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Scott scores 3 TDs, Cardinals roll to 41-21 win over Warriors

Photo courtesy of Wayne State Athletics
Photo courtesy of Wayne State Athletics

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:

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."  

"In addition, we didn't give them anything. We made them Earn It! We talk about it all the time, the only team that can beat Saginaw is Saginaw."
 
"But this group has responded to my every challenge. These young men have had a growth mindset when facing adversity and difficult situations."
 
"I liked the way we responded in the fourth quarter after we gave up a few bad TDs, which was disappointing. But, the offense stepped right back up and took the ball back down the field and scored a TD on consecutive drives, and followed that up by running out the clock following multiple first downs."  
 
"Tommy had a great game. But I liked the way he responded after he fumbled and they scooped and scored. It says a lot about his character and his leadership."  
 
"I thought the offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage tonight. They continue to grow and improve each week. They kept Matt clean and he was able to play an efficient and effective game. We had great balance on offense tonight."
 
"Obviously, this was a big road win for us. SVSU had only beaten Wayne State once since 2013. We know our backs are against the wall. All of our goals and dreams are still for the taking. Proud of the coaches and players for the manner in which they continue to work, fight, and battle. Excited about the direction this program is heading."  

"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.