BLOG 9: Early look at week-two opponent, Ashland

By Sandy Gholston

Senior linebacker Kevin Noe and the Bulldogs will have a tough test next Saturday at Ashland

TIFFIN, Ohio – Ferris State should face even stronger competition next week as it takes on Ashland in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference season opener for both teams.

Both the Bulldogs (1-0) and Eagles (0-1) engaged in hard-fought battles this past weekend in the state of Ohio. Ferris earned a tough 14-12 win over Tiffin while No. 16 Ashland surrendered a 35-14 halftime lead and came up on the short end of a 49-42 decision against No. 24 Bloomsburg (Pa.) in a battle of nationally-ranked teams.

Ferris, more than likely, will have to manufacture far more than the 14 points it mustered against Tiffin in the season opener. Quarterback Tom Schneider, a redshirt freshman, appears likely to step his game up big in week two after learning some on-the-field lessons in week one. The coaching staff showed some confidence in his ability to run the offense by letting him throw down field (when the young offensive line unit held up to provide protection).

Defensively, the Bulldogs will have to play tougher against receivers with size (like the ones Tiffin put on the field). Ashland has too much talent as proven by its ability to put up 42 points against Bloomsburg. Ferris will have to be stronger against the passing attack to complement the good work it had against Tiffin’s running game (the Bulldogs held the Dragons to minus-three rushing yards).

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