Courtesy of Ferris State Athleti Communications
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nation's top-ranked Ferris State University Bulldogs opened the 2025 NCAA Division II Playoffs in dominating fashion, defeating Northwood 65-14 on Saturday (Nov. 22) at Top Taggart Field.
The Bulldogs dominated with 588 total offensive yards, including 432 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, converting all six red-zone opportunities. The Timberwolves struggled to keep pace, managing only 261 total yards and failing to score in the second half.
With the win, the Bulldogs advanced into the second round of the D2 Playoffs and will host fourth-seeded Ashland in the Super Region Three Semifinals next Saturday (Nov. 29) at Top Taggart Field.
"You know, I thought Chase (Carter) really played comfortably and did a nice job for us," FSU head coach Tony Annese said. "And Carson (Gulker) was amazing. Brady (Rose) and Taariik Brett were great for us too. So, we had a lot of moving parts out there working hard and playing well together.
"Obviously, our line played great for us too," he added. "On the defensive side, I thought Jalen Jones having a pick-six was big. I thought our defense kind of hung in there and made a lot of plays."
Ferris State established early control with a balanced offensive attack, converting all three third-down attempts in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Chase Carter led the way with two touchdown passes, including a seven-yard connection to junior Carson Gulker at 10:13 and a 23-yard strike to junior solot receiver Taariik Brett at 6:32 of the first period. The Bulldogs' defense held Northwood to just 22 rushing yards, forcing a crucial sack fumble. Carter's 53-yard rushing touchdown with 1:57 remaining extended the lead, concluding the first quarter with a 21-7 advantage.
FSU capitalized on turnovers in the second quarter to extend the lead. Senior Jalen Jones intercepted a pass from Ethan Hamby, returning it 15 yards for a touchdown on a pick six at 12:06, contributing to the scoring surge. Gulker's 34-yard rush set up another touchdown, and Ferris State added a field goal as time expired, closing the quarter with a 44-14 advantage.
In the third quarter, Ferris State capitalized on a strong rushing attack, accruing 107 yards on the ground, including a pivotal 40-yard touchdown run by Carter with 2:29 remaining. The Timberwolves struggled to advance, converting zero third downs on four attempts and being sacked once for a loss of three yards by Kailib Davis, leading to a turnover on downs during their opening drive. Ferris State led 58-14 by the end of the quarter.
The Bulldogs extended their lead with a decisive performance in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Jake Price's 40-yard rush that set up a touchdown run by LeeShaun Mumpfield. Ferris State's ground game dominated, accumulating 89 rushing yards and converting four first downs, while the defense held Northwood to 34 rushing yards and forced a turnover on downs.
Carter led the offense by completing 11 of 21 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 152 yards and two scores on 15 carries. Gulker contributed with 100 rushing yards and one touchdown, alongside three receptions for 38 yards and another touchdown. On defense, Stanley Lambert recorded five tackles, including one sack and one forced fumble. Tim Allen added four tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles, while also recovering a fumble.
"Like I said after the Davenport game, we have the best offensive line in the country," said Carter. "We feel like we can do anything behind them. I played pretty well, but I did have an interception after the defense did such a good job creating a turnover and getting us the ball. Our defense does such a great job of creating turnovers and I know I can't give the ball back. I like that this team will continue to get better."
The Bulldogs improved to 12-0 overall with the win while Northwood saw its season end with a 9-3 mark. The Timberwolves were making their first NCAA D2 Playoff appearance since 2006.
"The coaches did a good job of preparing us for what was coming, and I thought our defense did a good job of executing," said Lambert. "It feels good to be out there in the playoffs and to get a big win today. I'm happy to be out there, to be a part of this team. Things are clicking right now. I love it. Honestly, I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer."
FSU, which is making its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance, stretched its winning streak to 26-straight games going back to last year with the win. The victory was also FSU's 26th in a row at Top Taggart Field going back to their last home loss in 2022.
Kickoff for next Saturday's second-round home game is slated for 1:02 p.m. (ET). Tickets for the game will go on sale Monday.
Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for additional postseason information as it becomes available.
