(Ann Arbor, MI) Entering Saturday both teams averaged 28 points per game. With a wet and dreary day, the offense was at a minimum. Both teams finished well under their average yards per game with 290 total offensive yards apiece. CUAA looked to help the Homecoming celebrations by winning their fourth straight game.
The Fighting Saints opened up scoring in the first quarter with an 8 play, 50-yard drive. Quarterback, Don Butkus orchestrated a balanced attack through the air and ground. John Magee capped off the possession with a 5-yard rush; a failed point after put the Saints up 6-0.
USF added to their lead in the second quarter with a Butkus pass to Jean Pietrzak for 23 yards. Saint Francis failed the conversion to extend their lead at 12-0.
CUAA struggled offensively to find their groove. Following the USF touchdown, the Cards would turn the ball over by way of a fumble.
Saint Francis would give the ball right back by way of an interception by the Mid-State's Football Association Defensive Player of the Week, Nick Holshoe (JR/Hopkins, MI).
The turnover sparked the Cardinal offense that capped off their following drive with a 41-yard field goal to get on the scoreboard. The drive was highlighted by a Seth Suida (SO/Livonia, MI) 29-yard pass to Corey Turner (SR/Woodhaven, MI). After the converted field goal, CUAA trailed 12-3.
Scoring would cease beyond that point for the remainder of the game. Neither team was able to muster more than 33 yards on a given possession besides a CUAA 13 play, 63 yard drive that resulted in a turnover. The Cardinals marched down the USF 5-yard line before giving away the possession by way of an interception.
Offensively, Seth Suida completed 9 of 22 passes for 96 yards. Tyler Fehler (SO/Fruitport, MI) completed 2 of 2 passes for 35 yards. Suida rushed for 88 yards while Ashton Gray (JR/Detroit, MI) amassed 36 yards.
Roderick Dailey (FR/Detroit, MI) led CUAA receivers with 5 catches for 50 yards.
Andrew O'Hara (FR/Cleveland, OH) led the defense with 11 total tackles while Ty Peterson (JR/Milan, MI) tallied 8. Tom Knott (JR/Monroe, MI) and Nick Holshoe both collected 7 tackles while Holshoe picked up 1 interception.
With the loss, CUAA falls to 3-2 on the year. Up next for the Cardinals will be another top-25 ranked opponent in (7) Saint Xavier University. The game is set for next Saturday with kickoff scheduled at 1:00 PM.
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