The nationally top-ranked Ferris State University football squad showed the heart of a champion on Saturday (Oct. 14) in the Anchor-Bone Classic, but the Bulldogs could not overcome a rough start and fell to rival and fourth-ranked Grand Valley State 49-28 before a sold out crowd at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale.
The Lakers jumped in front big early and held a 35-0 lead with 12:34 remaining in the first half before FSU responded. The Bulldogs scored 28 consecutive points to pull back within a score at the end of three quarters before the Lakers put together a much-needed TD drive push the margin back to two scores early in the final quarter while holding on for the win.
Ferris State outgained Grand Valley State offensively by a slim margin, totaling 438 yards compared to 433 for GVSU. FSU, though, could not overcome three turnovers and 129 penalty yards in dropping to 4-2 overall this season.
The Lakers opened the scoring in the first period as quarterback Cade Peterson found r
The nation's number one ranked Ferris State Bulldogs got off to a fast start and finished strong in a 38-17 home win on Saturday (Oct. 7) over visiting Saginaw Valley State at Top Taggart Field.
In the 48th consecutive meeting between the two longtime GLIAC opponents, the Bulldogs scored 14 points in the first five minutes of the game and built an early 14-0 lead before the Cardinals responded. FSU eventually scored 24 of the final 27 points in the game for the victory.
The Bulldogs opened strong as senior quarterback Mylik Mitchell hooked up with senior wideout Xavier Wade on a 41-yard scoring throw on FSU's initial offensive drive. Then, after getting the ball back, the duo hooked up again on a 58-yard TD completion to make it an early two-score game.
Saginaw Valley State tied the game up, though, in the second quarter with a pair of scoring drives. The first covered 80 yards and ended with Terrance Brown's 14-yard carry with the second con