GVSU Drops 19-13 Overtime Decision To Minnesota-Duluth

GVSU Drops 19-13 Overtime Decision To Minnesota-Duluth
Posted: Nov 29, 2008

Release courtesy of Tim Nott and the GVSU Sports Information Dept.

Allendale, Mich. - Minnesota-Duluth scored in the second overtime and then picked off a pass to secure a 19-13 victory over Grand Valley State Saturday afternoon in NCAA DII Quarterfinal action. Minnesota-Duluth advances to a semifinal matchup with California (Pa.) next Saturday at a time and site to be determined. GVSU finishes the 2008 campaign with an 11-1 record.

Grand Valley State struck first as Todd Carter hit a 28-yard field goal with 2:57 left in the first quarter. The 3-0 Laker lead was the first for a UMD opponent in 14 games. Junior QB Brad Iciek tossed the first of his three interceptions on the day and the Bulldogs needed just two plays to go 27 yards for a TD. Senior QB Ted Schlafke hit Isaac Odim with the 16-yard scoring pass to give UMD a 7-3 lead. Carter pulled the Lakers to within 7-6 with a 36-yard field goal at the 11:08 mark of the second quarter and that remained the score at the half.

Minnesota-Duluth took a 13-6 lead at the 1:56 mark of the third quarter when Schlafke hit D.J. Winfield with a 34-yard scoring pass. The PAT was blocked to keep the Lakers within striking distance. GVSU had one last chance after forcing a UMD punt with 3:14 left in the game. The Lakers drove 44 yards in nine plays as Iciek hit senior TE Jonn Mathews with a 7-yard scoring pass with just over a minute left. Carter added the PAT to send the game into overtime.

GVSU had the ball first and was forced to attempt a field goal. Carter's attempt was wide left and UMD took possession. On the Bulldogs' first play Dan Skuta picked off a pass to send the contest into a second overtime. Minnesota-Duluth drove 25 yards in four plays as Odim scored on a 3-yard run. The PAT was blocked and UMD held a 19-13 lead. Iciek was picked off for the third time on the day on the Lakers' second play from scrimmage and UMD had the victory.

Blake Smolen rushed for 128 yards on 27 carries, while Jonn Mathews hauled in six passes for 129 yards. Iciek completed just 13-of-46 passes for 160 yards. The Lakers blocked two PATs, blocked a punt and stopped a fake punt, however, the Lakers also missed three field goals.

Junior CB Rob Carlisle picked off two passes and recorded six tackles. Jacob McGuckin led the defense with 12 tackles, while Justin Victor, Brad Howard and Danny Richard each collected nine tackles.