October 14, 2025
Ferris State football team overpowers Wayne State to break school record with 20th consecutive win in third-straight shutout
Ferris State University’s football team broke a school record with its 20th consecutive win with its third straight shutout, topping Wayne State University 59-0 at Top Taggart Field on Saturday.
The nationally top-ranked Bulldogs amassed 639 total yards, including 439 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Their defense stifled Wayne State, limiting them to just 110 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Ferris State scored in every quarter, highlighted by a 28-point second quarter.
The record is nice, and the Bulldogs have outscored opponents 201-0 over the last three games. But head coach Tony Annese said players are focused on getting even better as they defend the team’s national championship.
“They come to work every day, and they're focused on growth,” Annese said of his players. “We don't focus on the scoreboard. We don't focus on what we did in the past. We're always working to move forward. And that's what really good players do, really good teams do.”
Ther Bulldogs haven’t lost a game since the 2024 season opener against Pittsburg State. The team last posted three consecutive shutouts in 1970.
“I’m so proud of the guys for the game,” Annese said. “That's 20 wins in a row, which is a school record. I think this place has existed for a long time. So, when you're making that kind of mark with school records. It's just a moment of pride for them and knowing what kind of impact they've made.”
Chase Carter, a Product Design Engineering Technology major from Orlando, was one of four quarterbacks for the Bulldogs on Saturday, passing for 112 yards and rushing for 114.
“Like coach says, we practice really hard, and we get coached really hard, so when we come on games, we are able to execute,” Carter said. “People are confident that they know what they're doing when they run the plays. So then when we can let our talent kind of let loose, that's when you're seeing guys able to make plays, do their assignments and just have fun out there.”
Ferris State dominated the first quarter, capitalizing on a strong ground game to establish a 14-0 lead. Bower’s 34-yard touchdown run at 7:47, followed by another four-yard rushing score, underscored the Bulldogs' effective rushing attack, which amassed 126 yards on 14 attempts. Meanwhile, Ferris State's defense stifled the Warriors, holding them to just 13 passing yards and forcing an interception by Justin Payoute at 6:09.
In the second quarter, Ferris State extended its lead to 42-0 by halftime. Bower's 28-yard rush set up a quick touchdown pass to Jeremiah Lee, and the Bulldogs capitalized on Wayne State's struggles with a significant ground attack, totaling 138 rushing yards. Zak Ahern and Carter each contributed rushing touchdowns, with Ahern's 25-yard run and Carter's 33-yard dash highlighting the offensive onslaught.
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter with two rushing touchdowns. Carter spearheaded the offense, rushing for a five-yard touchdown and a 15-yard gain to set up the scoring opportunities. Ferris State's defense stymied Wayne State's efforts, forcing an interception by Daviere Jones at the Bulldogs' 1-yard line. The home team carried a 56-0 advantage into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 59-0 with a 32-yard field goal by Eddie Jewett. On defense, Ferris State's relentless pressure resulted in three sacks, including a critical 16-yard loss that ended Wayne State's drive on downs.
The three lopsided games allowed Annese to rest his starters and give more players opportunities to suit up and show the depth of his roster. Annese noted that last year’s quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss, is starting for University of Mississippi and the team continues to move forward.
“We lost a guy that that is playing in the SEC today, and then we got Wyatt, Chase, amongst others,” he said. “And that's how our whole team is. Our whole team is all about taking the opportunity to make the best of that opportunity, continually growing. And they were excited at the end, you know, getting sacks, some red shirt freshmen and true freshmen and, and that's how you grow programs.”
Ferris State improved to 6-0 overall with a 2-0 record in conference play. Wayne State fell to 0-6 overall and remained winless in the conference at 0-2.
The Bulldogs will travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula next week to face Michigan Tech in conference play on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Sherman Field. Kickoff is set for noon.