BLOG 18: A few upsets in first week of GLIAC schedule ... besides Ferris’

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Tom Schneider clutches the ball as he prepares to follow a block from running back Paris Holloman during Saturday afternoon’s Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football game at Community Stadium in Ashland, Ohio against Ashland University. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

ASHLAND, Ohio – The weekend’s biggest Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference upset occurred in Ashland, Ohio as Ferris State University scored a 25-24 victory over Ashland University, the 24th-ranked team in the nation, Saturday afternoon.

While the Bulldogs’ win will surely turn some heads, considering many of the Division II football experts doubted Ferris’ chances, the team’s victory was hardly the sole upset in the first full weekend of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action. Northern Michigan opened some eyes as it earned a dominating 30-7 victory against Northwood in the Superior Dome in Marquette. The Timberwolves have a first-year coach and Northern showed little mercy against NU as it made the long trip to the Upper Peninsula. Michigan Tech, with a capable offense led by a veteran quarterback, sprung a mild upset as it upended Hillsdale in a 39-36 offensive shootout – also played in the U.P.

In other Saturday afternoon action, Findlay was a 36-27 winner over Tiffin, at Donnell Stadium; Saginaw Valley State hung on for a 23-17 victory over Wayne State, at Wickes Stadium, in University Center; and No. 2 Grand Valley State proved too much for visiting Indianapolis in a 49-21 victory during a night game at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale.

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