November 8th, 2025 2:30pm
From Ferris State sports information:
UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Nationally top-ranked Ferris State rallied back from a 17-point second half deficit and outlasted Saginaw Valley State on Saturday (Nov. 8) in a high-scoring affair, winning 51-45 in double overtime at Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium.
With the win, the Bulldogs captured the 2025 GLIAC Championship and stayed unbeaten at 10-0 overall this year, winning their 24th consecutive game going back to last season.
Ferris State junior quarterback Chase Carter came on in relief and threw four touchdown passes, including a 64-yard strike to Carson Gulker, leading the team to a victory. The defense contributed with four sacks and a critical interception return for a touchdown on a pick six from Justin Payoute. Despite Saginaw Valley State's effort, which included scoring six touchdowns, Ferris State managed to come away with the win.
The Bulldogs' Taariik Brett won the game in walk-off fashion with a 12-yard touchdown run in the second overtime after the defense held SVSU to a missed field goal.
"Every time since Coach (Ryan) Brady has been there, virtually every game that we've played has been like this game," said FSU head coach Tony Annese. "Fortunately, we've won them all, but it's always feeling like a toss-up whenever we've played them. My heart, I think, is OK. Fortunately, I'm in good shape for an old guy, but what a game.
"We're happy to go back home as GLIAC champions and that's something that can't be taken away from us," he added.
Early in the game, Ferris State's opening drive showed promise with Wyatt Bower's 13-yard rush, but was cut short by an interception at the Saginaw Valley State 1-yard line. Despite gaining 66 rushing yards in the quarter, Ferris State struggled with turnovers, committing two interceptions and a fumble in the first period. Saginaw Valley capitalized on those mistakes, converting one of the interceptions into a 35-yard field goal, leading 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.
FSU opened the second quarter with a decisive 64-yard touchdown pass from Carter to Gulker, capturing a 7-3 lead. However, SvSU responded with two touchdowns, including a 23-yard pass and a 15-yard rush, contributing to a 17-point surge that put them ahead 17-7 by halftime. The Bulldogs struggled with maintaining offensive momentum, suffering from a fumble and failing to convert on a crucial fourth down.
In the second half, Ferris State surged in the third quarter, overturning a 24-7 deficit to lead Saginaw Valley 28-24 by the end of the period. After the Cardinals extended their advantage with a touchdown early in the quarter, Ferris State responded as Carter connected with Brett for a three-yard touchdown pass. Later, a crucial interception return by Payoute for a 38-yard touchdown on a pick six secured the lead. FSU capitalized on efficient passing, with Carter throwing for 81 yards and two touchdowns in the quarter.
Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State traded blows in a tense fourth quarter, with Carter's 13-yard touchdown pass to Cam Underwood giving Ferris State a 35-31 lead at the 8:35 mark. Saginaw Valley responded with a touchdown of their own, tying the game at 38-38. Despite a 42-yard pass from Carter to Jaylin Townsend in the final seconds, Ferris State's 39-yard field goal attempt with one second to play fell short, leaving the score tied at the end of regulation.
Ferris State jumped in front first in overtime on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brady Rose to Tae Boyd on the first play, followed by Eddie Jewett's successful extra point. Saginaw Valley responded with a touchdown drive to knot the game, forcing a second overtime stanza.
In the second overtime period, FSU's defense came up with a critical stop and Teagen Lenderink's 38-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful for SVSU, leaving the score tied. Ferris State then capitalized with Brett's 12-yard rushing touchdown, securing a 51-45 win.
"Man, it was a competitive game, and we knew it was going to be a tough game because they're a tough opponent," said Underwood. "We knew we were going to have a chance to win this game as long as we stayed together and played together as a team.
"The message at halftime for us was to lock in and smack them in the mouth. We got smacked in the mouth in the first half. We played bad football, but we just had to get in there at halftime, figure out what we needed to do and capitalize on opportunities," he added.
Carter led the offensive charge, completing 9-of-12 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns. Stanley Lambert was a force on defense, recording 14 total tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Tim Allen bolstered the defensive line with 12 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery and Daviere Jones notched 10 stop with Gyasi Mattison adding eight tackles.
"So, you know, all we do is preach about being gritty and I feel like that's what we came out here and showcased today," said Payoute. "Even though we were in some bad spots, we knew we had to zero in on what needed to be done.
"I just love how we rallied together and how we just won as one big family. No matter what happens on a play, we go to the next play and just keep going. It feels amazing to win the GLIAC championship again," he added.
The Cardinals were led by quarterback Mason McKenzie, who threw for 178 yards and two scores while adding 85 yards and three TD's on 23 carries.
Ferris State will close the regular-season next Saturday (Nov. 15) at Davenport with kickoff set for 12 p.m. (ET).