CALEDONIA, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University football team won its fourth straight game, taking care of business in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference road matchup with Davenport University on Saturday.

The Cardinals held the Panthers to just 80 yards of total offense and forced five Davenport turnovers in a 24-3 victory. The win moves SVSU to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the GLIAC.

Tommy Scott rushed the ball 17 times for 98 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown. He added a 24-yard touchdown reception and was named the Meijer Player of the Game.

First Quarter:

• After Davenport took over at the SVSU 30-yard line in a late first-quarter drive, the Panthers got on the board with their only points of the contest. Bryan Plegue hit a 45-yard field goal to put Davenport up 3-0.

Second Quarter:

• SVSU tied the game early in the second as four-time, and reigning GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week Connor Luksic hit a field goal from 48 yards out.
• Colby Newburg found Casey Williams for a 55-yard touchdown pass midway through the second to make it 10-3.
• After Victor Abraham intercepted a pass for SVSU, Newburg tossed his second touchdown pass of the game to Tommy Scott from 24 yards out, putting SVSU up 17-3 with 6:05 to play in the half.

Third Quarter:

• Scott scored the final points of the game, breaking free for a 63-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.
• Nick Whiteside halted the ensuing Davenport drive an interception.

Fourth Quarter:

• Marvin White came away with the third SVSU interception of the game early in the fourth after Davenport drove into Cardinal territory.
• Michael Woolridge added an interception for the Cardinals in the closing minutes of the game.

Inside the Box Score

• SVSU outgained Davenport 256 to 80 in total offense.
• Colby Newburg was 5-of-11 passing for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He added 13 carries for 24 yards.
• Tommy Scott carried 17 times for 98 yards and score, adding one catch for 24 yards and another touchdown.
• Five different receivers caught one pass, led by Casey Williams with 55 yards and a touchdown.
• Luksic was 1-of-3 on field-goal attempts while hissing all three extra points. He punted five times for an average of 42.2 yards and a long of 59.
• Victor Abraham led the defense with seven tackles, 1.5 for a loss, an interception, and one pass breakup.
• Javarree Jackson had six tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.

From Head Coach Ryan Brady:

This was a big conference road win for us today.  It's never easy to go on the road and win in the GLIAC and I thought we played well.  We are playing great team football right now.  I'm really proud of the guys! They are playing with a lot of energy, intensity, and physicality. This group is as connected and cares about each other as much as any team I've ever been a part of. This is a really fun group to coach. 

I thought our defensive execution and game plan were outstanding today. Our defense held Davenport to 80 total yards of offense, 13 yards passing, and had 5 takeaways. Just an incredible performance by the players and great preparation by the coaches. 

Offensively, we were able to create some explosive plays for touchdowns which were critical against a solid defensive team and front seven like Davenport's. 

Our special teams continue to impact the game in a positive way for us.  I love the way we compete and execute in that phase.

Lastly, we have two guaranteed football games left in 2021. The guys know it is imperative that we finish! We are coming back home to play a tough NMU team on senior day. Excited to get back to work this week with this team.  Our dream is still alive!

Up Next:

The Cardinals return home to host Northern Michigan University on Senior Day at 1 pm next Saturday at Wickes Stadium.