October 11th, 2025 4:05pm
From Ferris State sports information:
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nation's top-ranked Ferris State University Bulldogs dominated visiting Wayne State with a decisive 59-0 victory on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Top Taggart Field.
The Bulldogs amassed 639 total yards, including 439 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Their defense stifled Wayne State, limiting them to just 110 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Ferris State scored in every quarter, highlighted by a 28-point second quarter.
The victory marked a school record, as it was FSU's 20th consecutive win dating back to last year. The Bulldogs also matched a school record set in 1970 with their third-straight shutout and FSU has now outscored the opposition 201-0 in its last three games this year.
"I thought that we've just really started every game fast," said FSU head coach Tony Annese. "I mean, obviously we had the turnover early, but our offense is just really in a constant good rhythm. Our defense is playing great. I thought we kept it going throughout the game, just moving bodies in and out and still executing at a high level."
Ferris State dominated the first quarter, capitalizing on a strong ground game to establish a 14-0 lead. Wyatt Bower's 34-yard touchdown run at 7:47, followed by another four-yard rushing score, underscored the Bulldogs' effective rushing attack, which amassed 126 yards on 14 attempts. Meanwhile, Ferris State's defense stifled the Warriors, holding them to just 13 passing yards and forcing an interception by Justin Payoute at 6:09 of the stanza.
In the second quarter, Ferris State extended its lead to 42-0 by halftime. Bower's 28-yard rush set up a quick touchdown pass to Jeremiah Lee, and the Bulldogs capitalized on Wayne State's struggles with a significant ground attack, totaling 138 rushing yards. Zak Ahern and Chase Carter each contributed rushing touchdowns, with Ahern's 25-yard run and Carter's 33-yard dash highlighting the offensive onslaught. Meanwhile, the Ferris State defense limited Wayne State to just 13 rushing yards and forced a pivotal interception by Isiah Bobbit-Byars at 1:52, maintaining a shutout through the period.
The Bulldogs controlled the third quarter, extending their lead with two rushing touchdowns while holding Wayne State scoreless. Carter spearheaded the offense, rushing for a five-yard touchdown and a 15-yard gain to set up the scoring opportunities. Ferris State's defense stymied Wayne State's efforts, forcing an interception by Daviere Jones at the Bulldogs' 1-yard line. The home team carried a 56-0 advantage into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 59-0 with a 32-yard field goal by Eddie Jewett at 7:24. They effectively controlled possession, amassing 84 yards on an 18-play drives. On defense, Ferris State's relentless pressure resulted in three sacks, including a critical 16-yard loss that ended Wayne State's drive on downs.
Bower showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns on eight attempts, while also completing 6-of-7 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Carter contributed significantly with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, and he completed 7-of-10 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Jones recorded four tackles and registered an interception. Jewett was perfect on the day, converting all eight of his extra-point attempts and making a 32-yard field goal.
Ferris State improved to 6-0 overall with a 2-0 record in conference play. Wayne State fell to 0-6 overall and remained winless in the conference at 0-2.
The Bulldogs will travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula next week to face Michigan Tech in conference play on Saturday (Oct. 18) at Sherman Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (ET).