The No.1-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs took on their former GLIAC rivals in the Northwood Wolves for the first round of the DII playoffs on Saturday, Nov 22.
The Bulldogs (12-0, 7-0 in GLIAC) had a dominant first half against the Wolves (9-3, 7-2 in G-MAC). Starting with a great first drive from Junior H-back Carson Gulker, who had 50 total yards on the first drive, culminating in a seven-yard receiving touchdown from sophomore quarterback Chase Carter.
This game saw Chase Carter take the start over redshirt freshman Wyatt Bower. Carter went 11-21 passing for 133 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing 15 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
Both sides of the ball were firing on all cylinders for the Bulldogs in the first half, with three sacks, three forced fumbles. With two of those forced fumbles coming from junior defensive lineman Tim Allen, with senior defensive back Jalen Jones getting a 15-yard pick-six early in the second quarter.
Head coach Tony Annese shared his thoughts on how well his defense performed in crucial down situations.
“You know our defense played well, and I think our coaches were prepared for Northwood,” Annese said. “And you know, it was one of those things where our defense executed.”
The final Bulldogs score came on the final play of the first half on a 34-yard field goal from junior kicker Eddie Jewett. The Bulldogs had 325 yards of total offense in the first half, while holding the Wolves to 150 total yards and only two touchdowns in the first half.
The second half was more of the same for the Bulldogs, going on a 24-0 run in the second half. With the defense continuing their dominance, only allowing 111 yards in the second half, and held Northwoods scoreless.
The Ferris State Bulldogs will next take on the four seeded Ashland Eagles at Top Taggart Field for the second round of the NCAA D2 playoffs on Saturday, Nov 29 at time to be decided.