BLOG 10: Ferris will have its work cut out for it against Ashland

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Kyle Williams (14) tries to scoop up a loose football during a scrimmage at the practice field in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State has a tall task as it prepares to challenge a strong Ashland team sure to be plenty motivated this weekend in Ohio.

The Eagles are coming off a stinging 49-42 loss Saturday to Bloomsburg in an offensive shootout at Ashland’s Community Stadium in a battle of nationally-ranked teams. Ashland gave up a 35-14 halftime lead. While the Bulldogs and Tiffin struggled to muster much offense in a 14-12 Ferris victory, their week-two opponent had no such offensive difficulty Saturday afternoon. Offensively, Ashland looked like a well-oiled machine at times against Bloomsburg (which also looked awfully tough with its offense).

Ashland features a veteran quarterback in junior Billy Cundiff and a number of receivers with height, ability and skill to make plays deep down field and with intermediate routes. Unlike Tiffin, which was ineffective running the ball against the Bulldogs, Ashland has a healthy and skilled running back in Dawon Harvey, who can make big things happen out of the backfield as a receiver and a runner.

It’s safe to assume Ferris will be facing a far more skilled team this weekend, at Ashland, and the Bulldogs must prepare accordingly. The Bulldogs must be better against the passing attack of the Eagles than they were against Tiffin’s version. Cundiff also has the ability and willingness to run with the ball and make himself a threat with his feet as well as with his arms.

The Bulldogs’ defensive line, anchored by tackle Jake Visser and end Kyle Walker, should be able to lead the charge to generate some pressure and shut down those running lanes that Harvey would love to exploit. Ferris’ linebackers (Jeff Hollandsworth, Jordan Moore and Kevin Noe) performed well behind the defensive line to take away the Dragons’ running attack. The secondary had some moments of strength in stopping Tiffin, when it was absolutely necessary, but the unit will have a greater challenge this weekend against Ashland.

Offensively, Ferris must be able to throw the ball down the field a little bit more with redshirt freshman quarterback Tom Schneider. Schneider has a game under his belt entering this Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams. The receivers have a game of action to build on to give Schneider downfield targets to find in the Eagles’ secondary.

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