News Summary
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) football team pulled off a remarkable upset against No. 7 Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with a score of 20-19. This victory marks SVSU’s first win over GVSU since 2012 and their first road win at GVSU since 2003. The Cardinals showcased resilience, overcoming three turnovers to secure the narrow win. Key performances included James McDonald with 12 tackles and quarterback Mason McKenzie leading in rushing with 100 yards and scoring the decisive touchdown. SVSU now shares the top spot in the GLIAC with a record of 3-0.
Saginaw, Michigan – The Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) football team achieved a significant upset by defeating No. 7 Grand Valley State University (GVSU) 20-19 on October 18, 2025, at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale, Michigan. This victory marks SVSU’s first win over GVSU since 2012, and their first road win at GVSU since 2003.
With this win, SVSU improves their overall record to 4-3 and maintains an impressive 3-0 standing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). GVSU, following this defeat, falls to a record of 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the GLIAC.
SVSU’s head coach Ryan Brady expressed pride in his players and coaching staff for their resilience and determination throughout the contest. The Cardinals faced considerable challenges, overcoming three turnovers yet managing to secure a narrow victory.
Player Highlights and Game Progression
James McDonald of SVSU was recognized as the Meijer Player of the Game after registering 12 tackles, playing a crucial role in limiting GVSU to just 38 rushing yards. Additionally, SVSU’s quarterback Mason McKenzie was instrumental in the game, completing 11 of 25 passes for 131 yards and leading the team in rushing with 100 yards on 17 carries, including the decisive game-winning touchdown.
The game began with minimal scoring, as SVSU demonstrated strong kicking with a 53-yard field goal by Teagen Lenderink. GVSU responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Schuster to Paschal Jolman, establishing a 7-3 lead. A second field goal from SVSU concluded the first quarter with the score at 7-6 in favor of GVSU.
In the second quarter, GVSU extended their lead to 13-6 with another touchdown pass from Schuster, this time to Kellen Reed. However, a blocked extra point attempt by SVSU led to a two-point return, which narrowed the score to 13-8 before another field goal allowed SVSU to tie the game at 13-11 by halftime.
Key Moments in the Second Half
The second half saw GVSU and SVSU engaged in a fierce back-and-forth. A safety due to an intentional grounding call on GVSU leveled the score at 13-13. However, McKenzie then delivered a pivotal 41-yard rushing touchdown, giving SVSU a late-game lead of 20-13.
GVSU quickly answered with a touchdown pass from Schuster to Wyche-El, making the score 20-19. In a critical moment, GVSU attempted a two-point conversion to secure a victory, but the effort was thwarted by a deflected pass from SVSU’s DJ Voltz.
As time ran out, SVSU successfully recovered an onside kick attempt by GVSU, sealing their remarkable victory.
Offensive Performance and Future Rounds
In terms of total offensive yardage, SVSU recorded 327 yards, with 196 yards rushing and 131 yards passing, while GVSU managed 298 yards, consisting of 260 passing and 38 rushing yards. SVSU’s triumph positions them as a contender for the GLIAC title, currently sharing the top spot with defending champions Ferris State, also at 3-0.
Looking ahead, SVSU is scheduled to face Wayne State in their next matchup. As for GVSU, they will prepare for a significant rivalry game against Ferris State next week, aiming to bounce back after this close defeat.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SVSU Ends 12-Game Losing Streak Against GVSU
Ferris State Bulldogs Aim for GLIAC Football Championship
Additional Resources
- FloFootball: Saginaw Valley State Ends Losing Streak vs GVSU
- Sporting News: GVSU vs SVSU Game Information
- D2Football: Cardinals Sink Lakers in Battle of Valleys
- NMU Wildcats: Wildcats Fall at Saginaw Valley State
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Football Gambles on Final Play
- Wikipedia: Saginaw Valley State University
- Google Search: Saginaw Valley State football
- Google Scholar: GVSU football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saginaw Valley State University
- Google News: Saginaw Valley State
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