CFB D2 Game Preview: Northeastern State RiverHawks (0-0) vs. Saginaw Valley State Cardinals (0-0)

Game Details

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium

Preview Summary

Saginaw Valley State opens its season at home against the Northeastern State RiverHawks. The Cardinals look to build on a 7–4 finish in 2024 behind coach Ryan Brady’s veteran leadership, while NSU seeks an early non-conference statement on the road. Expect a trench battle up front and a fight for turnover margin to set the tone in this Week 0 opener.

Season Context

Saginaw Valley State enters Year 6 under head coach Ryan Brady, boasting a 33–22 mark and a 7–4 (4–3 GLIAC) campaign last fall. The Cardinals aim to tighten their red-zone defense and convert early drives into points, addressing last season’s missed late-game opportunities. Northeastern State kicks off 2025 looking to test its squad against GLIAC competition. The RiverHawks return key starters on both sides of the ball, focusing on ball control and situational football in hostile territory.

Team Overviews

Northeastern State RiverHawks

2024 Record: 0–0 (season opener)

Offense: Spread-tempo system featuring a dual-threat quarterback and emergent skill talent

Defense: Aggressive front aiming to pressure the passer and create third-down chaos

Saginaw Valley State Cardinals

Head Coach: Ryan Brady (6th season, 33–22 overall)

2024 Record: 7–4 (4–3 GLIAC)

Offense: Balanced attack with returning starters along the offensive line and a ground-pass mix

Defense: Bend-but-don’t-break scheme anchored by veteran linebackers and a stingy secondary

Key Storylines

Road Test vs. Home Comfort: NSU’s first true road game pits their offensive rhythm against SVSU’s familiar environment and crowd energy.

Line of Scrimmage Showdown: Cardinals’ veteran front seven versus RiverHawks’ spread-run blocking will determine time of possession.

Turnover Battle: SVSU aims to improve its takeaway rate, while NSU looks to control the football and avoid mistakes.

Tactical Matchups

Northeastern State Offense vs. SVSU Defense: Watch how the RiverHawks use tempo and pre-snap motion to neutralize the Cardinals’ disciplined gap assignments.

Saginaw Valley State Offense vs. NSU Defense: The Cardinals will mix inside zone runs with pop passes; NSU’s front must win its one-on-one blocks to set up the play-action game.

Head-to-Head: This marks the first-ever meeting between Northeastern State and Saginaw Valley State at the varsity level.

What to Watch

First-Quarter Trenches: SVSU’s interior D-line versus NSU’s zone-run looks will shape early momentum.

Third-Down Conversion: Both units must excel in down-and-distance; success rate will tilt field position.

Special Teams Impact: Field-position swings or return scores could decide a tight Week 0 affair.