January 26th, 2024 5:00pm
National powers Ferris State from the GLIAC and Pittsburg State from the MIAA have announed a two-year scheduling arrangement to open the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Pittsburg State will host the first round of the series on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Gorillas will then travel to Ferris State to open the 2025 season. The series was made possible by Division II's approval for "week zero" matchups beginning this coming fall.
The 2024 season opener will be just the second ever meeting between the schools that are among the dominant forces on the national landscape. The only prior meeting was at Ferris State in the 2022 post-season. The Bulldogs won that matchup by a final 17-14 on their way to a second straight national championship.
Both programs finished the 2023 season ranked in the top 10 of the season ending poll. Pitt State, two-time and defending MIAA champion, completed the season ranked fifth while Ferris State, the 2021 and 2022 national champ, was just one spot behind in sixth.
What they're saying...
Ferris State coach Tony Annese: "This will be a tremendous test for our team and we'll be facing a great opponent to open the season, but we look forward to the challenge. Pittsburg State is a perennial top 10 team nationally and this matchup will be one of the best in the country. We're excited it gives us a full schedule this fall and a guarantee for our guys to play at least 11 Saturday's."
Pitt State Athletics Director Jim Johnson: "We are excited to announce this update to our 2024 football schedule. Obviously, we wanted to move quickly following the passage of the new NCAA legislation; and we look forward to the opportunity to host a premiere Division II football program in Ferris State University at Carnie Smith Stadium this fall. We continue to look for ways to enhance our strength of schedule in non-conference opportunities. This series certainly will provide added excitement to the start of the 2024 and 2025 seasons."