INDIANAPOLIS – The
10th-ranked UIndy football team clinched its fourth consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference championship Saturday, defeating visiting Upper Iowa, 28-21, at Key Stadium. The Greyhounds broke a 21-all tie with four minutes left and came up with a game-sealing interception on the Peacocks' final drive.
With the GLVC's automatic qualifying bid officially in hand, UIndy awaits the NCAA DII Selection Show, set to air on NCAA.com on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. ET. Stay tuned to UIndyAthletics.com and UIndy Athletics on social media for updates.
SENIOR DAY
UIndy honored 20 senior student-athletes prior to kickoff.
Brendan Arendt,
Bridger Bolos,
Cornell Branch IV,
Ryne Buttz,
Alonzo Derrick,
Markez Gillam,
Jalyn Givan,
Nick Johnson,
Cobi Lewis,
Tucker Keevers,
Devin Nelson,
Diego Piche,
Colin Price,
Grant Ray,
Jaden Schlabach,
Colin Seymour,
Brandon Smith,
Gavin Sukup,
Kyle Trilling and
Jalen Wilson were all recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.
The group features a mix four- and five-year students and even a six-year contributor (Derrick). They have now combined to help the Hounds to a combined 48 wins, including 38 in the last four years, as well as five total GLVC titles. With the league's AQ secured, they will next week become the first-ever UIndy class to make four consecutive NCAA playoff appearances.
INS & OUTS
After battling to a 14-14 stalemate in the first half, the stage was set for an exciting final 30 minutes. UIndy broke the tie with a five-play, 80-yard scoring drive midway through the third. The possession featured a 20-yard rush by
Garrett Sherrell and a 51-yard bomb to
Markez Gillam before a five-yard rushing TD from
Gavin Sukup put the Hounds on top.
The Peacocks would tie it again with a marathon 17-play, 89-yard touchdown drive, chewing up 7:36 in the process.
With the score now knotted at 21-21 and nine minutes to go, the UIndy offense executed another clutch drive. Sukup found junior wideout
Kaleb Carver twice during the possession, with his 28-yard catch putting the Greyhounds in the red zone.
The go-ahead score came moments later on a lengthy scramble by Sukup, who eluded multiple Peacock defenders before finding tight end
Cole Bennett in the end zone to put the Hounds back in front.
UIndy left the Peacocks 3:42 on the clock, however, and with its GLVC title hopes in the balance, Upper Iowa went to work. It earned a couple of quick first downs, advancing into Greyhound territory and ultimately to the 20-yard line before sophomore
Alvin Contreras made the biggest play of his UIndy career with a game-sealing interception at the two.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Contreras now leads the team with four inceptions on the year. He racked up seven tackles, two TFLs and four pass break-ups on the afternoon.
- Sukup finished 19-for-27 passing for 287 yards, three TDs and zero picks while adding 26 rushing yards and a touchdown.
-
Garrett Sherrell compiled 119 all-purpose yards, on 12 touches averaging 11 yards per rush and nine yards per reception.
- Three Hounds reached double figures in tackles, with
Eli Liapis (12),
Jalen Wilson (11) and
Mario Williams (10) pacing the team.
- Freshman tight end
Callen Okerson scored the first touchdown of the game, with his 12-yard reception netting his first collegiate TD.
- Conversely, veteran receiver
Alonzo Derrick scored career touchdown No. 24 on a 34-yard reception, one that included 20 yards after the catch. The play converted a 4th & 6 and put the Hound up 14-0.
MORE NOTES
UIndy moves to 3-0 all-time versus Upper Iowa … The Peacocks were receiving votes in the most recent
AFCA DII Coaches Poll and were ranked No. 7 in the
SR3 regional rankings heading into play … The contest featured the nation's top two quarterbacks in completion percentage.
