The Ferris State Bulldogs, riding high after a remarkable 26-game winning streak, continue their playoff journey as they prepare to face the Ashland Eagles in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. This matchup, set for Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at Top Taggart Field, marks the 27th meeting between these two teams.
Ferris State, boasting an undefeated record of 12-0 and finishing 7-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), recently achieved a commanding 65-14 victory over Northwood in the first round of the playoffs. Sophomore quarterback Chase Carter stepped up for the Bulldogs, completing 11 of 21 passes for 131 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. He also showcased his athleticism by rushing for 152 yards and two additional touchdowns on 15 carries. Head coach Tony Annese expressed his excitement regarding the team’s performance, noting the playoff atmosphere spurred their success despite Northwood’s commendable season.
On the other side of the field, Ashland (10-2, 8-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference) also enters this clash with momentum after decisively defeating Minnesota-Duluth 32-7. The Eagles feature a strong rushing offense spearheaded by freshman running back Chris Maloney, who has racked up 621 yards and six touchdowns this season. Redshirt senior quarterback Cameron Blair adds depth to the offense, having thrown for 1,987 yards and 10 touchdowns while also contributing 492 yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, Ashland stands out as one of the top units in the nation, allowing just 244.8 yards and 14.17 points per game—ranking them second and fourth in the country, respectively. The Eagles boast standout edge rushers, including senior Michael Shimek, who leads all of Division II with 17.5 sacks, and redshirt sophomore Elisha Baldridge, who has added 12.5 sacks to the mix.
Ferris State will be looking to their own defensive leader, senior Kailib Davis, who brings a strong presence with his six sacks, 26 total tackles, and eight tackles for loss this season. Historically, the Bulldogs have faced challenges against Ashland, holding a 12-14 all-time record, though they have recently dominated the rivalry by winning the last five encounters.
Junior H-back Carson Gulker emphasized the importance of home-field advantage for the Bulldogs, highlighting the benefits of routine, familiar surroundings, and the support of their loyal community.
As the anticipation builds for this exciting matchup, fans are eager to see if Ferris State can continue their winning streak against a formidable Ashland team, making for a thrilling contest in the NCAA Division II playoffs.