2025 Saginaw Valley St. vs Grand Valley State

Saginaw Valley State Ends Losing Streak vs. GVSU, Tops Host Lakers 20-19

Saginaw Valley State Ends Losing Streak vs. GVSU, Tops Host Lakers 20-19

For the first time since 2012, SVSU defeats GVSU. The 20-19 victory also marks the first time since 2003 the Cardinals were able to win at Lubber Stadium.

Oct 18, 2025 by Matt Cannizzaro
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For the first time since 2012, Saginaw Valley State was able to defeat Grand Valley State in their long-running rivalry game, the Battle of the Valleys.

The 20-19 victory also marked the first time since 2003 the Cardinals topped the Lakers at GVSU’s Lubber Stadium in Allendale, Michigan.

SVSU only had one touchdown in the game, but it was enough to be on the winning end of the sixth one-score game in their last 10 meetings. 

It also puts the Cardinals in a powerful position in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings, where they share the top spot with defending GLIAC and national champion Ferris State at 3-0.

The deciding score came with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, as SVSU’s redshirt sophomore quarterback Mason McKenzie rumbled 41 yards on third and 6 to get the Cardinals into the end zone for the first time in the game.

McKenzie had been struggling through the air Saturday, including a pair of third-quarter interceptions, so keeping him on the ground made sense and paid off.

Overall, he was 11 for 25 through the air for 131 yards, along with the interceptions, while leading the SVSU rushing attack. He carried the ball 17 times for 100 net yards and the go-ahead touchdown.

Saginaw Valley State’s previous scores Saturday included three field goals, two points after a blocked kick and a safety with a sack in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

The Battle of the Valleys first was held in 1975, and it has been dominated by the Lakers, who hosted SVSU for the first time since 2022.

GVSU still owns a 42-12 advantage in the all-time series, but SVSU was able to snap a streak that saw the Cardinals lose 12 in a row and 20 of the last 21 contests in the rivalry.

In the latest edition, Grand Valley State led 13-11 at halftime, and the GVSU defense was stellar after the break, recording the two interceptions and then stopping the Cardinals close to their own end zone to force a punt.

That gave the Lakers favorable field position for the final drive of the third quarter – but the GVSU offense again was unable to capitalize on a gifted opportunity, and the quarter ended without either team scoring a point.

McKenzie’s touchdown marked the first points by either team in the second half, and GVSU answered quickly with a 4-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Andrew Schuster to junior wide receiver Lynn Wyche-El.

The Lakers attempted a two-point conversion that would’ve put them ahead by a point with a minute left to play, but Schuster’s pass was incomplete.

GVSU followed with an onside kick that the Cardinals handled without issue and returned 31 yards to the Grand Valley 14-yard line. 

Three running plays and a first down later, SVSU took a knee to run out the final seconds on the clock.

For GVSU, Schuster completed 19 of 29 passes for 260 yards. He had three touchdown passes but was sacked four times in the game.

The touchdown passes were caught by Paschal Jolman, Kellen Reed and Wyche-El, who had 67, 49 and 65 receiving yards, respectively.

Collectively, the Lakers had 260 yards through the air and just 38 on the ground for 298 total yards. SVSU had 196 rushing yards and 131 yards passing for 327-yard total.

Not only does the win end a disappointing run of results for the Cardinals, it also puts them in position to challenge for the GLIAC title this year.

SVSU and Ferris State are 3-0 atop the eight-team rankings, while GVSU and Michigan Tech are close behind at 2-1. Ferris State downed Michigan Tech 38-10 on Saturday to remain undefeated in conference play.

Had Grand Valley State gotten past SVSU this week, it would’ve set up next week’s FSU-Grand Valley State Anchor-Bone Classic to potentially serve as an unofficial championship game, as it has in recent years, with the Bulldogs and Lakers dominating things in the GLIAC.

Winning the conference is even more important now, as the champion will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Football Championship for the first time. All other spots in the championship bracket will be filled by at-large selection.

Saginaw Valley State, now 4-3 overall and riding a three-game winning streak, will travel to face winless Wayne State next Saturday. 

If GVSU, now 4-2, can bounce back in the Anchor-Bone Classic and put an end to FSU’s 21-game winning streak - and the Cardinals can get past the Warriors, SVSU would sit alone atop the conference standings.

If you weren’t able to catch the action live, visit FloCollege for the full replay, along with news and notes from the Saginaw Valley State vs. Grand Valley State football game.

Final Stats From 20-19 Saginaw Valley State Win Over Grand Valley State

Game StatsSVSUGVSU
First Downs1918
Rushing Attempts4032
Rushing Yards19638
Rushing Avg4.91.2
Receptions1119
Receiving Yards131260
Receiving Avg11.913.7
Passing Yards131260
Pass C-A-I11-25-219-30-0
Plays-Yards65-32762-298
Yards/Play5.034.81
Kick Return Yards2-312-30
Punt Return Yards3-371-7
Interception-Yards0-02-0
Fumbles-Yards0-00-0
Fumbles-Lost1-12-1
Penalties4-406-28
Punts5-46.25-43.8
Possession4:087:52
3rd Down Eff6-146-14
4th Down Eff0-00-1
Points2019

Game OVER! SVSU Defeats GVSU 20-19 For First Win Since 2012

The Cardinals finished the job this year, coming away with a 20-19 victory against the Lakers.

It was SVSU's first win in the series since 2012 and first in Allendale since 2003.

Saginaw Valley Handles GVSU Onside Kick

The strategy didn't pay off for GVSU, as the Cardinals handle the kick with no issue and rumble 31 yards to the GVSU 14.

The Cardinals run the ball twice for 8 yards then convert on third and 1 to lock it up.

The clock stops with 43 seconds, and the first down allows the Cardinals to take a knee and run out the clock.

GVSU Goes For Lead With Two-Point Conversion, Comes Up Short - SVSU Leads 20-19

Schuster connects with Wyche-El for a 4-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 20-19.

The Lakers attempt a two-point conversion, but the pass is incomplete.

A 17-yard laser from Schuster to sophomore receiver Kenyon Owens set up the score, as it got the Lakers to the SVSU 9-yard line for first and goal, and a penalty on SVSU got them 5 yards closer.

With one minute left on the clock, SVSU leads 20-19.

SVSU Cardinals Score, Lead GVSU 20-13

McKenzie gets the job done on the ground, taking advantage of good field position with a 41-yard scamper into the end zone to put SVSU ahead. Lenderink adds the extra point to make it 20-13.

There are just three minutes left in this game.

Fake Punt Fails For GVSU, Game Remains Tied 13-13

The Lakers try a fake punt on fourth and 7 on the SVSU 48, but Evan Sundermann comes up short, only getting 4 yards before being taken down, apparently injured.

SVSU doesn't appear fooled, and the Cardinals take over at their own 44 with five minutes remaining in the game.

Saginaw Valley State Ties Game With Safety, It's 13 All

Schuster is sacked in the end zone by SVSU's Adom LeDuc for a safety.

This one is tied 13-13 with 10 minutes left to play!

SVSU has three field goals and a pair of two-point plays in this contest. 

Watch This Bone-Crunching, Ball-Loosening Hit By GVSU's Josh Anderson

Wow! Ouch! 

The GVSU defense has been on another level during the second half against SVSU.

ANOTHER Turnover Forced By Grand Valley State Football

On a 12-yard rush up the middle, from the GVSU 15, McKenzie is rocked by GVSU defensive back Josh Anderson, and the ball pops loose. 

Senior Anthony Cardamone recovers the ball for the third turnover of the half, and after a lengthy review, GVSU get the ball at its own 3-yard line.

Third Quarter Ends In 2025 Battle Of The Valleys, GVSU Threatening

As the fourth quarter gets started, GVSU is on the SVSU 30-yard line, but it's fourth and 24.

No one has scored in the second half, and the margin remains 13-11, GVSU advantage.

Grand Valley State attempts a 48-yard field goal. but Bacik misses.

Still 13-11.

GVSU Football's Davon Pearson With The Interception

Watch this one get knocked around and land in the hands of Pearson.

SVSU's McKenzie Picked Off Again

A pass by McKenzie across the middle is batted around and intercepted by Grand Valley State defensive back Davon Pearson.

The Lakers take over at the SVSU 39-yard line.

Watch The GVSU Interception Now!

Check out GVSU's Jason Hardy in action, as he picks off Mason McKenzie.

Interception For Grand Valley State

The long opening drive for Saginaw Valley State ends with an interception for GVSU. The drive began at the SVSU 35 and ended in the GVSU end zone with junior defensive back Jason Hardy making the pick.

The drive was nine plays for 51 yards.

The Lakers take over at their own 20.

GVSU leads 13-11. There are 10 minutes left in the third quarter.

Second Half Gets Going In Allendale, Michigan!

GVSU kicks off to SVSU, and we're underway.

Host Lakers lead 13-11.

First-Half Stats From 2025 SVSU vs. GVSU, Lakes On Top 13-11

Game StatsSVSUGVSU
First Downs98
Rushing Attempts1817
Rushing Yards4133
Rushing Avg2.31.9
Receptions76
Receiving Yards84124
Receiving Avg1220.7
Passing Yards84124
Pass C-A-I7-14-06-9-0
Plays-Yards32-12526-157
Yards/Play3.916.04
Kick Return Yards0-01-12
Punt Return Yards2-161-7
Interception-Yards0-00-0
Fumbles-Yards0-00-0
Fumbles-Lost0-01-1
Penalties2-304-26
Punts3-48.73-47.3
Possession13:5116:09
3rd Down Eff2-84-7
4th Down Eff0-00-0
Points1113

Second Quarter Ends With Failed Field Goal Attempt From SVSU, Or Does It....?

There was chaos in the final seconds of the second quarter in the Battle of the Valleys.

SVSU was able to scramble and at least attempt a last-gasp 54-yard field goal, which was missed.

On the play, GVSU had too many players on the field and was penalized 5 yards.

The Cardinals get another shot at fourth down with six seconds left on the clock. Lenderink lines up for a 41-yard field goal on fourth and 17.

But wait.... GVSU challenges the spot of the ball. Because it's clearly wrong.

Take three - Lenderink finally gets an opportunity, and he knocks through a 49-yard kick for three last points before halftime.

Grand Valley State leads SVSU, 13-11.

Take A Look At The GVSU Scoring Play, Lakers Lead SVSU 13-8

Schuster to Reed for 25 yards and six points.

Andrew Schuster Through The Air Again! GVSU Leads SVSU 13-8

Wait, what?

Yeah, an odd series of events, as Schuster finds junior wide receiver Kellen Reed for a 25-yard score, but the Bacik extra point attempt is blocked.

SVSU is able to return it the length of the field for a quick two points.

With 6:46 left in the first half, Grand Valley State leads 13-8.

The scoring drive was seven plays for 61 yards, eating 3:05 off the clock.

First Quarter Ends In 2025 SVSU-GVSU Battle Of The Valleys

After 15 minutes of play, Grand Valley State leads 7-6.

SVSU Squanders Opportunity, Settles For Field Goal - GVSU Leads 7-6

A 15-yard pass interference penalty on GVSU gives the Cardinals a first-and-goal opportunity on the GVSU 6-yard line.

The Grand Valley State defense steps up huge and stops the forward progress. 

The Cardinals have to settle for a 25-yard field goal from Lenderink. 

GVSU leads 7-6 with 1:54 left in the first quarter.

GVSU Fumbles On Punt Return, SVSU Recovers

A 53-yard Lenderink punt is returned 7 yards, before Lynn Wyche-El fumbles. SVSU recovers and gets the ball back at the GVSU 31-yard line.

Andrew Schuster To Paschal Jolman To Get GVSU On The Board Against SVSU, Lakers Ahead 7-3

The Lakers take the lead on this huge play. Check it out!

GVSU Football Answers, Lakers Lead SVSU 7-3 After Huge Passing Play

Southpaw Schuster connects with sophomore running back Paschal Jolman on a short pass over the middle  on third and 15, and Jolman breaks free down the sideline to complete the 58-yard scoring play.

Sophomore kicker Mathew Bacik adds the extra point to make it 7-3 Grand Valley State over Saginaw Valley State with just under six minutes left in the opening quarter.

Saginaw Valley State Opens Scoring In Battle Of The Valleys With GVSU Football, Cardinals Up 3-0

GVSU went three and out on its opening drive, and the punt gave SVSU the ball on its own 35.

The Cardinals make some progress and open the scoring with a 53-yard field goal from junior kicker Teagen Lenderink, using the wind to his favor.

SVSU leads 3-0 with 9:18 left in the first quarter. 

Battle Of The Valleys Is Underway In Allendale, Michigan! SVSU vs. GVSU

Saginaw Valley State wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. GVSU gets the kick and starts the contest at its own 25-yard line.

Starting note - These are the two most penalized teams in the GLIAC this year. Should be a fun one!

Redshirt freshman quarterback Andrew Schuster at the helm for the Lakers.

Redshirt sophomore Mason McKenzie will handle business for the Cardinals. 

This one also could be a nice battle through the air.

Five Minutes Until Go Time In SVSU-GVSU Battle Of The Valleys!

Who's you're pick to win? Find FloCollege | Football on IG, Twitter and TikTok, and let us know you're predictions.

Here's what we think: GLIAC Football Preview & Predictions For Week 7 Of The 2025 Season

TLDR? - Grand Valley State wins this one, 39-14.

A View We Don't Often Get To See

Plus, the calm before the storm at Lubbers Stadium, home of the Grand Valley State Lakers.

When Is The Saginaw Valley State vs. Grand Valley State Football Game?

The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals will take on the Grand Valley State Lakers at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale, Michigan, on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Eastern/1 p.m. Central.

How To Watch The Saginaw Valley State vs. Grand Valley State Football Game

The Saginaw Valley State vs. Grand Valley State football game is streaming live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.

About Saginaw Valley State Football

There’s no doubt, Saginaw Valley State will enter this week’s game in search of redemption. 

Last year, the Cardinals were on the verge of defeating GVSU for the first time since 2012, which easily would’ve been the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for in recent seasons. 

Instead, it was another self-inflicted unraveling of sorts, as SVSU went on to lose three of its last five games and finished the year with a mediocre 7-4 overall record and 4-3 mark in conference play.

Against the Lakers, SVSU was up 9-3 at halftime and then never showed up for the second half, allowing GVSU to score once in each quarter to escape with a 16-9 victory. 

The game was a defensive masterpiece for the Cardinals, and a win would’ve been the perfect way to celebrate homecoming. 

Destiny helped SVSU convert on fourth and 17 just as the game reached the second half’s two-minute warning. The Cardinals got as close to scoring as the GVSU 22-yard line but ran out of steam, failing to convert on fourth and 9. The Lakers got the ball back and ran out the clock to preserve the win. 

It’s a new season, but the Cardinals still are having mixed results. They’re 3-3 overall in 2025, but the good news is that they’re on a roll, coming off back-to-back high-scoring GLIAC wins over Northern Michigan (47-25) and Roosevelt (55-10).

The SVSU offense is led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Mason McKenzie, who has totaled 1,164 passing yards and 518 rushing yards this season. 

He is sixth in Division II football and first in the GLIAC in rushing yards per carry (7.73) and 24th in rushing yards per game (86.3). His conference-leading 280.3 yards of total offense is 19th in the country.

The Cardinal defense is anchored by Christian Boivin, who has 58 tackles and ranks 18th in Division II football with 9.8 tackles per game.

How To Watch SVSU Football Games In 2025

GLIAC and Saginaw Valley State football home games will stream live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

Check Out FloCollege’s Biggest Takeaways From The Latest Division II Rankings

Shifts, surprises, and statement wins – we break down all the biggest takeaways from the FloCollege D2 Football Rankings in Week 7.

About Grand Valley State Football

Grand Valley State lost a game earlier this season. It was a surprise, but it wasn’t shocking, as Pittsburg State was the last team to beat defending Division II national champion Ferris State.

The good news for the Lakers is that it was a nonconference game, and they’ve still been able to maintain a top-10 spot in the Division II rankings. 

In the latest FloCollege D2 Football Rankings, GVSU is No. 8, up one spot from last week, after a 35-7 conference win over Northern Michigan. In the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches Poll, the Lakers moved from eighth to seventh. 

GVSU is 4-1 overall and working on a two-game winning streak. Following the loss to the Gorillas on Sept. 13, the Lakers didn’t play again until Oct. 4. Clearly, the rest helped.

The Lakers are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Andrew Schuster, who is second in the GLIAC in passing, completing 61.6% of his passes (77 of 125) for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns. He reached the 1,000-yard mark in the fifth game of his career.

Defensively, GVSU is fourth in the nation in red zone defense. Opponents are just 8 for 15.

The GVSU defense is led by junior linebacker Anthony Cardamone, who has 35 total tackles this season, along with two sacks.

Ahead for Grand Valley State is one of the biggest rivalry games in Division II football, the  FSU-Grand Valley State Anchor-Bone Classic, which is set for Oct. 25 on Ferris State’s home turf.

The Bulldogs won last year’s meeting 34-7 and went on to take the GLIAC title, ending the Lakers’ bid for a three-peat, while later claiming their third national championship in four years. 

But before GVSU can even think about the Anchor-Bone Classic and the potential implications, the Lakers need to be aware of what a real threat SVSU can be, as if last year’s showdown has been forgotten, and take care of business. Then, they can look ahead to their upcoming trip to Big Rapids, Michigan. 

How To Watch GVSU Football Games In 2025

GLIAC and Grand Valley State football home games will stream live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

Grand Valley State Defeated Northern Michigan Last Week 35-7

Check out the final touchdown of GVSU’s win over the Wildcats last Saturday. The game was tied 7-7 at halftime.

Saginaw Valley State Football Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern

  • Aug. 28 (Thu): Northeastern State 28, Saginaw Valley State 21 (L)
  • Sept. 6 (Sat): Saginaw Valley State 49, Gannon 28 (W)
  • Sept. 13 (Sat): Northwood 38, Saginaw Valley State 14 (L)
  • Sept. 20 (Sat): New Haven 35, Saginaw Valley State 28 (L)
  • Oct. 4 (Sat): Saginaw Valley State 47, Northern Michigan 25 (W)
  • Oct. 11 (Sat): Saginaw Valley State 55, Roosevelt 10 (W)
  • Oct. 18 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Grand Valley State
  • Oct. 25 (Sat): 2 p.m. vs. Wayne State
  • Nov. 1 (Sat): Noon at Davenport
  • Nov. 8 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Ferris State
  • Nov. 15 (Sat): Noon at Michigan Tech

Grand Valley State Football Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern

  • Aug. 30 (Sat): Grand Valley State 45, Lincoln (Pa.) 9 (W
  • Sept. 6 (Sat): Grand Valley State 48, Black Hills State (S.D.) 36 (W)
  • Sept. 13 (Sat): Pittsburg State 17, Grand Valley State 14 (L)
  • Oct. 4 (Sat): Grand Valley State 37, Davenport 14 (W
  • Oct. 11 (Sat): Grand Valley State 35, Northern Michigan 7 (W)
  • Oct. 18 (Sat): 2 p.m. vs. Saginaw Valley Stat
  • Oct. 25 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Ferris Stat
  • Nov. 1 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Wayne State
  • Nov. 8 (Sat): 2 p.m. vs. Michigan Tech
  • Nov. 15 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Roosevelt

Saginaw Valley State Football Roster For 2025

Here is where fans can find the SVSU football roster.

Grand Valley State Football Roster For 2025

Here is where fans can find the GVSU football roster.

Watch More GLIAC Football On FloCollege

Here’s the GLIAC and Division II broadcast schedule on FloCollege for Week 7 of the 2025 college football season. Subscribe to watch. 

Latest Division II Rankings 

FloCollege D2 Football Rankings: Week 7

  1. Ferris State (Prev. 1)
  2. Harding (Prev. 2)
  3. Kutztown (Prev. 3)
  4. West Florida (Prev. 4)
  5. Western Colorado (Prev. 5)
  6. Minnesota State (Prev. 8)
  7. Central Washington (Prev. 13)
  8. Grand Valley State (Prev. 9)
  9. West Alabama (Prev. 10)
  10. CSU Pueblo (Prev. 12)
  11. Augustana (SD) (Prev. 14)
  12. Pittsburg State (Prev. 15)
  13. Indianapolis (Prev. 20)
  14. Virginia Union (Prev. 16)
  15. UT Permian Basin (Prev. 6)
  16. Michigan Tech (Prev. 17)
  17. Slippery Rock (Prev. 22)
  18. Delta State (Prev. 18)
  19. Minnesota Duluth (Prev. 7)
  20. Emory & Henry (Prev. 19)
  21. Northwest Missouri State (Prev. 25)
  22. Charleston (WV) (Prev. 21)
  23. Findlay (Prev. 24)
  24. Angelo State (Prev. 11)
  25. UNC Pembroke (Prev. 23)

Also Received Votes: Benedict, Albany State, Ashland, Henderson State, MSU Moorhead, Anderson (SC), East Stroudsburg, California (PA), Johnson C. Smith, Northwood.

AFCA Division II Coaches Poll For Week 7 Of 2025 Season

  • 1. Ferris St. (Prev. 1)
  • 2. Harding (Prev. 2)
  • 3. West Florida (Prev. 3)
  • 4. Kutztown (Prev. 4)
  • 5. Western Colorado (Prev. 5)
  • 6. Augustana (S.D.) (Prev. 7)
  • 7. Grand Valley St. (Prev. 8
  •  8. West Alabama (Prev. 9)
  • 9. Colorado St.-Pueblo (Prev. 11)
  • 10. Central Washington (Prev. 13)
  • 11. Minnesota St. (Prev. 14)
  • 12. Pittsburg St. (Prev. 15)
  • 13. UT Permian Basin (Prev. 6)
  • 14. Virginia Union (Prev. 17)
  • 15. UIndy (Prev. 18)
  • T16. Findlay (Prev. 19)
  • T16. Minnesota-Duluth (Prev. 10)
  • 18. Delta St. (Prev. 20)
  • 19. Northwest Missouri St. (Prev. 22)
  • 20. UNC Pembroke (Prev. 23)
  • 21. Angelo St. (Prev. 12)
  • 22. Ashland (Prev. 24t)
  • 23. Johnson C. Smith (Prev. 24t)
  • 24. Benedict (Prev. NR)
  • 25. Slippery Rock (Prev. 24t)

Dropped Out: California (Pa.) (16), Frostburg St. (21)

Others Receiving Votes: Emory & Henry, 36; California (Pa.), 27; Southern Arkansas, 26; Henderson St., 25; Frostburg St., 21; Indiana (Pa.), 15; Nebraska-Kearney, 13; Charleston, 9; Chadron St., 7; Albany St., 2; Assumption, 1; Michigan Tech, 1.

When Do The 2025 NCAA Division II College Football Playoffs Start?

The first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II Playoffs will be Nov. 22.

The 2025 Division II Football Championship title game will be played Dec. 20, 2025, at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas.

Ready For A Dog Fight: No. 16 Michigan Tech Hosts No. 1 Ferris State

No. 16 Michigan Tech hosts No. 1 Ferris State for a top-25 matchup with GLIAC championship implications. 

Ferris State has won the last 12 meetings, but this Huskies squad believes it has what it takes to end the streak.


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