After posting five winning campaigns in his first six years at Saginaw Valley, head coach Jim Collins has certainly shown he knows how to build and maintain a winning program.  But with more than a dozen starters departed (including a couple of all-time program greats) from the 9-3 crew of 2013 that made the playoffs, there were many that thought 2014 could be a bit of a "tough go" for the Cardinals.  It turns out they were right, as SVSU struggled to a 2-9 mark and their lowest on-the-field win total in more than 30 years.  Elite programs in the GLIAC always find a way to dust themselves off after a rough season, and 2015 offers Coach Collins and his staff a chance to do just that.

Seven starters are expected back on both sides of the ball, which is a particularly good sign for the defense.  Having won only twice, one might expect the D was struggling.  In reality, the Cards only allowed more than 28 points three times and were in the middle of the GLIAC statistically.  Sophomore LB Bryan Jones is back after leading the team in tackles a year ago, and safety Matt McKoy will be a strong, proven leader in the secondary.  There might be a couple of silver linings emerging as well, as DT Jordan Sanders and safety Major Metcalf are back after being major contributors in 2013 but missing all of 2014 due to injuries.

If Saginaw Valley is going to improve their win total this season, the offense is going to have to take a step forward.  After being one of the league's elite the previous few seasons, they were near the bottom of the GLIAC rankings in nearly every statistical category in 2014…most notably finishing last in the league in scoring at only 13.8 points per game.  QB Tyler Palka started most of last season and returns.  He might see a push from transfer Brad Odeman, Jr., so who helms the offense could be something to watch.  Whoever earns the spot will have leading rusher Allante Gardner back in the fold, as well as top pass-catcher Bryan Fobbs.

The schedule the Cardinals will face this year certainly doesn't ease the job of resurging.  SVSU will play four of its first five games away from Wickes Memorial, and four of their first six tilts will come against clubs that posted winning marks a year ago.  In total, more than half of Saginaw Valley's games (six) will pit them against teams who had winning records in 2014, and only half of those contests will be at home.  Toss in their annual Axe Bowl tilt with Northwood also being on the road, and the path back to prominence certainly won't be a smooth one.

The best and the brightest in the GLIAC also have their seasons of disappointment.  How they respond tends to be the true measure of their stature within the league.  An opportunity to display that stature is certainly right in front of Saginaw Valley as the 2015 season commences.