UNIVERSITY CENTER,MI - Saginaw Valley State University started it's 2016 home schedule with an exciting 20-14 win over rival Northwood University at Harvey Randall Wickes Stadium tonight.    In the 40th annual Red Feather game the Cardinals survived a late miss of a 39 yard field goal to go into overtime tonight.   The Cardinals won the toss and went on defense.  That paid off big time. 

This is also the annual AX Bowl between the two rival schools in which the winner of the game gets to keep the AX for another year.  Athletic Director Mike Watson was down on the field to present the AX to SVSU right after David Nay ran 18 yards to seal the victory for the Cardinals.   Saginaw Valley now leads the rivalry all-time AX Bowl record with 25-16-1.

Northwood missed a chance to win the game at the very end of regulation but missed a 39 yard field goal.   Then in overtime the Timberwolves had another mid range field goal that sailed wide and watched the Cardinals punch the ball right into the end zone for the victory on a David Nay 18 yard run.    Saginaw Valley State scored first on a 94 yard interception touchdown run by Matt McKoy.

However leading the game at the end was huge for the Cardinals now looking to improve on last season's poor record.   The 20-14 win over Northwood University who drops to 0-2 on this young season might be in for a long season with their young squad.   Saginaw Valley State University on moves to 1-1.   David Nay lead the Cardinals win 116 yards rushing on 21 attempts.  Northwood University would nearly double the Cardinals in offense with 497 yard to SVSU's 245 yards. 

Saginaw Valley now will play at Walsh next week before returning home to face Ohio Dominican.