November 30, 2025
Top-ranked Ferris State football team tops Ashland to advance to NCAA D2 National QuarterfinalsPage Title
The Ferris State University football team overcame an early 14-point deficit on Saturday to surge past Ashland University and advance to the third round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The 56-24 victory extended the Bulldogs’ school-record winning streak to 27 games and sent the defending national champions to the NCAA DII tournament quarterfinals on Dec. 6 at Top Taggart Field.
The game was played in challenging weather conditions, with temperatures in the 20s and light snow making the field slick.
Head coach Tony Annese praised Chase Carter, his Florida-born quarterback, for being able to mount a comeback then push the game out of reach for Ashland, which finishes its season with a 10-3 record.
“Being from Orlando, Florida, he's pretty much used to this weather,” Annese said with a smile, sitting next to Carter during the post-game press conference. “It was obviously a challenging day, but a huge win for us.”
Carter, who rushed for 107 yards and passed for 137, said he wasn’t bothered by the cold, but the weather changed his approach.
“It makes a difference in just how the ball flies, passing wise, making cuts, when there's snow and ice on the ground,” he said. “It makes a difference, but both teams have to play in. It is definitely not an excuse whatsoever. I was able to stay warm enough to be able to grip the ball and throw it, so I think anything that I had a few misses today, and it's just more so mechanics wise and rushing than the weather.”
Ashland scored two touchdowns in the first seven minutes of the game, but Ferris State quickly recovered and ended the first quarter tied.
“I was not happy being down 14-0,” Annese said. “But our guys, they don't get shook, they just keep on fighting. So, I thought that's what we did.”
Ferris State seized momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on Carter's 30-yard touchdown pass to Cam Underwood, which gave the team a 21-17 lead. After the Eagles' Manaki Watanabe converted a 33-yard field goal, the Bulldogs responded with a 13-yard rushing touchdown by Taariik Brett, extending their advantage to 28-17.
The Bulldogs' defense was pivotal, with Jalen Jones intercepting a pass and contributing to a turnover on downs, closing the period with a strong defensive stance.
Ferris State dominated the third quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to extend the lead to 49-17 by the end of the period.
Brett rushed for 31 yards on multiple carries, while Carter threw for two touchdowns, including a 34-yard pass to Brady Rose. The Eagles struggled to respond, with Cameron Blair's interception at 11:27 stalling their offense and the Bulldogs capitalizing with a subsequent touchdown pass.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs solidified their lead with a decisive 88-yard drive culminating in a four-yard touchdown run by Jake Price at 1:56 on the clock, extending the score to 56-24.
The Eagles managed to add a touchdown early in the period with a seven-yard pass from Blair to Jonathan Merrimee, but their subsequent drives were halted by the Bulldogs' defense, including a crucial stop on fourth down. The Bulldogs' rushing game was dominant, highlighted by Price's 53-yard run, helping them maintain control and run out the clock.
Ferris State is making its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance and improved to 13-0 overall this season.
Kickoff for next Saturday's playoff matchup against Minnesota State is set for 1 p.m.