Indianapolis, IN - The McKendree University Football team (0-2, 0-0) continues its road stretch on Saturday evening, traveling to Indianapolis to open Great Lakes Valley Conference play against the reigning league champion Greyhounds (2-1, 0-0). Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM central time at Key Stadium.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME
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EARLY SEASON RESILIENCE
The Bearcats enter the matchup in search of their first win in 2025, but they do so with plenty of optimism. Both early contests have gone down to the wire, including a 22-17 Week 2 heartbreaker against Hillsdale where McKendree rallied from a two-touchdown halftime deficit to briefly grab the lead. That fight, coupled with the offensive firepower and defensive grit has the program looking to make a statement as league play begins.
BEARCAT LEADERS TO WATCH
McKendree will once again lean on its veteran stars. Running back
Eddie Clark, an All-GLVC returner, continues to be a focal point of the offense. Quarterback
Ty Michael, the league's passing yards leader in 2024, has already shown the ability to stretch the field with a strong receiving corps. Defensively, the Bearcats look for timely stops and playmaking from a unit, spearheaded by names like
Dameion Hatten and
Logan Turbyfill, that kept both Indiana State and Hillsdale in check for long stretches.
SCOUTING THE GREYHOUNDS
Standing in the way is a UIndy squad that comes in at (2-1) and ranked just outside the national Top 25 after receiving votes in this week's AFCA Division II poll. The Greyhounds are the preseason GLVC favorites, having won three straight conference crowns and 10 of 13 overall since 2012. Last week, UIndy knocked off then-#20 Ashland with a dramatic 33-26 comeback, fueled by three fourth-quarter turnovers forced by the defense.
UINDY STANDOUTS
The Greyhounds boast star power across the field. Quarterback Gavin Sukup is one of the nation's most efficient passers and has already surpassed 900 yards through the air (908) this season. Sophomore running back Garrett Sherrell anchors the ground game, while veteran receiver Alonzo Derrick provides a consistent downfield threat. On defense, linebacker Alvin Contreras earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after scoring twice in the Ashland win, and defensive end Danny Royster made his mark with a three-sack performance.
SERIES HISTORY
This series has historically favored UIndy, which holds a 12-1 all-time record against McKendree. However, the Bearcats know they can compete, having earned a 21-16 win at Key Stadium in 2023 before last year's 42-34 shootout in Lebanon. Special teams also looms large, as UIndy blocked three McKendree kicks in last year's meeting.
THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
As the GLVC slate begins, McKendree knows the challenge at hand. Facing a perennial conference power on the road provides a tough early test, but it also gives the Bearcats a chance to showcase their growth and resilience. Competing well in Indianapolis would signal that McKendree is ready to make strides in league play.
