Dec. 6, 2006

Allendale, Mich. - The Game: #1 Grand Valley State (13-0) vs. #11 Delta State (12-2)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006
Time: 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Site: Lubbers Stadium (8,550)
Television: ESPN2 -- Gary Thorne (play-by-play) and Chris Spielman (color)
Radio: Dick Nelson (play-by-play) and Dan McLean (color)
WMFN-AM 640 (Grand Rapids-Zeeland)
WVFN-AM 730 (Lansing)
WEFG-FM 97.5 (Muskegon)
WKMI-AM 1360 (Kalamazoo)
Internet Webcast: WWW.GVSULAKERS.COM

The Series
This will be the first meeting between Grand Valley State and Delta State.

The Coaches
Grand Valley State•Chuck Martin (Milliken, 1990)•36-3 (3rd year/.923)
Delta State•Rick Rhoades •45-23

• Grand Valley State is 276-114-3 (.706). The Lakers have the best winning percentage in DII football history (.706) and the second-best winning percentage in college football since 2000 (.903).

• The Lakers' 84 victories since the 2000 campaign also ranks second in college football. GVSU is 88-12 in its last 100 games. The Lakers are 84-9 since 2000.

• Grand Valley State quarterback Cullen Finnerty extended his NCAA college football record as the all-time winningest starting QB in terms of total wins to 49. Finnerty is 49-4 as a starting QB.

• Grand Valley State has won a school-record 26 straight games overall. GVSU's last loss was Nov. 27, 2004 at North Dakota in the NCAA Northwest Regional final.

• GVSU has the second best winning percentage of football playing schools in the State of Michigan, behind Michigan's 860-280-36 (.745) mark. GVSU is 276-114-3 (.706).

GVSU Playoff History: Grand Valley State is making its 11th NCAA Division II playoff appearance in school history. GVSU is 19-2 in its last 21 playoff games since the 2001 season, and the Lakers have won 11 straight home playoff games. Grand Valley is 19-7 all-time in the DII Playoffs and 1-1 in the NAIA playoffs. GVSU has held six of its last 11 playoff opponents to 14 points or less, including five that have scored seven points or less.

• The Lakers are 83-5 in their last 88 games with three National Championships (2002, 2003, 2005).

• Grand Valley State is 84-9 since the 2000 season with three NCAA DII National Championships (2002-2003-2005).

• The GVSU senior class enters the Delta State game with a 50-4 overall mark and two National Championships.

• Grand Valley State entered the 2006 season ranked number one in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, D2football.com and Don Hansen's Football Gazette GVSU has opened the season as the top ranked team in the AFCA coaches poll four of the last five years. GVSU has opened the season as the top ranked team in DII football in at least one poll each of the last five years. The Lakers were ranked number one by Sports Illustrated prior to the 2005 campaign and number one in AFCA coaches poll in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.

• The Lakers are 47-2 when being ranked number one since 2002.

• GVSU has been ranked in the AFCA top 25 in 77 straight polls.

• Grand Valley State has been ranked number one in the country in 54-of-the-last-68 polls since the opening game of the 2002 season...GVSU has finished the year ranked in the top 10 (2001-2, 2002-1, 2003-1, 2004-9, 2005 -1) in five straight postseason polls.

• Since 2001, the Lakers are 44-3 at home, 33-2 in their last 35 road games and 35-3 in all games away from Lubbers Stadium in their last 38.

Rushing Defense: Grand Valley State is yielding 102.2 yards per game this season via the ground. Grand Valley State has held 34-of-its-last-52 opponents under 100 yards rushing. Laker opponents are averaging 90.3 yards rushing per game during that 52-game stretch.

• GVSU has held 13-of-its-last-18 opponents under the 100-yard rushing mark.

• GVSU has 104 tackles for loss (-384) and 48 QB sacks (-272) in 12 games this season. The Lakers are averaging 8.4 tackles for loss and 3.6 QB sacks per game.

GVSU All-GLIAC PERFORMERS
Grand Valley State dominated the 2006 All-GLIAC team with 21 selections. GVSU notched nine on the first team, six on the second team and six honorable mention. In addition, QB Cullen Finnerty was the GLIAC Player of the Year, DL Mike McFadden was named the Defensive Lineman of the Year and OT Brandon Barnes was the Offensive Lineman of the Year.

First Team (9)
QB Cullen Finnerty
WR Eric Fowler
WR Antione Trent
OL Brandon Barnes
DL Mike McFadden
DL Derrick Jones
LB Anthony Adams
CB Brandon Carr
P Justin Trumble

Second Team (6)
RB Astin Martin
OL Billy Eisenhardt
PK Todd Carter
DL Ryan Gaydosh
LB Kirk Carruth
CB Bill Brechin

Honorable Mention (6)
WR Mark Catlin
OL Jacob Henige
OL Sean Stevens
WR Terry Mitchell
DL Dan Skuta
FS Buster Larkins

• Senior RB Astin Martin rushed for 977 yards and seven TDs on 196 carries this season...He has broke the 100-yard rushing mark three times this season and 12 times in 26 career games for the Lakers. Martin ranks 9th in Laker annals with 2,330 career rushing yards in just 26 games...Astin has 3,551 collegiate rushing yards (2,330 at GVSU/1,221 at Toledo).

• QB Cullen Finnerty • One of three finalists for 2006 Harlon Hill Award as the top player in DII football...2006 GLIAC Player of the Year...First-Team All-GLIAC QB for second straight year...First-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...Finnerty is 12-1 at a starting QB in the NCAA playoffs and 49-4 during his career...Finnerty is 3rd on the NCAA DII all-time total offense list 12,558 yards. (2,243 rushing/10,315 passing).

• Finnerty in Career NCAA Rankings
Games throwing TD pass - 1st (44)
Career total offense - 3rd (12,558)
Career passing yards - 11th (10,315)
Career passing efficiency - 8th (160.9)

Finnerty has accounted for 133 TDs in his career (103 passing/30 rushing).
• 2006 NCAA PLAYOFFS: Completed 15-of-29 passes for 248 yards and three TDs vs. North Dakota. Rushed for 85 y ards on 16 carries and accounted for 333 yards of total offense vs. UND... Connected on 14-of-23 passes for 228 yards and two TDs vs. South Dakota. Rushed for 27 yards and a TD for 255 yards of total offense.
• Two-time GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week...Completed 13-of-18 passes for 296 yards and a career-high six TDs at Northern Michigan. Accounted for a then season-high 325 yards of total offense...Named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week vs. Ferris State. Completed 11-of-15 passes for 182 yards and four TDS...Completed 164-of-280 passes for 2,630 yards and 34 TDs...Rushed for 440 yards and seven TDs...Finnerty has 3,070 yards of total offense and has accounted for 41 TDs.
• Finnerty has 10,315 passing yards in his career, second on the Laker all-time passing list. Finnerty trails only leader Curt Anes (10,581)...Ranks 10th in career rushing yards at GVSU with 2,243...Finnerty is 11th in DII history in all-time passing yards with 10,315.
• Finnerty is one of four college football players to pass for over 10,000 yards (10,315) and rush for more than 2,000 yards (2,243) in their career. Brad Smith (Missouri, 2002-05), Steve McNair (Alcorn State, 1991-94), James McNear (Condordia-St. Paul, 2002-05).
• Finnerty moved into second in the GLIAC record books with 9,150 yards of total offense, second behind Curt Anes' 9,746 yards. In addition, Finnerty is sixth in all-time passing yards with 7,606 yards.

DL Mike McFadden • 2006 GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year for second straight year...First-Team All-GLIAC for second straight year...First-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...McFadden is NCAA DII all-time record holder for career QB sacks with 34.5...Mike moved into fourth all-time in DII career tackles for loss with 56.5...Ranks 15th in career tackles for loss per game (1.11)...GVSU career record holder in QB sacks (34.5) and TFL (56.5)...McFadden tied the NCAA college football all division record for consecutive games with a QB sacks with 17 earlier this season. A streak that included the final game of 2004, all 13 games in 2005 and the first three games in 2006.
• McFadden has 49 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss (-44) and 5.5 QB sacks (-32) this season...McFadden was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts at Ferris State...PLAYOFFS: Recorded three tackles vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Tallied three tackles, a QB sack and a TFL vs. South Dakota (11/25).
• Tallied four total tackles, including two tackles for loss (-5) vs. Saginaw Valley State...Mike recorded six tackles, two TFL (-5), a QB sack and recovered a fumble at Ferris State (10/28)...Mike tallied three tackles vs. #9 Northwood (10/21)...Notched two tackles in one half at Indianapolis (10/14)...Recorded two tackles and a half of a tackle for loss at Wayne State (9/30)...Tallied eight tackles, recovered a fumble notched a tackle for loss (-5) vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Recorded five tackles, three tackles for loss (-13) and 1.5 QB sacks (-11) at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Recorded five tackles, one QB sack (-3) and one tackle for loss (-3) vs. Ashland (9/9)...Tallied 13 total tackles, three QB sacks (-13) and two tackles for loss (-13)...Tallied eight total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss (-10) and 1.5 QB sacks (-10) at Findlay (9/2).

DL Ryan Gaydosh • 2006 Second-Team All-GLIAC...Third on the team and first among defensive linemen in total tackles with a career-high 59...Fourth on the squad tackles for loss with 10.5 (-36)...Tallied 3.5 QB sacks (-17) and has three forced fumbles on the year...PLAYOFFS: Tallied one tackle and deflected a pass vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Notched six total tackles, a QB sack and a TFL vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA Playoffs.
• Tallied two tackles, 1.5 TFL (-11) and a QB sack (-7) vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Notched five tackles at Ferris State (10/28)...Recorded three tackles, a TFL and a QB sack, forced two fumbles and recovered a fumble vs. Northwood (10/21)...Tallied a career-high nine tackles and a QB hurry at Indianapolis (10/14)...Recorded three tackles and a tackle for loss (-5) in first half vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Notched three tackles and a 1/2 tackle for loss at Wayne State (9/30)...Recorded six tackles and a tackle for loss vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Tallied five total tackles, two tackles for loss (-7) and 1.5 QB sacks at St. Josheph's (9/16)...Equalled a then career-high in total tackles with eight vs. Ashland (9/9)...Tallied career-high's in total tackles (8), and tackles for loss (3.5) at Findlay (9/2).

LB Anthony Adams • 2006 First-Team All-GLIAC...First-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...Did not play in final two regular season games...Leads the team in total tackles with 77...Has 9.5 tackles for loss (-18), recovered four fumbles, has two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble returns for a TD and a safety...PLAYOFFS: Recorded six tackles, one TFL (-9), a QB sack (-9), forced a fumble, returned a fumble for a TD (28 yds.) and notched a pass deflection vs. North Dakota (11/2)...Tallied seven tackles vs. South Dakota in NCAA playoffs (11/25).
• Notched seven tackles and a TFL (-2) at Ferris State (10/28)...Named the GLIAC, D2football.com and Don Hansen's Football Gazette Defensive Player of the Week vs. Northwood (10/21). Tallied a season-high 11 tackles, two tackles for loss (-2) and recovered a GVSU single-game record three fumbles. Returned one fumble 11 yards for a TD...Named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Indianapolis (10/14). Notched a season-high 10 tackles and two TFL (-4)...Tallied two tackles and a pass deflection in first half vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss and a QB hurry at Wayne State (9/30)...Notched a season-high 10 tackles vs. Michigan Tech (9/21). Recorded 1/2 tackle for loss and 1/2 QB sack versus the Huskies...Tallied three tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Recorded seven total tackles vs. Ashland (9/9)...Notched nine tackles and a tackle for loss at Findlay (9/2)...Recorded seven total tackles vs. Ashland (9/9).

DL Derrick Jones • 2006 First-Team All-GLIAC...Second-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...Tallied 57 total tackles on the year, second among defensive linemen...Recorded a team-high 17.0 tackles for loss (-75)...Leads the team in QB sacks with 9.5 (-45)...PLAYOFFS: Recorded six t ackles, two TFL (-15), two QB sacks (-15) and forced a key fumble vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Tallied one fumble recovery and a forced two fumbles...Tallied four tackles, 1.5 TFL (-8) and a QB sack (-7) vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Recorded four tackles, a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss (-21) and 3.0 QB sacks (-19) at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Notched four tackles, a TFL and a forced fumble vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Tallied two tackles vs. Northwood (10/21)...Tied his career-high with nine tackles at Indianapolis (10/14). Also notched 1.5 TFL (-5) and 1/2 QB sack (-4)...Recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss (-8) and a QB sack (-4) vs. Mercyhurst (10/7) in one half of football...Played in first half at Wayne State (9/30). Tallied one tackle and returned a fumble five yards versus the Warriors...Recorded three tackles vs. Michigan Tech (9/210...Notched seven tackles and three tackles for loss (-8) at St. Joseph's (9/16...Tallied five tackles vs. Ashland (9/9)...Recorded career-high nine total tackles and three tackles for loss (-5) at Findlay (9/2).

LB Matt Beaty - Played in first four games, then missed five games with an injury...Tallied 43 total tackles on the year...Recorded 8.0 (-34) TFL and 6.5 (-32) QB sacks...PLAYOFFS: Tallied four tackles and recovered a key fumble vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Notched four tackles vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA Playoffs.
• Notched five tackles, a TFL (-5) and a QB sack (-5) at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Recorded four tackles, a TFL (-3) and forced a fumble in a little more than a quarter at Wayne State (9/30) before leaving with an injury...Tallied eight tackles, 1.5 TFL (-10), one QB sack (-9) vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Notched two tackles and a QB sack at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Tallied six tackles, two QB sacks (-9), 1.5 tackles for loss and a safety vs. Ashland (9/9)...Recorded seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 QB sacks (-6) at Findlay (9/2).

DL Dan Skuta • 2006 Honorable Mention All-GLIAC...Tallied 56 total tackles on the year...Ranks second on the team in QB sacks 7.0 (-33) and TFL 12.0 (-38)...Has one interception and one fumble recovery...PLAYOFFS: Tallied a team-high nine tackles and picked off a pass vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Notched seven tackles and 1.5 TFL tackles for loss vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Recorded five tackles and a TFL (-2) vs. Saginaw Valley State...Tallied three tackles at Ferris State (10/28)...Notched a QB sack vs. Northwood (10/21)...Recorded four tackles, 1.5 TFL (-3) and a QB sack at Indianapolis (10/14)...Notched two tackles in one half of football vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Recorded six tackles and a TFL at Wayne State (9/30)...Notched five tackles, 2.5 QB sacks (-15) and three tackles for loss (-16) at St. Joseph's...Recorded five total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and two QB sacks (-7) at Findlay (9/2)...Tallied six tackles, 1.5 QB sacks (-6) and two tackles for loss vs. Ashland (9/9).

SS Samad Cain • Missed three games and saw limited action versus Ferris State, Saginaw Valley State and Northern Michigan...Recorded 40 tackles in opening four games...Recorded nine tackles and 1.5 TFL (-2) at Wayne State (9/30)...Tallied a season-high 10 tackles vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Notched six tackles at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass deflection vs. Ashland (9/9)...Tallied seven total tackles and a pass deflection at Findlay (9/2).

FS Buster Larkins • 2006 Honorable Mention All-GLIAC...Did not play at Northern Michigan...Tallied 40 total tackles and ranks second on the team in interceptions with three this season...PLAYOFFS: Tallied five tackles vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Recorded a season-high nine tackles and picked off a pass vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Tallied three tackles vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Notched two tackles at Ferris State (10/28)...Recorded a season-high five tackles and picked off a pass vs. Northwood (10/21)...Tallied two tackles and a pass break up at Indianapolis (10/14)...Returned first interception of his career at Grand Valley State 30 yards for a TD vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Tallied four tackles versus the Huskies...Notched a team-high eight total tackles vs. Ashland (9/9).

CB Bill Brechin • 2006 Second-Team All-GLIAC...Notched 16 total tackles and three pass deflections on the year...PLAYOFFS: Recorded a season-high seven tackles and notched a pass deflection vs. North Dakota (12/2).
• Tallied three tackles, forced a fumble and notched a pass deflection vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Recorded three tackles and a pass deflection vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Tallied five tackles vs. Ashland.

CB Brandon Carr • 2006 First-Team All-GLIAC...First-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...Ranks 17th in the country in pass deflections per game (1.3 pg)...Ranks fourth on the team in total tackles with 60...Tallied a team-high five interceptions and 13 pass deflections...PLAYOFFS: Tallied six tackles, picked off a pass and recorded a pass deflection vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Notched seven tackles, three pass deflections and a TFL vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Recorded seven solo tackles, forced a fumble and had a pass break up at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Notched six tackles and a pass deflection vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/40)...Tallied two tackles and picked off a pass at Ferris State (10/28)...Recorded eight tackles, a TFL and a pass deflection vs. Northwood (10/21)...Picked off a pass and tallied two pass deflections vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Recorded three total tackles and two pass deflections at Wayne State (9/30)...Notched seven tackles and picked off a pass versus Michigan Tech (9/21)...Tallied four tackles at St. Joseph's (9/21)...Recorded four tackles and a pass deflection vs. Ashland (9/9)...Notched six tackles and an in interception at Findlay (9/2).

LB P.J. Beuke • Missed North Dakota game with an injury...Leads the team lead in total tackles with 72...Has 5.5 tackles for loss (-41) and four QB sacks (-35). Also has one fumble recovery and a pass breakup...Led the squad in tackles three times...Tallied eight tackles, two QB sacks (-22) and two TFL (-22) in first-ever playoff game vs. South Dakota...Notched a team-high nine tackles vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Tallied a team-high eight tackles at Ferris State...Recorded six tackles vs. Northwood (10/21)...Notched seven total tackles, caused a fumble and recovered fumble at Indianapolis (10/14)...Tallied six tackles and two tackles for loss vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Recorded a career-high 13 tackles and a pass deflection in his first collegiate start at Wayne State (9/30)...Notched three tackles versus Michigan Tech...Recorded five tackles and a QB sack (-4) at St. Joseph's.

LB Kirk Carruth • 2006 Second-Team All-GLIAC...Sat out the Northern Michigan game...Tallied 54 total tackles on the year...Has 6.0 TFL (-20) and 2.0 QB sacks...Recovered three fumbles, picked off a pass and has two pass breakups...PLAYOFFS: Tallied six tackles and a pass deflection vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Notched four tackles, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Recorded three tackles, picked off a pass and tallied a QB TFL vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Notched five tackles, two TFL (-4) and a pass breakup at Ferris State (10/28)...Tallied five tackles vs. Northwood (10/21)...Recorded a season-high nine tackles at Indianapolis (10/14), including a TFL 9-1)...Notched four tackles vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Tallied five tackles, a QB sack and a tackle for loss vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Notched three tackles, one tackle for loss and recovered two fumbles at St. Joseph's (9.16).

SS Jacob McGuckin • Ranks third on the squad with 64 total tackles on the year...Tied for third on the team in interceptions with two...Returned an interception 33 yards for a TD vs. Saginaw Valley State...Has one pass breakup and a TFL on the year...PLAYOFFS: Tallied eight tackles vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Recorded a career-high 15 tackles vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Notched two tackles and a TFL (-4) at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Recorded a season-high eight tackles and returned an interception 33 yards for a TD vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Notched four tackles, an interception and forced a fumble at Ferris State (10/28)...Tallied two tackles vs. Northwood (10/21)...Recorded five tackles at Indianapolis (10/14)...Notched four tackles vs Mercyhurst (10/7)...Recorded a career-high nine tackles and a TFL (-2) at Wayne State (9/30).

WR Mark Catlin • 2006 Honorable Mention All-GLIAC...Ranks 28th in the country in punt return average (11.7 ypr)...Returned 23 punts for 269 yards (11.7) and 14 kickoffs for 306 yards (21.9)...Enters the Delta State game with 2,530 career all-purpose yards (590 receiving/270 rushing/863 punt returns/807 kickoff returns)...Returned punt 45 yards for a TD vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs. Punt return for a TD was the first of his career...Picked up 56 yards on three punt returns, including a lone of 39 yards vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Returned two kickoffs 26 yards and one punt 11 yards at Ferris State (10/28)...Returned punt for a season-high 32 yards that led to a Lakers TD late in the second quarter vs. Northwood (10/21)...Rushed one time for 23 yards, caught two passes for 20 yards and tallied 33 yards in kick returns at Indianapolis...Recorded 35 yards on four punt returns and 59 yards on two kickoff returns vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Returned three kickoffs for 81 yards, including a season-long 43 yarder at Wayne State (9/30)...Toted the ball one time for 28 yards, caught one pass for three yards, returned one punt 11 yards and a kickoff 22 yards vs. Michigan Tech (9/21)...Catlin rushed four times for 34 yards at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Returned two punts for 16 yards and two kickoffs for 34 yards vs. Ashland (9/9)...Caught three passes for 20 yards and rushed five times for 10 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Returned four punts for 29 yards and one kickoff 34 yards.

WR Terry Mitchell • 2006 Honorable Mention All-GLIAC...Third on the team in receptions (24), and second on the squad in receiving yards (403) and TD catches (7)...8th player in GVSU football history with 13 or more TDs catches...Averaged a TD reception every 3.5 catches...PLAYOFFS: Hauled in three passes for 74 yards and a TD vs. North Dakota in NCAA playoffs (12/2).
• Caught one pass for 15 yards and a TD at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Hauled in two receptions for 33 yards and a TD vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Caught two passes for 50 yards on one drive, including a 35-yard TD reception vs. Northwood (10/21)...Hauled in three passes for 37 yards vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Caught four passes, two of which went for TDs at Wayne State (9/30)...Hauled in two passes for 62 yards versus Michigan Tech (9/21)...Pulled in a 48 yard reception to set up a TD...Caught three passes for 48 yards at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Hauled in three passes for 38 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Caught one pass for 13 yards vs. Ashland (9/9).

WR Antione Trent • 2006 First-Team All-GLIAC...Ranks second on the squad in receptions with 26, while ranking third in receiving yards (312) and TD receptions (4)...PLAYOFFS: Tallied a career-high six receptions for 60 yards vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs vs. South Dakota.
• Caught two passes for 32 yards and a TD at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Hauled in two catches for 26 yards and a TD and returned an onside kick 45 yards for a TD vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Caught one pass for 30 yards and a TD at Ferris State (10/28)...Pulled in three receptions for 33 yards vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Hauled in two passes for 29 yards and a TD at Wayne State (9/30)...Caught one pass for 20 yards versus Michigan Tech (9/21)...Hauled in three receptions for 32 yards at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Pulled down two passes for 14 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Caught three passes for 19 yards vs. Ashland (9/9).

TE John Mathews • Has five receptions for 153 yards and one TD...Averaging a team-best 30.6 yards per reception...PLAYOFFS: Hauled in one pass for 43 yards vs. South Dakato (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Caught one pass for 20 yards and a TD at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Hauled in one pass for 27 yards vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Caught one pass for 33 yards at Wayne State (9/30)...First reception of his career went for 30 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Forced a pass interference call that resulted in a Laker first down versus the Oilers.

WR/RB Blake Smolen • Rushed 32 times for 238 yards (7.4 ypc), caught 17 passes for 192 yards and returned 10 kickoffs 206 yards (20.6)...Averaging 10.8 yards every time he touches the ball...PLAYOLFFS: Toted the ball two times for seven yards vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Rushed twice for 13 yards and returned two kickoffs for 39 yards vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Caught three passes for 24 yards vs. Saginaw Valley State (1/4)...Rushed 16 times for a career-high 110 yards, caught three passes for 36 yards and returned a kickoff 21 yards at Ferris State (10/28). Tallied 167 all-purpose yards at FSU...Hauled in two passes for 36 yards and returned two kickoffs 45 yards vs. Northwood (10/21)...Rushed five times for 58 yards, caught four passes for 35 yards and returned a kickoff 13 yards at Indianapolis (10/14)...Rushed three times for 16 yards and caught one pass for eight yards vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Caught two passes for eight yards at Wayne State (9/30)...Returned two kickoffs for 58 yards, including a long of 35 yards versus Michigan Tech (9/21)...First reception of his career went for 19 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Missed Ashland and St. Joseph's games with an injury.

LB Jordan Munson • Recorded 19 tackles on the year...Notched six tackles vs. Mercyhurst (10/7)...Tallied a team-high seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a QB sack at St. Joseph's (9/16).

RB Astin Martin • 2006 Second-Team All-GLIAC...Martin has rushed for 977 yards and seven TDs on 196 carries this season...Averaging 75.1 yards per game and 4.9 yards per rush...Ranks 7th in the GLIAC in rushing yards per game 73.4...Ranks ninth in Laker annals with 2,330 career rushing yards at GVSU...PLAYOFFS: Rushed for 76 yards on 11 carries vs. North Dakota (12/2)...Toted the ball 20 times for 96 yards and a TD vs. South Dakota (11/25) in the NCAA playoffs.
• Tallied 76 rushing yards and a TD run of 25 yards vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Rushed 11 times for 86 yards at Ferris State (10/28). Averaged 7.8 yards per carry...Toted the ball 17 times for 76 yards at Indianapolis (10/14)...Rushed 10 times for 63 yards and three TDs vs. Mercyhurst (10/7) in first half...Toted the ball 19 times for 107 yards at Wayne State (9/30)...Carried the ball just 10 times for eight yards before leaving with an injury versus Michigan Tech (9/21)...Rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries at St. Joseph's College (9/16) in a little more than two quarters...Rushed 26 times for 125 yards at Findlay (9/2)...Toted the ball 20 times for 121 yards and one TD vs. Ashland (9/9)...Martin has broke the 100-yard rushing mark 12 times in 24 career games for the Lakers. Astin has 3,551 collegiate rushing yards (2,330 at GVSU/1,221 at Toledo).

WR Eric Fowler • 2006 First-Team All-GLIAC...First-Team Daktronics All-Northwest Region...Set the GVSU single-season receiving yards record with 1,380 yards. Broke the previous record held by David Kircus (1,341)...Leads the team in receptions (69), receiving yards (1,380) and TD receptions (20)...Leads the nation in receiving yards with 1,380 and receiving TDs (20)...Ranks 2nd in the country in receiving yards per game (106.2) and ranks 12th in scoring per game (9.2)...Broke the 100-yard receiving mark seven times...Averaging a TD reception every 3.1 catches...69 receptions is the 4th-best single-season total in Laker annals...Fowler is 4th in career receptions at GVSU with 134...Tied for second in career TD catches with 27...Ranks 3rd in career receiving yards with 2,387...PLAYOFFS: Caught a career-high 12 passes for 174 yards and two TDs vs. North Dakota (12/2). Caught six passes for 108 yards and two TDs in first quarter versus the Fighting Sioux...Hauled in six catches for 116 yards and two TDs vs. South Dakota (11/25) in NCAA playoffs.
• Caught seven passes for a career-high 176 yards and another career-high three TDs at Northern Michigan (11/11)...Hauled in four receptions for 75 yards and a TD vs. Saginaw Valley State (11/4)...Caught five passes for 80 yards and two TDs at Ferris State (10/28)...Broke the 100-yard receiving mark four times in eight games this season...Hauled in four catches for 48 yards and two TDs vs. Northwood (10/21)...Caught four passes for 119 yards and a TD at Indianapolis (10/14)...Hauled in three receptions for 101 yards and two TDs vs. Mercyhurst (10/7). Averaged 33.6 yards per catch...Caught six passes for 79 yards and a TD at Wayne State State (9/30)...Hauled in five catches for 123 yards...Pulled in two passes for 58 yards and two TDs at St. Joseph's (9/16)...Hauled in seven passes for a career-high 155 yards and one TD vs. Ashland (9/9)...Caught four passes for 75 yards at Findlay (9/2).

Lakers In The Postseason
2006 NCAA Division II Playoffs
Allendale, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 35, South Dakota 17
• Grand Valley State 30, North Dakota 20

2005 NCAA Division II Playoffs
2005 NCAA DII National Champions (13-0; 4-0 Playoffs)
Allendale, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 17, North Dakota 3
• Grand Valley State 24, Saginaw Valley State 17
• Grand Valley State 55, East Stroudsburg 20
Florence, Ala.
• Grand Valley State 21, Northwest Missour State 17
(National Championship Game)

2004 NCAA Division II Playoffs
2004 NCAA DII Northwest Regional Finalist (2-1)
Winona, Minn.
• Grand Valley State 16, @ Winona State 13
Midland, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 10, @ Northwood 7
Grand Forks, ND
• North Dakota 19, Grand Valley State 15

2003 NCAA Division II Playoffs
2003 NCAA DII National Champions (14-1; 4-0 Playoffs)
Walthham, Mass.
• Grand Valley State 65, @ Bentley 36
University Center, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 10, @ Saginaw Valley 3
Kingsville, Tex.
• Grand Valley State 31, @ Texas A&M-Kingsville 3
Florence, Ala.
• Grand Valley State 10, North Dakota 3
(National Championship Game)

2002 NCAA Division II Playoffs 2002 NCAA DII National Champions (14-0; 4-0 Playoffs)
Allendale, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 63, C.W. Post 13
• Grand Valley State 62, Indiana (Pa.) 21
• Grand Valley State 44, N. Colorado 7
Florence, Ala.
• Grand Valley State 31, Valdosta State 24
(National Championship Game)

2001 NCAA Division II Playoffs
2001 NCAA DII National Runner-Up (13-1; 3-1 Playoffs)
Allendale, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 42, Bloomsburg 14
• Grand Valley State 33, Saginaw Valley 30
• Grand Valley State 34, Catawba 16
Florence, Ala.
• North Dakota 17, GVSU 14
(National Championship Game)

1998 NCAA Division II Playoffs
Slippery Rock, Pa.
• @ Slippery Rock 37, Grand Valley State 14

1994 NCAA Division II Playoffs
Indiana, Pa.
• @ Indiana (Pa.) 35, Grand Valley State 27

1991 NCAA Division II Playoffs
San Marcos, Tex.
• @ East Texas State 36, Grand Valley State 15

1990 NCAA Division II Playoffs
Allendale, Mich.
• East Texas State 20, Grand Valley State 14

1989 NCAA Division II Playoffs
Allendale, Mich.
• Indiana (Pa.) 34, @ Grand Valley State 24

1978 NAIA Division I Playoffs
Allendale, Mich.
• Grand Valley State 24, UW-LaCrosse 14
Elon, N.C.
• Elon 14, Grand Valley State 7

Postseason Appearances 12
NCAA DII Playoff Appearances 11
Postseason Record 20-8
NCAA Playoff Record: 19-7
(19-2 since 2001)
NCAA Home Playoff Record 11-2
(11-0 from 2001-02-05-06)
NCAA Road Playoff Record 5-4
NCAA Neutral Site Playoff Record 3-1
NCAA Championship Game Appearances 4
(2001, 2002, 2003, 2005)
NCAA Championship Game Record 3-1
NAIA Playoff Record 1-1