Saginaw Valley State 21, Wayne State 13

The Lowdown
Despite four turnovers, Saginaw Valley State held off Wayne State for a 21-13 victory in the conference opener for both squads.

Game changer
After Saginaw Valley State linebacker John Jacob’s interception late in the second quarter, SVSU turned the page and never looked back. 
Close, but so far
Despite SVSU outgaining WSU by 171 yards in the first half, the first two quarters were similar to a chess match; Saginaw Valley State just made a couple better moves.
Contained
One of the many questions heading into the game was whether Wayne State could contain Saginaw Valley State quarterback Chuck Dowdell, because he is very active in the pocket and often scrambles.
WSU answered that question by limiting Dowdell to only 19 yards rushing in the game.
“We just played sound football,” coach Paul Winters said. “We play with speed and we really have a sound defense.”
Let loose
On the other hand, Dowdell had a very efficient game passing, completing 19-of-32 passing for 213 yards and a touchdown.

Bell everywhere
Running back Joique Bell went over the 100-yard mark again with 125 yards on the ground. Bell also hit Brian Rilley with an 11-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter.


Thornton 2-for-2
Cornerback Stan Thornton picked off a pass in the second quarter, the 11th of his career.
“During film we saw that the quarterback loved throwing to that receiver,” Thornton said. “He telegraphed the pass and I snuck in and intercepted it.”        

Too little, too late
The Warriors forced five fumbles and recovered three, but they weren’t able to capitalize on any of them.
“The defense executed how our coaching staff wanted them to in the second half,” John Hauser, defensive coordinator, said. “They created turnovers and stripped the ball, but again we can’t wait until the second half in the future.”