Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

INDIANAPOLIS — The University of Indianapolis scored 24 points off of five Michigan Tech turnovers en route to a 38-20 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football win tonight at Key Stadium. The Huskies (1-6 overall, 1-6 GLIAC) held the hosts to 32 rushing yards and 231 yards of total offense but UIndy (3-5, 2-5 GLIAC) picked off three passes and recovered two fumbles to defend its home field.

“We had too many bad mistakes,” said head coach Tom Kearly. “The turnovers were costly and ended up being the big key to the game.”

The teams played a near-even game through 20 minutes. They traded touchdowns with a blocked extra point the only difference in a 7-6 UIndy lead. The first big play of the game happened with 8:13 remaining in the first half when Brent Heim fumbled as he was sacked. The Greyhounds recovered at the Tech 11-yards line and punched it into the endzone for a 14-6 lead.

On the very next drive, Heim was intercepted, and Alex Byrnes returned it to the one-yard line before UIndy cashed in again for a 21-6 advantage.

Tech’s Jamell Matthias thought he had an interception late in the opening half, but it was ruled a simultaneous catch for a 42-yard UIndy gain. That set up a 12-yard touchdown pass and a 28-6 margin at the break.

The Huskies turned the ball over on each of their first three possessions of the second half which led to 10 more Greyhound points thanks to a 42-yard interception return touchdown and a 33-yard field goal.

Michigan Tech scored twice in the fourth quarter to bring the final score to 38-20. Fullback Tim Schmalz tallied his first career touchdown run and Heim found Bryan LaChappelle in the back of the endzone.

Tech held a 265-231 advantage in total yards and a seven-minute lead in time of possession. The Huskies also converted 10-of-18 third downs compared to only 2-of-13 for the home team.

Atkins turned in his third 100-yard game in the last four weeks with 107 on 30 carries. His first-quarter touchdown was his fourth of the year.

Receiver Bobby Slowik hauled in six passes for 64 yards. Heim completed 16-of-31 throws for 153 yards, but figured into all five of the Huskies’ turnovers.

Jesse Vandenberg totaled 11 tackles including a sack to pace the Tech defense. Kirk Kunnen added 1.5 sacks.

Michigan Tech, which has two of its final three games at home, will host Saginaw Valley State next Saturday (Oct. 24) at Sherman Field.