Following their win over arch-rival Grand Valet, the Ferris State Bulldogs look to extend their winning streak to 23 when they take on the Northern Michigan Wildcats in the final home game of the regular season.
The No.1-ranked Bulldogs (8-0, 4-0 in GLIAC) take on the Wildcats (1-7, 1-4 in GLIAC), only two games removed from the Wildcats’ first win since the 2022 season.
Northern Michigan defeated the Roosevelt Lakers on Oct 18 by a score of 42-21, which was the first win since the final week of the 2022 season. Before the win, the Wildcats had a 0-28 record, which was the worst streak in program history.
The Bulldogs are currently on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, coming into this matchup with many streaks on the line. The Bulldogs are riding a 22-game winning streak, a 24-game winning streak at home, and a 13-game winning streak against the Wildcats spanning back to 2010.
Ferris got their 22nd consecutive win against Grand Valley on Oct 25 by a score of 38-31 to keep the Anchor-Bone trophy in Big Rapids. Head coach Tony Annese gave his thoughts on the hard-fought victory.
“What a war, I mean, I am just so impressed with the way Grand Valley came in here and played,” Annese said. “I mean, they were just relentless, they played so hard. Our guys played hard, it was just a hard-fought game. I think the 1,000 people who were here to watch it, according to ESPN, got their money’s worth.”
Despite the Wildcats’ unfortunate season, they still have one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, as they sit in the top 10 in rushing yards. Spearheaded by redshirt freshman running back Noah Dobert, Dobert sits in ninth in the nation in rushing yards with 890 and has run for seven touchdowns. With sophomore running back Jahi Wood having 632 yards on the ground and scoring seven touchdowns himself.
The Bulldogs are no slouches themselves in the run game, sitting in the top three in the nation in rushing yards. The Bulldogs’ leading rusher on the season is redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower, who had 598 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns. Junior running back Zak Ahern has 314 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the season.
Junior slot receiver Taariik Brett loves how the rushing attack has been thus far in the season.
“It is the offensive line’s pure dominance, physical play, discipline, and team execution,” Brett said. “Everyone from lineman to receivers is doing their part, and our explosive plays help keep the offense rolling and keep opposing defenses off balance.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats allow 35 points per game, while also allowing an average of 377 yards per game. This defense is led by junior linebacker Jax Hertel, who sits in the top 25 in the nation in total tackles with 72. While also had 13.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups, and one interception on the season.
For the Bulldogs, a standout player this season on the defense has been senior defensive back Justin Payoute. Payoute has had 27 total tackles on the season with one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and three interceptions. The biggest interception came in the red zone during the third quarter against Grand Valley.
Ferris State will face off against the Northern Michigan Wildcats for the final regular-season home game at Top Taggart Field on Saturday, Nov 1, at 1 p.m.