Ferris State Dominates Northwood in Title Defense Opener
Ferris State showcased an impressive performance against Northwood University, dominating the first round of the NCAA Division II football playoffs with a 65-14 victory. This matchup marked Ferris State’s title defense as they continued their quest to repeat as national champions.
Key Highlights from the Game
Chase Carter played a pivotal role in Ferris State’s success. He threw for two touchdowns and rushed for an additional two, leading his team to a substantial 44-14 halftime advantage.
Game Statistics
- Passing: Carter completed 11 of 21 passes for 133 yards.
- Rushing: Carter amassed 152 yards on 15 carries, scoring on runs of 53 and 40 yards.
- Receiving: Carson Gulker caught a 7-yard TD pass, while Taariik Brett received a 23-yard strike.
Northwood University’s season concluded at 9-3. This playoff appearance was their first in 19 years. In the first quarter, Ethan Hamby connected with freshman Gerry Hanson for a 31-yard touchdown, briefly putting Northwood on the scoreboard.
Northwood’s Efforts
Despite their loss, Northwood made some notable plays:
- Pauly Seeley threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Hudson Gerstacker in the second quarter.
- Hamby ended the game completing 4 of 10 passes for 56 yards.
- Trent Hill led Northwood’s ground game with 56 yards on 13 carries.
Defensive Contributions
On the defensive side, Cole Simpson led Northwood with 13 tackles, followed by Joe Lathers and Jack Murray, who each recorded nine tackles. Alfred Lorenz, contributing five tackles and an interception, showcased solid defensive skills for the Timberwolves.
Ferris State’s Dominance
Ferris State, the defending national champion and ranked number one in the nation during the regular season, amassed a total of 588 yards of offense against Northwood, with 432 yards coming from the ground game. Gulker contributed significantly in both rushing and receiving.
As Ferris State moves into the second round, they are set to face Ashland University, who previously defeated Minnesota-Duluth 32-7. Ashland, with a record of 10-2, had earlier beaten Northwood during the regular season.
