SportsCollege Football

Ferris State Bulldogs Face Ashland Eagles in NCAA DII Playoffs Second Round

6 months agoUS
Ferris State Bulldogs Face Ashland Eagles in NCAA DII Playoffs Second RoundSource: mlive.com
The Ferris State Bulldogs, defending NCAA Division II national champions, are set to host the Ashland Eagles in the second round of the NCAA DII playoffs. After a dominant 65-14 victory over Northwood, the Bulldogs look to continue their title defense against a tough Ashland team. This matchup marks the 27th meeting between the two programs.

Key Insights

Ferris State defeated Northwood 65-14 in the first round, showcasing a strong offensive performance led by quarterback Chase Carter.

Ashland advanced by defeating Minnesota-Duluth 32-7, relying heavily on their running game, particularly freshman Chris Maloney.

The Bulldogs have a historical losing record against the Eagles (12-14) but have won their last five matchups.

Ashland boasts a strong defense, ranking second nationally in yards allowed per game (244.8) and fourth in points allowed per game (14.17).

Key defensive players for Ashland include Michael Shimek, who leads DII with 17.5 sacks, and Elisha Baldridge, with 12.5 sacks.

In-Depth Analysis

The Ferris State Bulldogs (12-0, 7-0 in GLIAC) are coming off a decisive win against Northwood, where quarterback Chase Carter excelled with both passing and rushing touchdowns. Carter completed 11 of 21 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Tony Annese expressed excitement about his team's playoff performance.

Ashland (10-2, 8-1 in G-MAC) presents a formidable challenge with a strong running game and a solid passing attack led by quarterback Cameron Blair, who has 1,987 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Their defense is among the best in the nation, led by edge rushers Michael Shimek and Elisha Baldridge.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at Top Taggart Field. Junior H-back Carson Gulker emphasized the importance of playing at home, citing the routine and support from the "Bulldog faithful."

FloFootball's live updates of the game can be found here and further details are available on The Ferris State Torch.

FAQs

Q: Who is the quarterback for Ferris State?

Chase Carter has taken the starting role, showing strong performance in the first playoff game.

Q: What is Ashland's defensive strength?

Ashland's defense is led by Michael Shimek and Elisha Baldridge, ranking among the nation's best in yards and points allowed.

Key Takeaways

Ferris State's offense, led by Chase Carter, is performing strongly as they defend their title.

Ashland's strong defense and running game make them a tough opponent.

Home-field advantage and consistent routines are crucial for Ferris State's playoff success.

Discussion

Do you think Ferris State will continue their winning streak against Ashland? Share your predictions below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Related Articles

⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer