a non-conference contest Saturday in Detroit.
The first quarter was scoreless, but the Cardinals (2-2) took control starting in the second, scoring 17 points in the frame to pull away from the Warriors (0-4). SVSU cruised to the win, limiting the Warriors to 30 yards in the first half and 214 total yards on the night, as the Cardinals earned the 41-21 victory.
After the scoreless first quarter, reigning Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week Connor Luksic capped a 10-play, 45-yard drive with a 20-yard field goal with 9:50 to play in the first half.
The Cardinal defense forced a three-and-out on the next Warrior possession and marched 52 yards on eight plays, scoring the game's first touchdown as Tommy Scott rushed the ball in from six yards out to make it 10-0. SVSU added a 23-yard touchdown pass from Matt Considine to Isaiah Johnson-Mack just before the break to build the advantage to 17-0.
SVSU took the opening kickoff of the third quarter and went 58 yards on nine plays, adding a Luksic 36-yard field goal. Johnson-Mack closed a drive later in the third with his second touchdown of the game, this time on the ground from one yard out, pushing the lead to 27-0.
The Warriors got on the board early in the fourth with a 57-yard touchdown pass from Chase Churchill to Trevonte Davis. WSU made the game interesting after returning a fumble for a touchdown to momentarily cut the SVSU lead to 13 points.
On the next possession, the Cardinals went 54 yards on nine plays, with Scott closing the drive with a 3-yard touchdown. Wayne State added a touchdown catch with 4:45 to play as Churchill hit Myren Harris for 32 yards.
Scott put the game away, taking the first snap of the next SVSU possession, bursting through the line, and past the Warrior defense for a 43-yard touchdown run, his third of the game.
Inside the Box Score:
- Tommy Scott named the Meijer Player of the Game
- Scott with 21 carries for 150 yards and 3 TDs
- Chris Nelson with 14 carries for 48 yards
- Casey Williams with team-high 10 receptions for 99 yards
- Matt Considine 24-36 for 217 yards and 1 TD
- Victor Abraham 7 tackles, 1 QBH
- Josh Fusco 5 tackles
- Michael Woolridge 5 tackles
- Trevor Nowaske 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
- Nathan Talakai 3 tackles, 2 sacks
- Marvin White 1 INT returned for 38 yards
From Head Coach Ryan Brady:
"The difference tonight is that we executed at a higher level on both sides of the football. Our defense's physicality overpowered them. We created turnovers again tonight and we were relentless upfront. Offensively, we took care of the rock, played with great balance, and converted on 3rd down all night long."
"Lastly, I just want to thank all of our fans, friends, family, and supporters that came out and supported us tonight. The Visitor stands were packed! Can't wait to See you all at home next week! We've traveled nearly 2,000 miles in the month of September. We're excited to get back to Harvey Wickes Randall Memorial Field."
Up Next:
SVSU returns home to host the Battle of the Valleys against Grand Valley State University at 3 pm next Saturday at Wickes Stadium.