Ferris State Bulldogs Set to Open 2024 Campaign with High-Profile Matchup

Strategic Insights -

Ferris State University's Bulldogs are ready to kick off their 2024 campaign against Pittsburg State, a team that is seeking a third consecutive trip to the D2 Playoffs. The nationally-ranked Bulldogs, who have made a nation-leading nine consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, will face a stiff challenge from the Gorillas, who compiled an 11-2 overall record last fall and won a second-straight MIAA championship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ferris State Bulldogs will face Pittsburg State in a D2 week zero national showdown on Saturday, August 31, at Carnie Smith Stadium, with kickoff set for 8:05 p.m. ET.
  • The Bulldogs have made a nation-leading nine consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 overall record.
  • Pittsburg State, guided by first-year head coach Tom Anthony, is seeking a third consecutive trip to the D2 Playoffs this season and ranks as one of the all-time winningest programs in Division II history.
  • Ferris State is a consensus #3 team nationally in both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and D2Football.com preseason national polls.
  • The Bulldogs have made six-straight NCAA Division II National Quarterfinal appearances from 2016-22 and were one of only four teams in all of college football to win at least 11 games for eight-straight years prior to last season.
  • The Bulldogs have also accumulated three Harlon Hill National Player of the Year trophies, twice had a student-athlete tabbed as the nation's National Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and won 20 postseason games.

Statistics:

  • Ferris State has made a nation-leading nine consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
  • The Bulldogs finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 overall record.
  • Pittsburg State compiled an 11-2 overall record last fall while winning a second-straight MIAA championship.
  • Ferris State has been ranked as a consensus #3 team nationally in both the AFCA and D2Football.com preseason national polls.
  • The Bulldogs have made six-straight NCAA Division II National Quarterfinal appearances from 2016-22.
  • Pitt State reached the second round of the playoffs a year ago, falling to Grand Valley State by a close 24-21 margin in Allendale.

Sources:

  • News Release: Lansing: Ferris State Bulldogs University, The State of Michigan
  • D2Football.com preseason national polls
  • American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) preseason national polls
  • MIAA Network
  • Bulldog Sports Network
  • Sunny 97.3 FM