CALEDONIA — The top-ranked Ferris State University football team completed an undefeated regular season by defeating Davenport University 44-23 in the Calder City Classic on Saturday.
The Bulldogs overcame an early 14-0 deficit to finish the season with an 11-0 record, extending their school record win streak to 25 games dating back to last season.
Ferris State dominated on the ground, rushing for 375 yards and scoring six touchdowns, including a 64-yard TD run from quarterback Chase Carter. Despite the Panthers’ early lead, Ferris State capitalized on all four red zone opportunities to secure the win.
The Bulldogs finished with 458 yards of total offense. Davenport opened the first quarter with a strong rushing attack, accumulating 137 yards on the ground, including a 48-yard run and a 39-yard touchdown run by Cephus Harris, which led to a 14-7 advantage at the end of the period.
The Bulldogs responded with a 19-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower to cut into the lead, but a fumble on their next possession led to a quick Panthers’ score.
Both teams demonstrated efficient passing, with Ferris State completing three of four attempts for 29 yards, while Davenport was successful on all three of their pass attempts early for 23 yards.
The Bulldogs mounted a significant comeback in the second quarter, overcoming an initial deficit.
An early second-period drive was marred by a fumble that led to a 68-yard touchdown return by Markell Gilford at 10:36, giving DU a 20-7 lead, but the Bulldogs responded swiftly.
Carter’s 64-yard touchdown run at 4:06 helped level the score at 23-23 by the end of the quarter. The teams entered halftime tied, with Ferris State totaling 158 yards and securing two touchdowns in the period.
The Bulldogs capitalized on a strong ground game in the third quarter, rushing for 86 yards and notching six first downs, while converting a critical fourth down to maintain possession.
Brady Rose’s eight-yard touchdown run at 8:45 capped a 56-yard drive as the Bulldogs took a 30-23 lead. FSU’s defense held the Panthers scoreless in the second half, forcing a turnover on downs and limiting them to just seven passing yards during the third period.
Ferris State’s ground attack was instrumental in their victory, with multiple rushing touchdowns in the final period. Taariik Brett contributed significantly to the Bulldogs’ rushing attack with a 48-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Carter led the offense with 153 rushing yards on 20 carries, scoring three touchdowns. Bower added 34 rushing yards on six attempts and scored one touchdown while completing 6-of-10 passes for 56 yards.
On the defensive side, Justin Payoute and Gyasi Mattison each recorded eight tackles, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts. Brett added to the ground game with 118 yards on seven carries and one touchdown while adding five catches for 33 yards. T
he win was Ferris State’s 10th in as many tries against the Panthers. This year marks the 12th time in school history in which the Bulldogs have won 11 games or more in a campaign and the 10th time in the last 11 seasons.
It also represents Ferris State’s sixth unbeaten regular season since 2014.
Ferris State will make its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance this year and is expected to be the number one seed in Super Region Three, hosting a first-round playoff match on Nov. 22.