The Saginaw Valley State University football team traveled upstate this past Saturday for its final road game of the regular season against Northern Michigan University.
The Cardinals, coming off a tough home loss against Davenport University, looked to regain its momentum and alive its playoff chances.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 7-0 lead thanks to an 80-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. However, the Cardinals’ offense found its stride and responded with 27 unanswered points. SVSU came out on top as it beat North Michigan by a score of 30-21.
The Cardinals improved its record to 7-3 overall and 2-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
After a scoreless first quarter, RB Isaiah Malcome put the Cardinals on the scoreboard with a 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter.
The goaline score capped off an impressive 12-play drive for the Cardinals’ offense. After an NMU missed field goal and a Cardinals turnover on downs, the Wildcats took a 7-6 lead into halftime.
Once the second half was underway, the Cardinals took control and found the endzone on three consecutive possessions. QB Jarius Grissom came away with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to begin the third quarter.
On the next Cardinals possession, RB Isaiah Malcome shined on special teams with a 51-yard punt return, setting up fellow RB Tyler Amos for another 1-yard rushing score. Collectively, the three players carried the load on offense as they combined for 218-yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.
Early on in the fourth quarter, QB Jarius Grissom connected with WR Jonah Meleski for a 13-yard touchdown pass. This was the Cardinals’ only receiving touchdown of the game. QB Jarius Grissom threw for 78 yards while completing 11 of his 20 attempts.
WR Casey Williams hauled in four catches for 31-yards; leading the team in both offensive categories. WR Derrick Hinton Jr. followed with three catches and 30 additional yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals contained the Wildcats offense for the majority of the day. Despite two late scores, the Cardinals held NMU to under 300-yards of total offense and forced a third down efficiency of 31% (5 of 16).
LB Trevor Nowaske led the defense with 10 tackles and secured his fourth interception of the season. LB Alfred Dailey Jr. added eight tackles of his own.
DT Victor Nelson forced his way through the Wildcats offensive line and managed the Cardinals only sack of the game.
As a unit, the Cardinals had seven tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and five quarterback hits.
After a convincing road win, the Cardinals look to end its season on a positive note as the team hosts Michigan Tech for its final regular season game. The Cardinals will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.
- Men’s basketball wins against Davenport University - 15 Jan 2023
- Men’s basketball improves record against Wayne State - 4 Dec 2022
- Football wins in regular season finale - 13 Nov 2022
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