Ferris State Moves Up To #2 In Nation And Listed Among Region's Top 10 Teams

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University Bulldogs vaulted up to a consensus #2 in the nation this week following an impressive 34-7 win over previously top-ranked rival Grand Valley State this past Saturday (Oct. 26) before a sellout crowd in the Anchor-Bone Classic in Allendale.

In addition, the Bulldogs are also presently listed among Super Region Three's top 10 squads in the initial NCAA D2 Regional Rankings announced on Monday afternoon.

This week, Ferris State moved up two spots to second nationally in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) D2 Rankings after being tabbed third a week ago. The Bulldogs earned 689 points and eight first-place votes overall. FSU was listed only behind current number one-ranked Valdosta State (Ga.) in the AFCA rankings as the Blazers garnered 712 points and 18 top mentions. The remainder of the top five included number three Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) along with Kutztown (Pa.) in fourth and Pittsburg State (Kan.) in the fifth slot.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are also presently second in the D2Football.com national poll, climbing up from fourth last week. FSU trails only top-ranked Pittsburg State in the D2Football rankings. Valdosta State was picked third with Kutztown fourth and Ouachita Baptist fifth in the listing.

In the initial NCAA Division II Regional Rankings unveiled on Monday afternoon, Ferris State is among the top 10 teams in Super Region Three. This week's first rankings were announced in alphabetical order only. The top 10 will be listed by rank starting next week and the regional rankings help determine the NCAA D2 Playoff field at the end of the season.

Along with Ferris State, the other teams featured in the top 10 in Super Region Three include Central Oklahoma, Emporia State (Kan.), Grand Valley State, Harding (Ark.), Ouachita Baptist, Pittsburg State, Saginaw Valley State, Southern Arkansas and UIndy.

The Bulldogs have currently made a nation-leading nine consecutive NCAA D2 Playoff appearances to date under head coach Tony Annese.

Ferris State improved to 7-1 overall following the win over Grand Valley State and currently leads the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) standings with a 4-0 league record.

This week, the Bulldogs will visit Northern Michigan on Saturday (Nov. 2) for a 1 p.m. (ET) league tilt inside the Superior Dome in Marquette.