GVSU football kicked off their 2024 campaign as they welcomed Central State (OH) to Lubbers Stadium for a Thursday night clash. 

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GVSU dominated Central State from the kickoff, winning the game by a final score of 58-0.

The Lakers' ground game was unstoppable, collecting 546 rushing yards over many rushers. Khalil Eichelberger led the way with 119 yards and two touchdowns, while Derrick Woods added 108 yards and two touchdowns. Woods also blocked a punt and had two massive runs of 60+ and 40+ yards.

Kenneth Jones contributed 116 yards and one touchdown. Avery Moore led the offense in his first start as the primary quarterback, throwing for 109 yards with a 170.5 QBR. 

GVSU's defense was equally dominant. They didn't allow a single score by Central State and held the Marauders to 60 rushing yards and 35 receiving yards. 

Subcribe to watch the game replay or recap the action below with the updates and scores. 

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GVSU Stat Leaders

Khalil Eichelberger (RB)

• Rushing Yards: 119
• Touchdowns: 2

• Rushing Yards: 116
• Touchdowns: 1

Derrick Woods (RB)

• Rushing Yards: 108
• Touchdowns: 2

Avery Moore (QB)

• Pass Yards: 109
• QB Rating: 170.5

GVSU Vs. Central State Final Stats

Central State:

• First Downs: 6
• Rushing Attempts: 32
• Rushing Yards: 60
• Rushing Avg: 1.9
• Receptions: 6
• Receiving Yards: 35
• Receiving Avg: 5.8

Grand Valley State:

• First Downs: 30
• Rushing Attempts: 56
• Rushing Yards: 546
• Rushing Avg: 9.8
• Receptions: 9
• Receiving Yards: 121
• Receiving Avg: 13.4

End Of Game; GVSU Wins

Commanding game by the Lakers, who win 58 points and hold CSU to zero points. 

GVSU 58, Central State 0; 4Q - 2:00

This one is nearly done as we stop for the two-minute timeout. CSU will get another possession to put some plays together, but it does feel like this game was gift-wrapped shortly after halftime.

GVSU Has 511 Rushing Yards; 4Q - 6:25

Grand Valley State has been running all over the field. 

And they're likely not done. 

Jolman Scores; 0-58

Immediately after a big run, Paschal Jolman runs into the endzone untouched.

Lakers continue their dominant run game. There's literally no other way to describe it. 

Another Huge Run From GVSU

Paschal Jolman breaks off a run for 57 yards. There's going to be some rushing stats to dig into after this game. Seems like the Lakers have had good runs from a dozen different players.

Grand Valley State 51, Central State 0; 4Q - 11:26

GVSU will try to close this out. If they keep running they'll be close to 500 yards rushing soon. 

Closer Look At First Woods Touchdown

Woods Does It Again! Huge Run For TD; 0-51 

Derrick Woods finds another hole in the CSU defense and runs 44 yards for the touchdown. 

Third Quarter Ends; CSU 0, GVSU 44

Grand Valley State will certainly be zeroing in on keeping this game a shutout as they head into the fourth quarter.

Woods 64-Yard Touchdown For Lakers; 0-44

Incredible run from Derrick Woods, who goes 60+ yards nearly untouched. 

Woods was the player who blocked the punt earlier in the game.

Grand Valley State 37, Central State 0

Four minutes left in the third quarter. 

Central State Offensive Stats

GVSU defense has dominated through the third quarter. CSU has had some good moments, but the Laker defense has been flying.

• First Downs: 4
• Rushing Attempts: 20
• Rushing Yards: 33
• Rushing Average: 1.7 yards per carry
• Receptions: 3
• Receiving Yards: 22
• Receiving Average: 7.3 yards per reception
• Passing Yards: 22
• Yards Per Play: 1.72

First GVSU Punt Of Game; 3Q - 4:16

Backup QB Vincenzo Meschi took multiple snaps during the last possession, but the Lakers fail to get a first down and are stopped near the 50-yard line. 

GVSU Continues To Focus On Run; 3Q - 6:22

Lakers keep grinding up the field, using several different rushers, including Khalil Eichelberger, Avery Moore, Kenneth Jones, David Holloman and Vincenzo Meschi. 

Khalil Eichelberger Stats

• Rushing Attempts: 18
• Rushing Yards: 119
• Rushing Touchdowns: 2
• Longest Rush: 19 yards
• Average: 6.6 yards per carry

119 yards & counting for Khalil Eichelberger 👀#GLIACFB | @GLIACsports | @gvsufootball pic.twitter.com/H2Jw3W9nEw

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 6, 2024

Eichelberger Scores For GVSU; 0-37

Khalil Eichelberger caps off a great drive by tucking into the end zone. 

The GVSU run game has been unstoppable. 

Bacik converst the extra point. 

GVSU Has 291 Rushing Yards

Grand Valley State's rushing game has had little resistance so far, with multiple rushers breaking off huge runs. 

GVSU Interception

Ian Kennelly nabs the ball as it nearly goes out of bounds. 

GVSU will start a new drive on the CSU 40-yard line. 

Second Half Begins; 3Q - 15:00

GVSU kicks to CSU as it begins to rain at Lubbers Stadium. 

We'll see if the weather influences the game in these last two quarters.

Avery Moore First Half Highlights

Avery Moore has led GVSU to a huge halftime lead. 

GVSU Vs. CSU; Halftime Stat Leaders

Central State:

Khalil Foye

• Tackles: 8

Kendall Boney

• Pass Yards: 6
• QB Rating: 27.8

Zavier Price

• Rushing Yards: 47

Grand Valley State:

Avery Moore

• Pass Yards: 109
• QB Rating: 170.5

Kenneth Jones

• Rushing Yards: 99
• Touchdowns: 1

Anthony Cardamone

• Tackles: 3
• Sacks: 1.0

Central State 0, Grand Valley State 30

Halftime and GVSU are in full control of the game so far. 

Bacik Misses 41-Yarder; Halftime

GVSU has stumbled on their last few possessions, but expect them to come back out with ferocity. 

Defense has looked fantastic as CSU hasn't score a point. 

GVSU Trying To Score Before Halftime; 0-30

Lakers have worked their way down to the 45-yard line. One minute left until halftime. 

GVSU Offense Stopped, Bacik Misses Kick; 2Q - 2:18

Grand Valley State couldn't keep their drive going and were happy to settle for a kick. 

But, Mathew Bacik misses the 44-yard field goal attempt. 

Kenneth Jones Breaks One Off

Huge run from Kenneth Jones, who goes 48 yards before running out of gas. 

GVSU start a new set of downs on CSU 18-yard line. 

GVSU Start Drive From 7-Yard Line; 2Q - 6:03

After an illegal block in the back by GVSU, they are backed up at the start of this possession.

GVSU Bottled Up, Make Field Goal; 0-30

The first time the GVSU offense hasn't scored a touchdown, but they come away with three points from Mathew Bacik who converts the 46-yard field goal. 

CSU Sacks Avery Moore; 2Q 8:39

Carlos Carter sacks Moore for a huge loss on first down. 

Moore ✈️ Nott Connection Is Strong

Avery Moore tosses a 30-yard completion to Kyle Nott on first down. 

Kyle Nott alert. We repeat, Kyle Nott alert.

GVSU Gets The Ball Back; 2Q - 11:41

Marauders can't put much together against this GVSU defense. 

Central State punt back to the Lakers. 

Closer Look At Holloman Touchdown

David Holloman joins in on the fun & the Lakers are rolling.

GVSU leads 27-0 to begin the second quarter.#GLIACFB | @GLIACsports | @gvsufootball pic.twitter.com/ufbklFDa8W

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 5, 2024

Central State 0, GVSU 27

Lakers kickoff to CSU after scoring their fourth touchdown of the day. 

Touchdow Holloman!; 2Q - 14:56

Lakers waste no time scoring again, the third different player to score, and the third rushing touchdown of the day. 

Bacik's kick is blocked. 

GVSU Working Up Field Again; 1Q Ends

Avery Moore had a huge run and the Lakers have worked their way up to the field into the red zone.

David Holloman just ran for a first down as the quarter ended. 

Lakers will have the ball at the eight-yard line when the second quarter begins. 

CSU QB Sacked!; 1Q - 1:15

Kendall Boney is taken down by Jake Urban to force the Marauders into 3rd and long. 

Closer Look At Lakers Blocked Punt

BLOCKED‼️#GLIACFB | @GLIACsports | @gvsufootball pic.twitter.com/8YptnfpvN9

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 5, 2024

CSU Putting Together Plays

Central State are putting together their best offense possession of the game so far. 

3rd and 4 now, but have made it to the GVSU 48-yard line. 

Lakers Score On First Play After Blocked Punt; 0-21

Absolutely relentless from GVSU offense, defense and special teams. 

Avery Moore completes the touchdown pass to Jordan Johnson. 

Blocked Punt By Lakers! 

The special teams is now showing their teeth as they block the punt and recover on the CSU 24-yard line. 

Unbelievable start by GVSU. 

Three And Out For Marauders; 0-14

Lakers defense step up once again and will get the ball back.

Crowd Is Hyped; 1Q - 5:34

The crowd is loud at Lubbers Stadium and CSU was just penalized for a false start. 

Lakers Score Again!; 0-14

Kenneth Jones stutter-steps to the endzone to put another six on the board for GVSU. 

The offense has been relentless early on.

Field goal is converted. 

GVSU At Central State 23-Yard Line

Lakers working their way up the field, mostly rushing from Eichelberger and Kenneth Jones. But tight end Gavin Cossou had a nice catch as well. 

CSU Fail To Convert On 3rd And 12; 1Q - 8:46

Central State will punt back to the Lakers after failing to get the first down. 

Lakers' defense looks stout early on.

Closer Look At Eichelberger Touchdown

Lakers making waves on the opening drive 🌊

Khalil Eichelberger gets the first GVSU touchdown of the season on a 6-yard rush.#GLIACFB | @GLIACsports | @gvsufootball pic.twitter.com/1cOkSULNis

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) September 5, 2024

CSU Has Big Run On 2nd

Central State's Kendall Boney rushes for 11 yards to get the first down. 

That Was Quick; 1Q - 11:19

The Lakers score just five minutes in to their first possession, and the season starts with a great drive. 

GVSU kicks off to CSU and the Marauders will have their first possession. 

GVSU Scores First! 0-7

Touchdown from Khalil Eichelberger, who bobs and weaves through the CSU defense.

Mathew Basick converst the field goal. 

Moore Runs For Another First Down

Avery Moore is feeling it already. Runs for 10 yards. 

Lakers at CSU 28-yard line. 

Moore Runs For First Down

Avery Moore took the QB rush and put his shoulder down to take the contact, but gets the first down.

Lakers on the CSU 41.

Gametime! 1Q - 15:00

Central State kicks off to GVSU, and we are underway.

Five Minutes Until Gametime

The national anthem has been played and we're about to get underway in just a few minutes, right around 7:00 p.m. ET.

Another Player To Watch: Kyle Nott

Kyle Nott will be a GVSU player to watch tonight. Nott is used by the GVSU coaches in a variety of ways, often as a runner or pass-catcher, but he can also return punts. 

Here's an absurd catch he made vs. Ferris State last year. 

GVSU Debut Special Lakeshore Edition Jerseys Tonight 🧊

𝑨 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 👀🌊

A breakdown of tomorrow’s 616 Night | Lakeshore Edition threads, and all you need to know behind the design.

🔗https://t.co/pHlmNBB1Eb #AnchorUp | #WAWG pic.twitter.com/LmXqiqfCBJ

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball) September 4, 2024

Avery Moore Takes The Reins

Avery Moore will take over the starting spot at quarterback for the GVSU Lakers. 

While Grand Valley deploys two or three quarterbacks in any given game, there's only one starter, and that job has belonged to Cade Peterson since the 2021 season. 

With Peterson having graduated, Moore now takes over the spot. Don't get it wrong, though, Moore has shown more than a few brilliant flashes and came through big time in the first game against Ferris State last season.

Here are some highlights. 

When Is GVSU Vs. Ferris State: Anchor-Bone Classic?

Grand Valley State Lakers take on the Ferris State Bulldogs October 26 at Lubbers Stadium, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET and broadcast on FloFootball.

This is the second consecutive year the teams will face each other at Lubbers Stadium during the regular season. Last year, GVSU showed up for the rivalry, beating Ferris State twice.

On October 14, the Lakers dispatched then-No. 1-ranked Bulldogs with a 49-28 win, followed by a nail-biting 21-14 victory in the first round of the NCAA Division 2 playoffs on November 18.

Grand Valley State Vs. Central State Kickoff Time

GVSU and Central State kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 5 at Lubbers Stadium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GVSU Football Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern.

Central State Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern. 

• Thursday, August 29 - Morehead State University 17, Central State 10
• Thursday, September 5 - Grand Valley State University vs. Central State - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 14 - Savannah State University vs. Central State - 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 21 - Albany State University vs. Central State - 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 5 - Miles College vs. Central State - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12 - Clark Atlanta University vs. Central State - 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 19 - Lane College vs. Central State - 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 26 - Tuskegee University vs. Central State - 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2 - Allen University (S.C.) vs. Central State - 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 9 - Kentucky State University vs. Central State - 1:00 p.m.

How To Watch GVSU Football Vs. Central State

GVSU vs. Central State is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms. 

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