The Ferris State Bulldogs took down the Minnesota State Mavericks en route to the DII Playoff semifinals for the second consecutive season.
The quarter started off hot for the Bulldogs (14-0, 7-0 in GLIAC), quickly seeing sophomore quarterback Chase Carter throw a 59-yard touchdown to Carson Gulker. It was called back on an illegal-man-downfield penalty and the Bulldogs had to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Eddie Jewett to make the score 3-0.
The Mavericks (10-3, 7-3 in NSIC) quickly got on the board off the back of a 43-yard rush by sophomore running back Sam Backer. This set up a one-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore quarterback Mitchell Thompson to make the score 7-3.
The Bulldogs then went on a 21-0 run on a passing touchdown from Carter to junior slot receiver Taarik Brett and two long rushing touchdowns from Carter. The Mavericks scored again late in the second quarter on a two-yard rushing touchdown from Thompson to make the score 24-14 going into halftime.
Minnesota State got back on the board on a 96-yard pick-six to make the score 24-21 but it was all Bulldogs after this, going on another 21-0 run with two rushing touchdowns from junior running back Carson Gulker and a 41-yard touchdown reception from Carter to senior slot receiver Brady Rose.
Carter finished the day 15-24 for 175 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 22 times for 149 yards and another two touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Justin Payoute had two tackles and had two interceptions on the day.
The Ferris State Bulldogs next face off against the Newberry Wolves at Top Taggart Field on Saturday, Dec 13 at a time to be decided.