American college football season
The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football program, 2010–2019 represented Saginaw Valley State University during the 2010s in NCAA Division II college football as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The team was led during the decade by two head coaches: Jim Collins , who held the post for 11 years from 2008 to 2018 and compiled a 65–56 record; and Ryan Brady , who took over as head coach in 2019 and continues in the position as of 2025. Highlights of the decade included:
The 2011 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team compiled a 7–4, tied for the GLIAC North Division championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost in overtime to Minnesota Duluth.
The 2012 team compiled an 8–3 record and tied for the GLIAC North championship.
The 2013 team compiled a 9–3 record, won the GLIAC North championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost to Grand Valley State in the first round.
The 2018 team , in its final season under Jim Collins, compiled an 8–3 record and finished fourth in the GLIAC.
Under new head coach Ryan Brady , the 2019 team compiled a 5–6 record.
The team played its home games at Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium , commonly shortened to Wickes Stadium, in University Center, Michigan .
Year
Head coach
Overall record
Conf. record
Conf. rank
Points scored
Points against
2010
Jim Collins
4–7
4–6
7 (North)
303
312
2011
Jim Collins
7–4
7–3
T1 (North)
346
306
2012
Jim Collins
8–3
7–3
T1 (North)
360
284
2013
Jim Collins
9–3
9–1
1 (North)
453
381
2014
Jim Collins
2–9
2–8
13
152
291
2015
Jim Collins
1–10
1–9
14
182
335
2016
Jim Collins
5–5
5–5
8
265
286
2017
Jim Collins
5–6
3–6
8
255
263
2018
Jim Collins
8–3
5–3
4
296
183
2019
Ryan Brady
5–6
3–5
T5
337
265
TOTAL
54–56
The 2010 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2010 NCAA Division II football season . In their third year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 4–7 record (4–7 in conference games), finished in last place in the GLIAC's North Division, and were outscored by a total of 312 to 303. It was SVSU's worst season since 1993 and one of only three losing seasons in the program's 23-year history.[ 1]
In a pre-season coaches poll, SVSU was picked to finish third in the conference.[ 2]
The 2011 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2011 NCAA Division II football season . In their fourth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 7–4 record (7–3 in conference games), tied for the GLIAC's North Division championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 346 to 306. They advanced to the Division II playoffs, losing in overtime to Minnesota Duluth in the first round.
SVSU played in its first nationally-televised game, as the Ashland game was televised on CBS College Sports Network as well as Fox Sports Detroit.[ 8] [ 9]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 10 Ferris State W 30–278,173
September 17 at Lake Erie W 35–202,642
September 24 Northwood Wickes Stadium University Center, MI (Axe Bowl) W 28–207,726
October 1 Hillsdale Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 35–386,984 [ 10]
October 8 at Michigan Tech W 44–413,092
October 15 at Indianapolis L 20–292,678
October 20 Ashland Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 27–62,913
October 29 at No. 15 Wayne State (MI) W 28–203,099
November 5 Northern Michigan Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 48–267,068
November 12 at Grand Valley State L 24–4911,163 [ 11]
November 19 at Minnesota Duluth * L 27–30 OT 1,012
*Non-conference game HomecomingRankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
The 2012 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2012 NCAA Division II football season . In their fifth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled an 8–3 record (7–3 in conference games), tied for the GLIAC's North Division championship, and were outscored by a total of 360 to 284.[ 12]
Junior wide receiver Jeff Janis caught 106 passes for 1,635 yards and 17 touchdowns. He set GLIAC single-game records with 300 receiving yards against Lake Eries and 18 receptions against Michigan Tech. He was selected as the GLIAC offensive back of the year for 2012.[ 13]
Janis and two other SVSC players received first-team honors on the 2012 All-GLIAC team. The other first-team honorees were senior linebacker Grant Caserta and safety Jeff Heath. Caserta led the team with 109 tackles. Heath tied for the GLIAC lead with five interceptions. Four Cardinals received second-team All-GLIAC honors: quarterback Jonathon Jennings, tailback Tim Hogue, offensive lineman Christian Babini; and defensive lineman Ryan Busch.[ 13]
Date Time Opponent Rank Site Result Attendance Source September 1 7:00 p.m. No. 8 Valdosta State * Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 28–244,891
September 8 at Malone Canton, OH W 37–14
September 15 Findlay Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 27–29
September 22 at Lake Erie W 51–24
September 29 Ferris State No. 16 Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 31–24 OT 8,357
October 6 at Northwood W 28–20
8:00 p.m. No. 18 Wayne State (MI) No. 17 Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 24–76,631 [ 14]
October 20 at Hillsdale L 17–342,317
October 27 Michigan Tech Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 34–233,782 [ 15]
November 3 at Northern Michigan L 28–33[ 16]
November 10 Grand Valley State W 55–529,607 [ 17] [ 18]
The 2013 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2013 NCAA Division II football season . In their sixth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 9–3 record (9–1 in conference games), won the GLIAC's North Division championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 453 to 381. The Cardinals were ranked No. 23 in the final AFCA Division II poll. Their only three losses were in the season opener against eventual Division II national champion Northwest Missouri State and to Division II semifinalist Grand Valley State to whom they lost in the final game of the regular season and in the first round of the Division II playoffs.[ 19]
Wide receiver Jeff Janis caught 83 passes for 1,572 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named the GLIAC offensive back of the year for the second consecutive year. He was also named to the 2013 Little All-America college football team and invited to play in the 2014 Senior Bowl.[ 20] He later played for the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2017.
Date Opponent Rank Site Result Attendance Source September 5 at No. 4 Northwest Missouri State * No. 22 L 24–45
September 14 Malone Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 59–20
September 21 at Findlay Findlay, OH W 35–34
September 28 Lake Erie Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 51–41
October 5 at Ferris State W 31–283,664
October 12 Northwood Wickes Stadium University Center, MI (Axe Bowl) W 44–28
October 19 at Wayne State (MI) W 14–102,325
October 26 Hillsdale No. 25 Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 47–343,100
November 2 at Michigan Tech No. 23 W 55–35[ 21] [ 22]
November 9 Northern Michigan No. 19 Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 52–17[ 23]
November 16 at Grand Valley State No. 15 L 34–4911,888 [ 24]
November 23 at No. 22 Grand Valley State No. 21 Lubbers Stadium Allendale, MI L 7–405,098 [ 25]
*Non-conference game Rankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
The 2014 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2014 NCAA Division II football season . In their seventh year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 2–9 record (2–8 in conference games), tied for 13th place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 291 to 152.
The 2015 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2015 NCAA Division II football season . In their eighth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 1–10 record (1–9 in conference games), finished in 14th place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 335 to 182.
The 2016 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2016 NCAA Division II football season . In their ninth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 5–5 record (5–5 in conference games), finished in eighth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 286 to 265.
Ryan Conklin, a reshirt freshman from Standish-Sterling, took over at quartertback.[ 34]
The 2017 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division II football season . In their tenth year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled a 5–6 record (3–6 in conference games), finished in eighth place in the GLIAC, and were outscored by a total of 263 to 255.
Date Time Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 2 12:00 p.m. at Alderson Broaddus * Philippi, WV W 42–241,671
September 9 3:00 p.m. Walsh * W 28–07,912
September 16 6:07 p.m. at Wayne State (MI) L 31–413,961
September 23 1:00 p.m. Michigan Tech Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 24–283,891
September 30 7:06 p.m. at No. 9 Grand Valley State L 6–3415,985 [ 39]
October 7 3:00 p.m. Davenport Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 33–02,485
October 14 3:00 p.m. No. 15 Ferris State Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 17–494,217 [ 40]
October 21 1:00 p.m. at Northern Michigan W 20–122,393
October 28 3:00 p.m. Tiffin Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 14–91,758
November 4 1:00 p.m. at Northwood L 21–352,006 [ 41]
November 11 1:00 p.m. at Ashland Ashland, OH L 19–312,952
The 2018 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2018 NCAA Division II football season . In their eleventh and final year under head coach Jim Collins , the Cardinals compiled an 8–3 record (5–3 in conference games), finished in fourth place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 296 to 183.
The 2019 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team represented Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) during the 2019 NCAA Division II football season . In their first year under head coach Ryan Brady , the Cardinals compiled a 5–6 record (3–5 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for fifth place in the GLIAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 337 to 265.
Former head coach Jim Collins left SVSU in February 2019 to become director of player personnel for the Army Cadets football program.[ 42] SVSU chose Ryan Brady as its new head coach in March 2019. Brady had been an assistant coach at Ferris State for several years.[ 43]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 7 at Texas A&M–Kingsville * W 35–148,517 [ 44]
September 14 Tiffin * W 35–204,725
September 21 Michigan Tech Wickes Stadium University Center, MI W 23–74,850
September 28 at Wayne State (MI) L 24–203,277
October 5 Northwood Wickes Stadium University Center, MI (Axe Bowl ) W 55–294,950 [ 45] [ 46]
October 12 at No. 19 Grand Valley State L 35–2813,180 [ 47]
October 19 at Lindenwood * Hunter Stadium St. Charles, MO L 35–312,068
October 26 at No. 2 Ferris State L 34–103,404
November 2 Ashland Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 24–212,119
November 9 at Northern Michigan W 56–101,522
November 16 Davenport Wickes Stadium University Center, MI L 33–231,750
*Non-conference game HomecomingRankings from Coaches' Poll released prior to the game
^ Geoff Mott (August 23, 2011). "Cardinals loook to bounce back from 4-7 season" . The Saginaw News . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "GVSU looks to continue GLIAC dominance" . Grand Haven Tribune . August 28, 2010. p. 14 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (September 24, 2010). "An Axe to grind: Saginaw Valley and Northwood battle for bragging rights" . The Bay City Times . p. B1 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (September 26, 2010). "Northwood 30, Saginaw Valley State 26: Northwood reclaims the Axe" . The Bay City Times . p. B1 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Hillsdale team improves to 4-1 on year" . Jackson Citizen Patriot . October 3, 2010. p. B5 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Saginaw Valley State gets much-needed win" . The Bay City Times . October 10, 2010. p. B1 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Zuidema (November 7, 2010). "GVSU holds on to early lead: Lakers keep bye week hopes alive" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. C5 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (October 25, 2011). "SVSU hopes to repeat TV appearance" . The Saginaw News . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (June 22, 2012). "SVSU football to host Wayne State on national TV" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (September 30, 2011). "SVSU faces Hillsdale" . The Bay City Times . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Kyle Austin (November 13, 2011). "Saginaw Valley falls, hopes for playoff berth" . The Bay City Times . p. B1 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "2012 Saginaw Valley State Football Overall Team Stats" . Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Retrieved April 16, 2025 .
^ a b Hugh Bernreuter (November 18, 2012). "Janis the GLIAC's best back: Receiver awarded offensive award for stellar campaign" . The Saginaw News . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (October 12, 2012). "SVSU makes 'em pay: Cardinals down Wayne State after late mistake" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "SVSU takes down Michigan Tech" . The Saginaw News . October 28, 2012. p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 4, 2012). "SVSU sputters in fourth quarter: Cardinals' playoff hopes in jeopardy after loss" . The Saginaw News . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 11, 2012). "Late TD lifts Saginaw Valley: Cardinals score in final seconds" . The Saginaw News . p. B4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "GVSU loses in final seconds: SVSU wins 'Battle of the Valleys' with late touchdown pass" . The Grand Rapids Press . November 11, 2012. p. C4 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (December 27, 2013). "Season ends with highlights for SVSU" . The Saginaw News . p. 8.
^ Michael Niziolek (December 13, 2013). "SVSU's Janis invited to play in 2014 Senior Bowl" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (November 1, 2013). "Cardinals continue GLIAC gauntlet with Michigan Tech" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (November 3, 2013). "Saginaw Valley State 55, Michigan Tech 35: Strong third quarter propels Cardinals to road win" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (November 10, 2013). "Saginaw Valley State 52, Northern Michigan 17: Cardinals soar past Northern Michigan" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (November 17, 2013). "Grand Valley State 49, Saginaw Valley State 34: Special teams miscues doom Saginaw Valley State" . The Saginaw News – via Newspapers.com .
^ Michael Niziolek (November 24, 2013). "Grand Valley State 40, Saginaw Valley State 7: GVSU comes out on top" . The Saginaw News . pp. B1, B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "SVSU faces tall task vs. No. 11 Ohio Dominican" . The Bay City Times . November 7, 2014. p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 9, 2014). "Ohio Domincan 38, SVSU 14: Ohio Dominican 'D' bottles up SVSU" . The Bay City Times . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 14, 2014). "Cardinals look to close with win against rival GVSU" . The Saginaw News . p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (September 18, 2015). "SVSU, Michigan Tech gear up to face off in Red Feather Game" . The Saginaw News . p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (September 25, 2015). "Former Midland star Walter fends off SVSU upset bid" . The Saginaw News – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 3, 2015). "Hillsdale 26, SVSU 0: SVSU suffers second shutout of season, falls to Hillsdale" . The Bay City Times . p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bern reuter (November 10, 2015). "Ohio Domincan 24, SVSU 17: SVSU rally falls short against Ohio Dominican" . The Saginaw News . p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 15, 2015). "SVSU falls short vs. GVSU, notches worst record in school history" . The Saginaw News – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (August 28, 2016). "Untested QBs tasked with reviving offense" . The Saginaw News . p. B6 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreutier (September 13, 2016). "SVSU 20, Northwood 14 (OT): Saginaw Valley gets axe back, improves to 25-16-1 in Axe Bowl; Nay's big day leads Cardinals" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Wayne State 42, SVSU 14: Second-place Wayne State runs over SVSU" . The Saginaw News . October 25, 2016. p. B2 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 8, 2016). "GVSU 62, Saginaw Valley 56: SVSU falls short against No. 2 Lakers" . The Saginaw News . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 15, 2016). "SVSU finished at .500 with loss in finale" . The Bay City Times . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Peter J. Wallner (October 3, 2017). "GVSU pulls away in win over Saginaw Valley" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Peter J. Wallner (October 17, 2017). "Ferris St. pulls away from Saginaw Valley" . The Grand Rapids Press . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (November 7, 2017). "Northwood reclaims rivalry: Saginaw Valley blows 14-point third quarter lead in Axe Bowl loss" . The Bay City Times . p. B3 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Head football coach Jim Collins leaving SVSU for a position with Army football" . SVSU Athletics. February 25, 2019.
^ Tony Paul (March 25, 2019). "Saginaw Valley State picks Ryan Brady, ex-GVSU quarterback, as new head coach" . The Detroit News .
^ Len Hayward (September 9, 2019). "Saginaw Valley St. too much for Javelinas" . Corpus Christi Caller Times . p. B5 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Hugh Bernreuter (October 5, 2019). "Reeths-Puffer grad Nate McCrary lifts SVSU to Axe Bowl win over Northwood" . Mlive.com .
^ Fred Kelly (October 5, 2019). "SVSU runs away from Northwood for 55-29 Axe Bowl win" . Midland Daily News .
^ "Grand Valley holds off late rally against SVSU" . The Grand Rapids Press . October 15, 2019. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com .
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