No. 3 Lakers face first ranked opponent of season, No. 24 Pittsburg State

In its first meeting this year against a ranked opponent, No. 3 Grand Valley heads to Kansas to take on No. 24 Pittsburg State on September 13. Kickoff is 5 p.m. at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Saturday’s game is the first between the teams since their meeting in the 2023 NCAA Division II playoffs. The Lakers upended the Gorillas, 24-21, at Lubbers Stadium to advance to the quarterfinals. 

This weekend’s contest pits two of the most successful programs in Division II history. The Lakers own the best winning percentage (.748) among FBS, FCS or Division II programs while the Gorillas top Division II with 760 all-time wins. 

Grand Valley improved to 2-0 this season with its wild 48-36 victory last weekend over visiting Black Hills State. The Lakers scored 20 unanswered points to erase a 10-point deficit and eventually hold off the Yellow Jackets. 

“We’ve got to run the ball better,” head coach Scott Wooster said. “On the defensive side, we gave up way too many four, five and six-yard runs and didn’t make them one dimensionally.

“I’m proud of this team and their response. I felt like every time we started to get something going, there was a mistake, but we came back and responded.”

Andrew Schuster was named the GLIAC’s Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Yellow Jackets, throwing for 391 yards and four touchdowns.  

For the Gorillas, Grand Valley is the third ranked opponent they have faced to start the season. Pittsburg State lost its season opener to No. 1 Ferris State and lost to No. 19 University of Central Oklahoma in week two. 

And, with this week’s announcement, the teams will see each other in the 2028 season too. The Lakers and Gorillas announced a one-year extension that will see the teams open the 2028 season. 

“The goal for Grand Valley State football is to play non-conference opponents that compete at the highest level in Division II football and Pittsburg State certainly fits that need.” Grand Valley Director of Athletics Keri Becker said.

"Coach Wooster and our student athletes want challenging games that will prepare them for the opportunity to play NCAA postseason games."

Fans can watch Saturday’s game against Pittsburg State online at The MIAA Network. The radio broadcast is available on WLAV-FM 96.9 ( wlav.com), WJRW-FM 106.1/WJRW-AM 1340 and WLCS-FM 98.3. 

For full coverage of GVSU Football, including broadcast info, live stats, news, features, highlights and press conferences, follow @GVSUFootball on social media and on the GVSU Athletics website.