Ferris State Football Aims to Extend Historic Streak in Crucial Playoff Game

The Ferris State Bulldogs host the Ashland Eagles today. The game is a second-round NCAA Division II playoff matchup. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Ferris State is the defending national champion and the nation’s top-ranked team. They enter the contest with a perfect 12-0 record. Ashland arrives with a 10-2 record after a convincing first-round victory.

Bulldogs Continue Dominant Run Toward Another Title

Ferris State’s winning streak now stands at 26 games. That remarkable run dates back to last season. According to ESPN, the Bulldogs are seeking their third national title in four years.

Head coach Tony Annese has built a perennial powerhouse. The team leads Division II in scoring offense with 53.8 points per game. Their defense is equally fierce, ranking first nationally with 21 interceptions this season.

Playing at home provides a significant advantage. The Bulldogs have won 26 consecutive games at Top Taggart Field. That dominant home record is a key factor in their postseason success.

Ashland Eagles Face Formidable Road Challenge

The Ashland Eagles are a formidable opponent in their own right. They defeated Minnesota-Duluth 32-7 to advance to this round. Their defense has been strong, allowing just over 14 points per game on average.

However, upsetting the top-ranked Bulldogs on the road is a monumental task. Ashland must find a way to slow down Ferris State’s explosive offense. They will also need to protect the football against a ball-hawking defense.

Historical context adds another layer. Ferris State defeated Ashland 43-3 during the regular season last year. The Eagles will need a near-perfect performance to reverse that result and keep their season alive.

The Ferris State football playoff game represents the next step in their championship defense. A win would send them to the national quarterfinals and keep their historic streak alive.

Thought you’d like to know

What channel is the Ferris State game on today?

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Local radio coverage is available on Sunny 97.3 FM. National streaming provides access for fans outside Michigan.

How many national championships has Ferris State won?

Ferris State has won three NCAA Division II national championships. Their titles came in 2021, 2022, and most recently in 2024. They are the defending champions entering this playoff.

What is Ferris State’s current winning streak?

The Bulldogs have won 26 consecutive games. This streak includes their entire 2024 championship season. It is one of the longest active streaks in all of college football.

What is Ashland’s record this season?

The Ashland Eagles have a 10-2 overall record this season. They finished second in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Their playoff run began with a win over Minnesota-Duluth.

Who is the head coach of Ferris State?

Tony Annese is the head coach of the Ferris State Bulldogs. He has held the position for 13 seasons. His overall record at Ferris State is an impressive 149-21.