ALLENDALE, Mich. – In a battle of top-15 powers, the 13th-ranked UIndy football team (0-1) opened the 2018 season with a 30-7 loss at No. 10 Grand Valley State Thursday night. The host Lakers (1-0) surrendered the game’s first points but held the Greyhounds scoreless in the entire second half on the way to victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The teams battled to a scoreless tie until the Hounds finally broke through with a scoring drive early in the second quarter. UIndy needed just 2:25 to cover 74 yards, including an eight-yard scoring rush by Al McKeller.
The Lakers kept the Hounds off the board for rest of the half and into the fourth quarter, however, building a 23-7 lead early in the final period.
Facing a two-score deficit with 11 minutes to go, the Hounds found some life after quarterback Jake Purichiafound McKeller streaking downfield for a 38-yard gain to move into Laker territory. But later, some timely defensive pressure helped create a Greyhound turnover, as the Lakers picked off their second pass of the night at their own three-yard line, ending the Hounds’ last best scoring chance.
After rushing for 326 yards in last year’s meeting, the Greyhounds were limited to 106 yards on 28 carries Thursday.
Defensively, three Greyhounds finished with double-digit tackle totals, led by 13 from safety Connor Steeb. Alex Parsons and Cole Sigmund each added 10 stops apiece.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Thursday’s result snapped UIndy’s streak of 15 consecutive regular season wins dating back to 2016.
– Parson and Steeb each made their first career start.
– Sophomore Alec Patch recorded his first collegiate sack, while veterans Lucas Rice and Jacob Scmatz were each responsible for a half-sack.
– Cornerback Mitch Dewitt was credited with four pass break-ups.
– Grand Valley’s Chawntez Moss, a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh, finished with a game-high 135 rushing yards and a touchdown.
– The game’s official attendance was listed at 13,068.
UP NEXT
The Greyhounds face a second straight GLIAC foe when they host Wayne State Saturday, Sept. 8 for the 2018 home opener. Kickoff from Key Stadium is set for 6 p.m. ET.
