BLOG 20: This is a big contest in the GLIAC and … nationally

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – Neither Ferris State nor Findlay are in the national rankings. But, both the Bulldogs and Oilers got a little national love from voters in the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches Poll.

Findlay finished with 23 points in the national poll as the second-highest team receiving votes in the poll (but not ranked in the top 25). Not too far behind, head coach Jeff Pierce’s Ferris squad garnered 10 votes in the same poll days after its emotionally-charged 25-24 upset victory over an Ashland team that was, at the time, ranked nationally. The Bulldogs and Oilers go to battle under the lights at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids beginning at 7 p.m.

Grand Valley State is ranked second in the nation while Saginaw Valley State is ranked 25th in the poll. Ironically enough, the Lakers and Cardinals will be battling it out in a rivalry game that will be played at Wickes Stadium in University Center – in the Cardinals’ nest. This might well be the toughest conference game of the season with Grand Valley venturing into a hostile territory against a team that has played it as tough as any other team in recent years.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com