BLOG 42: The defense never rested for Ferris in win over NMU

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Tom Schneider (9) makes an option pitch to running back Paris Holloman (32) as Northern Michigan’s John Blessing (29) tries to bust up the play at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Chad Wilson proved to be the right man in the right place at the right time for Ferris on Saturday afternoon.

Returning home after a tough 31-13 loss to archrival and No. 2 Grand Valley State, last weekend, the Bulldogs (4-1 overall and 3-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) didn’t quite play its best. But, the junior strong safety came up from deep in the secondary to make what turned out to be the game-saving play for Ferris. The Howell native picked off a pass from Northern Michigan quarterback Carter Kopach and weaved his way in and out of traffic to cover 75 yards to the end zone with less than five seconds left in the game. Wilson’s highlight-reel interception return for a touchdown lifted Ferris to a 31-24 come-from-behind win over the Wildcats (1-3, 1-3).

“Their quarterback (Carter Kopach) threw the ball and it really just came right to me,” said Wilson, a Howell native, who finished his brilliant performance highlighted by nine tackles, two pass breakups and the game-changing interception. “The coaches always tell us to try and get to the sidelines when we make an interception like that and that’s what I was trying to do. Everything was all jumbled up in the middle. Guys were making great blocks down the field for me and I was really just trying to follow the blocks and get to the (end zone).”

Wilson was one of several Ferris defenders to turn in a strong effort in the seven-point win. All-American tackle Jake Visser had 11 total tackles and four tackles for lost yardage. Linebacker Kevin Noe totaled 10 tackles and was part of one tackle for a loss. Cornerback Terrell Heggins finished with seven tackles and one tackle for a loss and Jacob Moreno also had seven tackles. Defensive end Kyle Walker had 1.5 sacks while lineman Kory Deering had half a sack as well.

FSU’s defensive unit had to respond as Northern had excellent starting field position throughout the contest.

NMU won the time of possession battle with 32:15 to 27:45 for the Bulldogs, who got the offense going late in the game to bring the time a little closer.

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