Heading into Saturday’s game at Ferris State, SVSU needed a win and help from the rest of the GLIAC to get into the playoffs. The Cards did their job, defeating the Bulldogs by the score of 26-14.
However, in head coach Jim Collins first season as head coach, the Cardinals 7-3 record wasn’t quite good enough to qualify them for the playoffs.
Senior kicker Jeremy Burr tied an SVSU record, kicking four field goals in a game that was made difficult by the harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures, large gusts of wind, and even occasional snow flurries were the norm throughout the game.
Burr got the Cards on the scoreboard less than a minute into regulation with a 37-yard field goal. The Bulldogs responded on their next possession, taking a 7-3 lead after a 41-yard touchdown run.
SVSU regained the lead when sophomore defensive back Ja’Vae Ingraham returned a punt 13-yards, giving the Cardinals a 10-7 lead. Ferris answered back when they drove 63-yards in 11 plays, capped off by a nine-yard touchdown pass, giving them the 14-10 lead.
Burr opened the second quarter with a 30-yard field goal, and then followed it up with a 26-yard field goal to give the Cards a 16-14 lead. It was a lead the Cards would not relinquish. Collins was quick to credit Burr’s work ethic through out the season.
“Jeremy Burr is one of the best kickers in the country. He could have had more field goals looking back on the season. There were some times where we decided to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking the field goal. He put a lot of hard work into his game this year and he deserves all of the awards that he receives.” Collins said.
Senior running back Brandon Emeott scored the lone offensive touchdown for the Cardinals, running in from three yards out to complete a six play, 58-yard drive. Emeott finished the day with 113-yards on 32 carries. With the 113-yard performance, Emeott rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season.
“Brandon had a great season for us, especially the second half of the season. You also have to give credit to the offensive line. They really did a good job of opening up holes and Brandon was able to find the holes. Overall, he had a great season.” Collins said.
After completing a scoreless third quarter, Burr scored the only three points of the fourth quarter, kicking a 34-yard field goal with 11:46 to play. After allowing 14 points in the opening quarter, the Cardinals defense shut out Ferris for the remainder of the game. Collins credited a few adjustments to the success that the defense had in the second through fourth quarters.
“Basically the defense did a great job of shutting down what they did best. They had a couple big runs in the first quarter that resulted in touchdowns but after that the defense really forced them into making bad decisions.” Collins said.
Junior linebacker John Jacobs led the GLIAC in total tackles going into the game. He finished with 13 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a half sack. Red shirt freshman defensive back Carlton Downs had six tackles and an interception. After the game, Collins was proud of the way his team played during his first season at SVSU.
“Our goal at the start of the season was to get better every week. The fact that the kids really bought into the system shows the kind of character we have. It gets me excited about the future.”
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