November 29th, 2025 2:30pm
From Ferris State sports information
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nation's top-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs defeated Ashland University 56-24 on Saturday (Nov. 29) in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs at Top Taggart Field, advancing to the NCAA D2 National Quarterfinals for the eighth time in the last nine years.
With the win, the Bulldogs will next play host to the Super Region Three Championship Game in the quarterfinal round next Saturday (Dec. 6) in Big Rapids against Minnesota State.
In snowy conditions, the Bulldogs capitalized on a powerful ground attack, amassing 348 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns on the ground in the win over the Eagles. Quarterback efficiency was also on display, with the Bulldogs completing nine passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles jumped out to an early advantage and managed to keep pace early, but the Bulldogs pulled away with a 21-point third quarter. FSU maintained defensive pressure, intercepting two passes and holding the Eagles scoreless in the third period en route to the win.
"Obviously, we're very pleased," said FSU head coach Tony Annese. "I'm not happy being down 14-0, but our guys don't get shook. They just keep fighting out there. I thought that's what we did. Looking at the stat sheet, Ashland obviously ran the ball like nobody's ran the ball against us in a long time. They had 52 rushes for 300 yards, and we answered with 39 rushes for 348 yards. So, it's a big rushing day probably because it was hard to throw.
"It was a challenging day for us, but it was a huge win," he added. "I want to give Ashland a lot of credit. I'm happy that we're past them because they do know us well. I am very pleased to move on and see who we get next week at Top Taggart."
Ashland jumped to an early lead with a pair of touchdowns, including a 65-yard rush by Chris Maloney, to go up 14-0. Ferris State responded with two scoring drives, highlighted by Carson Gulker's two-yard touchdown run and a 50-yard touchdown rush by Chase Carter, leveling the score. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 14, as the Bulldogs capitalized on their ground game, amassing 100 rushing yards on nine attempts.
FSU seized momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on Carter's 30-yard touchdown pass to Cam Underwood, which gave them a 21-17 lead. After the Eagles' Manaki Watanabe converted a 33-yard field goal, the Bulldogs responded with a 13-yard rushing touchdown by Taariik Brett, extending their advantage to 28-17. The Bulldogs' defense was pivotal, with Jalen Jones intercepting a pass and contributing to a turnover on downs, closing the period with a strong defensive stance.
Ferris State dominated the third quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to extend the lead to 49-17 by the end of the period. Brett and Carter led a relentless offensive attack; Brett rushed for 31 yards on multiple carries, while Carter threw for two touchdowns, including a 34-yard pass to Brady Rose at 11:32. The Eagles struggled to respond, with Cameron Blair's interception at 11:27 stalling their offense and the Bulldogs capitalizing with a subsequent touchdown pass.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs solidified their lead with a decisive 88-yard drive culminating in a four-yard touchdown run by Jake Price at 1:56 on the clock, extending the score to 56-24. The Eagles managed to add a touchdown early in the period with a seven-yard pass from Blair to Jonathan Merrimee, but their subsequent drives were halted by the Bulldogs' defense, including a crucial stop on fourth down. The Bulldogs' rushing game was dominant, highlighted by Price's 53-yard run, helping them maintain control and run out the clock.
"It was a good win," Carter said. "As far as our offense, I just got to give all the credit to our offensive line and our skill guys, especially the perimeter block team that helped with a lot of our outside run plays. That really helped pick the offense up. I was struggling to throw the ball. I know I have got to be better as far as that, but I give the credit for what we got done to our offensive line and a great blocking effort."
Carter completed 9 of 17 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 91 yards on 10 attempts, adding another score on the ground. Defensively, Justin Payoute led the team with 14 tackles. Rose contributed two touchdowns, one through a 34-yard reception and another on a 7-yard rush. Isiah Byars recorded 12 tackles and an interception, providing a key defensive play.
"We knew it was going to be a physical game," Byars said. "We had a couple of miscues early, so we came back to the sideline and just knew we had to tighten up, and I think that's what we did."
The Eagles an for 300 yards on the ground, including a game-high 198 yards by Maloney on 25 carries. Blair ran for 62 yards and completed eight-of-19 throws for 122 yards, but was picked off twice. Jamari Croom caught three balls for 60 yards.
AU controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for more than 38 minutes, but Ferris State went four-of-five in the red zone in the win.
FSU is making its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance and improved to 13-0 overall this season. The win was the Bulldogs' 27th in a row dating back to last year and also their 27th-straight home victory at Top Taggart Field going back to 2022.
Kickoff for next Saturday's playoff matchup against Minnesota State is set for 1 p.m. (ET) and tickets will go on sale Monday.