The first playoff meeting between Grand Valley State and the University of Indianapolis ended like most of their previous encounters have finished, though this time, it took a second-half rally for GVSU to escape with a the 24-7 victory.

The former Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foes rekindled their rivalry Saturday in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship, and the host Lakers scored the game’s final 17 points to secure their spot in next week’s second round.

Grand Valley State (11-1) is looking for a fifth national championship since the turn of the century, and the next step in that quest will be against either defending Division II national champion Harding , which defeated Pittsburg State in Saturday's first round, 48-3.

On the way to the national title last year, Harding defeated GVSU in a low-scoring quarterfinal matchup, 7-6, so a shot at redemption will be on the horizon at Lubbers Stadium next weekend.

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Grand Valley State’s win over UIndy on Saturday started out as a defensive battle, with the difference in the first half being a 37-yard touchdown strike from junior quarterback Ike Udengwu to sophomore receiver Kellen Reed to register the only points of the first half.

The Lakers took a 7-0 lead into the locker room for halftime after the teams combined for 11 punts and a pair of turnovers – a forced fumble and recovery for GVSU and an interception by UIndy – in the first half. 

The Greyhounds evened the score early in the second half, as a 34-yard toss from junior quarterback Gavin Sukup to senior receiver Alonzo Derrick got UIndy across midfield, and then Sukup was able to break free to and find the end zone from 36 yards out.

Unfortunately for UIndy, that’s where the momentum ended, as GVSU answered with a 68-touchdown pass from Udengwu to junior receiver Jordan Johnson.

Udengwu, who only attempted 50 passes during the regular season, started in place of senior quarterback Avery Moore, who has been plagued with nagging injuries all season. 

Moore has appeared in nine games for the Lakers this year and passed for 1,007 yards during the regular season, but he did not see any action against the Greyhounds.

Udengwu finished the contest with a 14-for-22 performance through the air for 223 yards, along with the two touchdowns and one interception, and the aerial attack proved to be enough for the Lakers, who were ineffective on the ground.

The GVSU rushing effort added just 68 yards on 39 attempts, though junior running back Syone Usma-Harper was able to find the end zone from 1 yard out to put the game out of reach midway through the fourth quarter.  

UIndy did more damage on the ground, rolling up 150 yards on 37 carries, including the touchdown run from Sukup. Senior running back Jon Lewis had a game-high 124 yards on 20 carries.  

The Greyhounds’ passing game was non-existent, however, as Sukup completed just nine of his 28 pass attempts for a 91-yard performance, while GVSU recorded six sacks.

Grand Valley State finished the game with 291 total yards, and UIndy had 241. The teams combined for 19 punts and 26 first downs in the game. The Lakers now are 22-3 all-time against UIndy.

As GVSU prepares to host Harding next week, the other Super Region Three second-round game will include No. 1 Ferris State against either Central Oklahoma or Ouachita Baptist. 

This year marks the 23rd appearance for Grand Valley State in the Division II Playoffs. The Lakers are 40-19 in the Division II postseason, including a 26-5 record at home. 

The loss means the end of the season for UIndy (10-2), which won its third consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference championship this year. In both 2022 and 2023, the Greyhounds suffered first-round playoff losses to Pittsburg State. 

If you missed any of the action as it happened, scroll down to see how it all unfolded in Allendale:

Final Stats From 24-7 GVSU Win Over Indianapolis 

GVSU Wins First Playoff Meeting With UIndy, 24-7

GVSU gets ball back and runs out final 41 seconds to defeat UIndy 24-7

The Lakers scored the final 17 points in the game. 

It was the first playoff meeting between the two schools. GVSU leads the all-time series 22-3.

GVSU will play at home again next week, facing the winner of the Pittsburg State-Harding game.

UIndy's season ends at 10-2.

GVSU improves to 11-1.

GVSU Adds Field Goal As Clock Reaches Two-Minute Warning, Lakers Lead 24-7

Bacik kicks one through from 25 yards to put GVSU ahead 24-7.

There's 1:56 left on the clock.

Grand Valley State Fake Punt Gives Lakers First Down And Complete Control

Sophomore linebacker Jimmy Downs turns the fake punt on fourth and 2 into a 30-yard dash, giving GVSU a first down at the UIndy 15-yard line. 

GVSU Can Get It Done On The Ground, Too

Check out the Lakers' rushing touchdown to put them ahead 21-7 against UIndy.

Lakers put up another 7⃣

#26 Syone Usma-Harper rushes 1 yard to score the third touchdown of the game for the Lakers.

GVSU 21, UINDY 7#AnchorUp pic.twitter.com/lVN1M1H1OD

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball) November 23, 2024

GVSU Drives, Scores, Putting Game Out Of Reach

The Lakers put together another long drive, this time 52 yards, that ends in the end zone.

Junior running back Syone Usma-Harper is able to run it in from 1 yard out on second and goal to put the Lakers ahead 20-7. Bacik adds the extra point to make it 21-7.

The seven-play drive took 3:31 off the clock.

Third Quarter Complete In UIndy-GVSU Contest - GVSU Leads 14-7

Three quarters have been completed in the UIndy-GVSU game. 

UIndy begins the final quarter with the ball. It's third and 15 on the UIndy 29-yard line.

Sukup is sacked for a loss of nine yards. That's his fourth sack of the day. UIndy punts again. 

Udengwu To Johnson - GVSU Leads Against UIndy

Watch the 68-yard touchdown strike from Udengwu to Johnson.

What's up sticks?? 1⃣1⃣

#0 Ike Udwengu completes a pass to #11 Jordan Johnson, taking it in for a 68-yard Laker touchdown.

GVSU 14, UINDY 7#AnchorUp pic.twitter.com/ADdJ617kvW

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball) November 23, 2024

Lakers Back On Top Against UIndy, GVSU Leads 14-7

After another UIndy punt, Grand Valley State starts its drive at its own 32-yard line.

Udengwu finds junior receiver Jordan Johnson in the middle of the field, and he's able to find the end zone for the 68-yard touchdown.

Bacik adds the extra point to put GVSU ahead 14-7 with less than seven minutes to play in the third quarter.

UIndy Ties Contest With GVSU

Sukup and the Greyhounds are able to take advantage of the big play and field position.

Sukup breaks free and runs for a 36-yard score. Redshirt senior Ian Burr adds the extra point.

The five-play, 79-yard drive started with a GVSU punt on the Lakers' opening drive of the half.

UIndy 7, GVSU 7

There's 11:03 left in the third quarter.

Huge Pass For UIndy Gets Greyhounds Into GVSU Territory

Sukup connects with senior receiver Alonzo Derrick for 34 yards to get UIndy into GVSU territory.

The Greyhounds have first and 10 at the GVSU 43.

Second Half Underway In GVSU-UIndy Playoff Matchup

UIndy kicks off to GVSU to start the second half.

The Lakers return the kick to their own 44-yard line.

First-Half Stats From UIndy-GVSU Division II Playoff Game

Clock Runs Out, Greyhounds Unable To Find End Zone - GVSU Leads 7-0 At Halftime

Despite the turnover for GVSU and the excitement for UIndy, the clock winds down, and the first half ends.

GVSU 7, Indianapolis 0

UIndy Gets Interception

With under a minute to play in the half, an active GVSU drive is halted when Udengwu is intercepted by senior linebacker Clay Schulte.

The Greyhounds will have one more drive to try to tie the game before halftime.

Greyhounds Threaten But Come Up Short Against GVSU

UIndy had a 10-play, 54-yard drive as the two-minute warning arrived, but nothing transpired. The Greyhounds are forced to punt again. 

GVSU gets the ball back with just over a minute to play.

GVSU Recovers Fumble, Gets Ball At Midfield 

GVSU forces a fumble after a UIndy pass completion, and the Lakers are able to recover.

UIndy only had six turnovers this season, but No. 7 came at a pretty inopportune time. Well, is there ever a good time?

The Lakers take over at the UIndy 43-yard line.

There's about 11 minutes left on the clock in the first half.

First Quarter Ends In Allendale: GVSU Leads UIndy 7-0

One quarter of play is complete at Lubbers Stadium, with GVSU leading 7-0.

There have been seven punts in the first quarter - four for UIndy and three for GVSU, and it looks like the Greyhounds will punt again to start the second quarter.

GVSU Defense Shining, Too

UIndy junior quarterback Gavin Sukup is sacked twice on the ensuing drive, leading to another punt for the Greyhounds.

ICYMI: Udengwu To Reed For 37 Yards And A Score

Watch the opening score in the GVSU-UIndy Division II playoff game.

IKE 🏹REED

Kellen Reed with the first touchdown of the game for the Lakers.

GVSU 7, UINDY 0#AnchorUp pic.twitter.com/OuQeDvS9ur

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball) November 23, 2024

Grand Valley State Gets On The Board, Lakers Lead 7-0

Udengwu connects with sophomore receiver Kellen Reed on the first play of the drive. The 37-yard strike puts the Lakers ahead 6-0. Redshirt freshman kicker Mathew Bacik adds the extra point.

GVSU 7, UIndy 0.

There's 11:31 left in the opening quarter. 

GVSU Punts, UIndy Punts Again - There's A Theme So Far

The teams have exchanged punts early in the first quarter, but GVSU now has terrific field position and will have the ball at the UIndy 37-yard line.

Greyhounds Punt On Opening Drive, GVSU On Offense

It's three and out for UIndy to start this contest.

Junior quarterback Ike Udengwu gets the start for GVSU, as it looks like Avery Moore's injuries this season continue to be an issue. 

UIndy And GVSU Underway At Lubbers Stadium In Michigan

Grand Valley State won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.

The Lakers kick off to UIndy to open the game!

When Is The UIndy Vs. Grand Valley State Football Game?

The University of Indianapolis Greyhounds will take on the Grand Valley State Lakers at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale, Michigan, on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Eastern/Noon Central.

How To Watch The Indianapolis Vs. Grand Valley State Football Game

The UIndy vs. Grand Valley State playoff football game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. EST.

Highlights, breaking news and full coverage of the Division III playoffs will be available on FloFootball. 

A Look At A Quiet Lubbers Stadium

The GVSU Lakers are on their way into the stadium. Check it out!

Rollin into Lubbers pic.twitter.com/57Z8Hw4YIt

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball) November 23, 2024

Fast Fact: UIndy Football

UIndy used to be a member of the GLIAC, and that’s why the Greyhounds and Lakers have met 24 times in history. 

UIndy won their last conference game, which happened in 2011, by a 34-33 margin. 

The last time UIndy defeated GVSU was 2017 (24-20).

The last time they played was 2018, with the Lakers winning 30-7.

Fast Fact: Grand Valley State Football

In 52 years of action, GVSU also has won 19 conference championships and is the winningest FBS/FCS/Division II program in the country with a 453-152-3 record all-time, a winning percentage of nearly 75%.

Since 2009, Grand Valley State is 37-20 against ranked teams. 

Since 2001, GVSU is 230-39 as a ranked team.

About UIndy Football

UIndy has won seven consecutive games since a Sept. 28 loss at home to Saginaw Valley State (28-24). The streak includes a 52-0 rout of Lincoln last Saturday.

The Greyhounds have scored 40 or more points in their last six games, including 52 or more in their last three, while outscoring their opponents 294-70 during those six contests. 

This season, UIndy is 1-1 against the GLIAC, defeating Wayne State and losing to SVSU.

Overall, UIndy has scored 41.27 points per game this year, which ranks 10th nationally, while giving up just 15.82 ppg (18th nationally).

UIndy dominated the GLVC, topping the conference in points per game and scoring defense, total offense (460.8 yards per game), total defense (271.5 ypg), rushing (204.7), rushing defense (76.6), passing (256.1), kick returns (28.1 yards per return), first downs (23 per game) and fewest first downs allowed per game (13.6).

Senior running back Jon Lewis was the legs for the Greyhounds this year, carrying the ball 182 times for 1,061 net yards (third in the GLVC) and 12 touchdowns (fourth in the GLVC). 

What Should You Know About UIndy Before Saturday’s Playoff Game?

Here’s everything the Greyhounds want you to know before their meeting with GVSU.

🏈 | All the playoff info you need ahead of Saturday's 1st round game! @UIndyFB x #D2FB

🔗 https://t.co/spcV3hgOOx pic.twitter.com/VJdwrXI0jy

— UIndy Athletics (@UIndyAthletics) November 21, 2024

About Grand Valley State University Football

Grand Valley State fell short in its bid for a third consecutive GLIAC title. Ferris State got the best of the Lakers during the 2024 edition of their rivalry game, the Anchor-Bone Classic (34-7), and that game again determined the conference champion. 

What’s done is done. All the Lakers can do now is enjoy the fact that they’ve registered 10 wins for the 18th time since 2001 and they’ve moved on to the playoffs with a chance at a fifth national championship. 

Grand Valley State enters the postseason with a three-game winning streak, including a 34-21 win over GLIAC newcomer Roosevelt last weekend. 

In 2024, GVSU is averaging 30.36 points per game (tied for 43rd in Division II), while holding opponents to just 14.27 (11th nationally).

The Lakers also have a stellar pass defense, ranking in the top 10 in team passing efficiency defense (88.7 – third) and passing yards allowed (135.5 – seventh).

Individually, the Lakers are led by senior quarterback Avery Moore, who has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns this year. He also has rushed for more than 530 yards and another five scores. 

As the regular season concluded, 20 GVSU players received All-GLIAC honors, including senior offensive lineman Gabe Brown, who was named 2024 GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Read more about GVSU heading into the 2024 playoffs: 3 Things To Know About GVSU Football In The NCAA Division II Playoffs

Who Else Earned All-GLIAC Honors? 

See which players and coaches were recognized for their success on the football field this season. 

2024 All-GLIAC football teams, player of the year awards announced

🔗 https://t.co/vkrNDnXM7T#WhereChampionsCompete #GLIACFB🏈 pic.twitter.com/cHx4szp01y

— GLIAC (@GLIACsports) November 21, 2024

UIndy Football Schedule 2024

• Sept. 7: UIndy 42, Hillsdale 16 (W)
• Sept.14: UIndy 41, Truman 34 (W)
• Sept.21: UIndy 30, Wayne State 6 (W)
• Sept.28: Saginaw Valley State 28, UIndy 24 (L)
• Oct.5: UIndy 23, William Jewell 20 (OT-W)
• Oct.12: UIndy 47, Quincy 10 (W)
• Oct.19: UIndy 42, McKendree 34 (W)
• Oct.26: UIndy 40, Upper Iowa 13 (W)
• Nov.2: UIndy 58, Southwest Baptist 3 (W)
• Nov.9: UIndy 55, Missouri S&T 10 (W)
• Nov.16: UIndy 52, Lincoln 0 (W)

Grand Valley State Football Schedule 2024

• Sept. 5: GVSU 58, Central State 0 (W)
• Sept.14: GVSU 24, Colorado State-Pueblo 21 (W)
• Sept.21: GVSU 20, Wisconsin-La Crosse 13 (W)
• Sept.28: GVSU 31, West Florida 7 (W)
• Oct.5: GVSU 24, Davenport 7 (W)
• Oct.12: GVSU 49, Northern Michigan 17 (W)
• Oct.19: GVSU 16, Saginaw Valley State 9 (W)
• Oct.26: Ferris State 34, GVSU 7 (L)
• Nov.2: GVSU 51, Wayne State 28 (W)
• Nov.9: GVSU 20, Michigan Tech 0 (W)
• Nov.16: GVSU 34, Roosevelt 21 (W)

University of Indianapolis Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the UIndy football roster.

Grand Valley State University Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the GVSU football roster.

What Were Some Of The Division II Football Scores In Week 12 Of The 2024 Season?

Read more: NCAA Division II Football Scores In Week 12 – The Playoffs Are Here

When Are The NCAA Division II Football Playoffs?

• First round: Saturday, Nov. 23
• Second round: Saturday, Nov. 30 
• Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 7 
• Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 14
• National championship: Saturday, Dec. 21

When Is The NCAA Division II Football National Championship Game?

The NCAA Division II championship game is set for Saturday, Dec. 21 in McKinney, Texas.

NCAA Division II Football Playoff Schedule

First Round: Saturday, Nov. 23

• Slippery Rock vs. New Haven
• Charleston (W.Va.) vs. Ashland
• California (Pa.) vs. East Stroudsburg
• Miles vs. Carson-Newman
• Wingate vs. Virginia Union
• West Alabama vs. Lenoir-Rhyne
• Central Oklahoma vs. Ouachita Baptist
• Grand Valley State vs. UIndy
• Pittsburg State vs. Harding
• Augustana (S.D.) vs. Minnesota State
• Western Colorado vs. Central Washington
• Angelo State vs. Bemidji State

Second Round: Saturday, Nov. 30

• Kutztown vs. Slippery Rock/New Haven
• Valdosta State vs. Miles/Carson-Newman
• Ferris State vs. Central Oklahoma/Ouachita Baptist
• CSU Pueblo vs. Augustana (S.D.)/Minnesota State

AFCA Division II Football Rankings

As of Nov. 18, 2024

1. Valdosta St. (Ga.) (27) 10-0
2. Ferris St. (Mich.) (3) 10-1
3. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-0
4. Harding (Ark.) 10-1
5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-1
6. Charleston (W.Va.) 11-0
7. Colorado St.-Pueblo 10-1
8. Central Oklahoma 10-1
9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 10-1
10. Western Colorado 10-1
11. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-1
12. West Alabama 9-1
13. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 8-2
14. Indianapolis (Ind.) 10-1
15. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 9-2
16. Angelo St. (Tex.) 9-2
17. Wingate (N.C.) 9-1
18. Colorado School of Mines 8-3
19. Central Washington 8-3
20. California (Pa.) 8-2
21. West Florida 7-3
22. Augustana (S.D.) 8-3
23. Southern Arkansas 9-2
24. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 9-2
25. Central Missouri 8-3

Dropped Out: Minnesota St. (18), Findlay (Ohio) (22).

Others Receiving Votes: Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 65; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 45; Virginia Union, 38; Miles (Ala.), 36; Minnesota St., 34; New Haven (Conn.), 21; Findlay (Ohio), 18; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 9; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 4; Davenport (Mich.), 3; Ashland (Ohio), 2; Glenville St. (W.Va.), 1.

To see the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, click here.

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