UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University football team created four takeaways and never trailed in a 38-14 Homecoming non-conference win over No. 8-ranked Indianapolis at Wickes Stadium on Saturday.

With the win, the Cardinals move to 5-2 overall; the visiting Greyhounds lose for the first time in six games.

How it Happened

First Quarter:

• After the defense produced a three-and-out on UIndy's first possession, the SVSU special teams unit came up with the game's first score as Derek Thomason blocked the punt and returned it for a 21-yard touchdown at 13 minutes and 35 seconds showing on the clock.
• The Greyhounds capitalized on a Saginaw Valley fumble at the SVSU 16-yard line to get their first touchdown. Toriano Clinton rushed 12 yards on the second play in the drive to help tie the score 7-7 with 8:13 remaining.
• The Cardinals went back on top 14-7 with 6 seconds left when Colby Newburg plunged into the end zone from a yard out, capping a 72-yard drive in six plays in 2:24. The score was set up the play before on an Isaiah Malcome 30-yard run.

Second Quarter:

• UIndy threatened on their first possession of the stanza with great field position at the home 29 after the Cardinals punted from their own end zone. But the SVSU defense came up big on second-and-goal when Cameron Mitchel intercepted Christian Conkling at his own goal line and returned it 70 yards to the Greyhounds' 30.

• Three plays and 57 seconds later, Andrew Brito completed a 15-yard TD pass to Derrick Hinton to put the Cardinals up 21-7 at the 7:51 mark.
• Saginaw Valley increased their lead to 24-7 with a 35-yard field goal by Connor Luksic at 2:25.

Third Quarter:

• Saginaw Valley began the second half like it did the in the first – getting to the end zone first. Brito found Andrew Schroeder for a 24-yard TD pass to put the Cardinals up 31-7 at 7:29. The scoring drive went for seven plays and 59 yards in 3:09 time of possession.
• Colin Seymour missed a 42-yard field goal attempt on UIndy's second possession of the second half.
• The Brito to Hinton connection struck again at the 2:37 mark on a 73-yard catch and run into the end zone. The Cardinals led 38-7.

Fourth Quarter:

• Indianapolis pulled within 38-14 with 6:40 on the clock after Conkling passed to Kevin McNelis for a 5-yard TD. The scoring drive consumed 10 plays over 47 yards in 5:23.

Inside the Box Score:

• The Cardinals are currently receiving votes in the American Football Coaches' Association NCAA Division II Top-25 poll, falling out of the NCAA national rankings for the first time since week two.
• Brito finished with 181 passing yards on eight completions and three TDs.
• Malcome led all rushers with 69 yards on 11 carries
• Hinton had two receptions for 89 yards and a pair of TDs.
• Defensively, Meijer Player of the Game Thomason led the Cardinals with game highs of six tackles and nine total.
• Teammate Nathan Talakai also had nine stops, including two solo that included an 11-yard sack and two tackles for loss of 14.
• The Cardinals outgained the Greyhounds 343 to 327 yards.
• UIndy leaders were Conkling 23 for 38, 284 yards and a TD; Clinton with 45 rush yards on 18 attempts; Alanzo Derrick with four catches for 46 yards; Logan Koehne had 48 receiving yards on two receptions; and Clay Schulte created eight total tackles (4 solo).
• SVSU has played three straight opponents ranked in the Top-10, going 1-2 in that span and the Cardinals are 2-2 overall versus nationally-ranked competition in 2022.
• UIndy is also 16^th by sports information directors in the D2Football.com rankings.

SVSU Cardinals Head Coach Ryan Brady Postgame Comments:

"Obviously, a huge win for SVSU today. I thought our young men did a nice job in their preparation all week. We focused on taking it one day at a time. I was really pleased with our focus, energy and finish today. 

UIndy is a very good football team and I'm proud of the way we executed in all three phases today. Defensively, we played really good team defense today. Our run defense was outstanding and our secondary forced four interceptions. 

Offensively, we knew they were going to load the box to stop the run which would allow for some explosive plays on the perimeter. 

I really liked the way our offense, defense and special teams complemented each other. This was a big Homecoming victory versus the No. 8 team in the nation. 

We need continue our approach and take it one day at a time. There is still a lot of room for this team to grow. 

Thank you to everyone who came out today for homecoming. Glad we could make you proud today!"

Up Next:

Saginaw Valley will travel to Wayne State University next Saturday for a 6 p.m. GLIAC match-up against the Warriors.