Grand Valley Hands Huskies First Loss

ALLENDALE, Mich. — No. 9-ranked Michigan Tech suffered its first loss of the season at No. 18 Grand Valley State 38-21 today at Lubbers Stadium. The Lakers scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter for the difference in the game.

David Walter set a school record with 15 receptions, and Brandon Cowie passed for a career highs of 32-of-44 for 323 yards.

Tech got a defensive stop to open the game and put together a 12-play drive for a 7-0 lead. Alex Sherbinow plunged in from one-yard out for his fifth TD of the year.

GV took just 2:30 to answer and even the game at 7-all. 

Tech was driving once again but fumbled in GV territory. The hosts took advantage five plays later for a 14-7 lead. They tacked on a field goal with 6:32 remaining in the second quarter. Another turnover—this one an interception in Tech territory—led to a third Lakers touchdown and a 24-7 margin. 

The teams played even in the second half. The Black and Gold missed a 34-yard field goal on its first drive of the third quarter. They finally got the score to pull within 24-14 with a 16-play drive three plays into the fourth quarter.

Grand Valley (6-1 overall, 5-1 GLIAC) answered 1:06 later with a 49-yard touchdown pass. 

Another long drive capped by a Sherbinow rush pulled the Huskies within 31-21 with eight minutes to play.

Tech got the stop it needed defensively to keep its hopes alive, but turned the ball over on downs with four minutes to go. GVSU capped scoring at the 1:45 mark. 

"We made too many mistakes to beat a good football team like Grand Valley," said Tech coach Tom Kearly. "We played hard, but gave up too many big plays and squandered our opportunities." 

Cowie completed passes to eight different receivers. Walter had 158 yards on 15 catches, breaking the previous record of 14 receptions held by Jeff Geisz (vs. Indianapolis, Sept. 16, 2000). Ian Fischer added seven catches for 93 yards and a TD.

Kevin Miller rushed for 89 yards on 17 carries. Paul Kuoppala led the Huskies' defense with 13 tackles including 1.5 for loss. 

Time of possession favored the Huskies (37:08-22:52) as did total offense (424-422). The Lakers won the turnover battle. 

Michigan Tech will face a ranked team on the road for a second straight week next Saturday (Oct. 24) when it travels to No. 3 Ferris State. Kickoff is slated for 12 noon.