Ferris State football claims their third national championship in the last four seasons with a convincing performance over Valdosta State.
The Bulldogs dominated en route to their third national championship win under head coach Tony Annese with a 49-14 score on Saturday, Dec. 21 over Valdosta State in McKinney, Texas.
Annese was extremely proud of his team’s victory to secure the DII national championship.
“It’s more for me seeing the elation on my players, coaching staff and fans’ faces,” Annese said. “Ferris is a very proud school and I feel pride knowing I positively impacted them in a small way. You’re going to have heartbreak in your career and you’re going to have elation. I just feel fortunate to have this elation.”
The Bulldogs’ defense was stout as usual, allowing just 311 yards compared to the Bulldogs 465 and holding the Blazers quarterback to 41.6% (5-12) through the air in the first half.
Junior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led Ferris on offense, as he accounted for 231 yards and five touchdowns in the win.
Chambliss knew the key to victory was his team doing their jobs.
“We had a great gameplan for them and all we had to do was execute,” Chambliss said. “Our offensive line was amazing throughout the whole year and our skill guys made the plays they needed to.”
The Bulldogs came out firing following a Valdosta punt on the opening drive. A 43-yard run by Chambliss set Ferris up in a great position and Chambliss capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Bulldogs early.
The defense got the ball right back for the Bulldogs and a trick play passing touchdown from junior slot receiver Brady Rose to junior wide receiver Cam Underwood put Ferris on top 14-0.
The second quarter was much of the same for Ferris. They outscored Valdosta State 14-7 thanks to two passing touchdowns from Chambliss, extending the Bulldog lead to 28-7 going into the half.
The 14 points allowed in the first two frames was just the third and fourth time the Blazers have allowed 14 points in any quarter this season.
Following another Chambliss touchdown to open the half, the Blazers answered right back with a score of their own to make it 35-14.
However, on the very next Valdosta State drive, defensive end Tyrone Fowler recovered a Blazer fumble and brought it to the end zone to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to 28.
Ferris put the game on ice on the next drive with a short touchdown pass to Underwood, as they held a 49-14 lead until the end of the game.
Underwood led the team in receiving, catching three passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulldogs held the Blazers to just 43% (6-14) on third down due to their stifling defense led by senior linebacker Konnor Near.
Near was on both of the Ferris championship teams in 2021 and 2022. He transferred to the University of Oklahoma last season but returned to Ferris to finish out his collegiate career.
One of Near’s goals coming back to Ferris was to win again in McKinney.
“Winning again was definitely the goal,” Near said. “I’m 13-0 in the playoffs as a member of the Bulldogs and am proud as heck to say it.”
The championship win completed a 14-1 season for the Bulldogs as they once again claim the national title.