Top-Ranked Bulldogs Earn Big Road Win At Michigan Tech To Stay Unbeaten

Postgame Interview - Coach Annese 
Postgame Interview - Taariik Brett 
Postgame Interview - Gyasi Mattison 
Postgame Highlights 

HOUGHTON, Mich. — The nationally top-ranked Ferris State University Bulldogs secured a decisive 38-10 victory over Michigan Tech on Saturday (Oct. 18) at Sherman Field, improving to 7-0 overall with their 21st-straight win dating back to last year.

FSU displayed a strong defensive performance, intercepting Michigan Tech five times in the victory. The Huskies struggled to gain momentum against Ferris State's consistent pressure and managed 219 total yards in the game.

"We haven't had a crazy close game in a while, but I give our guys credit that they're always ready and prepared to play," said FSU head coach Tony Annese. "I guess that's 13-0 for us over the past 13 years in the Upper Peninsula, and it's a credit to our young men and to our coaching staff to have the right mindset to be able to come out and get a win like this one."

Ferris State capitalized on a strong ground attack to take an early lead, highlighted by Taariik Brett's 25-yard rush that set up a 23-yard touchdown pass from Wyatt Bower to Brett at 7:02 of the first period. An early interception by Isiah Bobbit-Byars at the Michigan Tech 45-yard line halted a potential MTU scoring drive. Despite a blocked field goal attempt, the Bulldogs ended the first quarter ahead 7-0.

The Bulldogs capitalized on defensive opportunities in the second quarter, extending their lead with a 14-point surge. Justin Payoute's interception at 11:49 set up a nine-yard touchdown pass from Bower to Carson Gulker. Sophomore Ahlston Ware then added to the defensive effort with a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown on a pick six at 7:26 of the second quarter. The Bulldogs went into halftime with a 21-3 advantage over the Huskies.

Ferris State extended its lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive stand. Bower's 8-yard rushing touchdown, coupled with his 11-yard scoring pass to Gulker, highlighted the period, as Ferris State converted three red-zone opportunities into 17 points. The defense stifled Michigan Tech's offense, holding them to just 11 rushing yards and forcing a fumble, while Eddie Jewett's 23-yard field goal rounded out the scoring. Ferris State led 38-3 going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Michigan Tech finally put together an offensive march, converting three fourth downs, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Elliott Larner at 5:36. The Bulldogs responded with a strong rushing attack, led by Chase Carter's 26-yard run, amassing 74 rushing yards in the period to close out the win.

Bower completed 15 of 26 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing 14 times for 74 yards and a touchdown. Brett made an impact with five receptions totaling 72 yards, including one touchdown catch. On defense, Gyasi Mattison had two interceptions and Payoute, Byars, and Ware each had a pick. Mattison also contributed five tackles. Jewett was perfect on the day, converting all five PAT attempts and making a 23-yard field goal.

""We have a brotherhood out there as defensive backs, and we're always there for each other and pushing each other to be the best we can be out there," said Mattison. "We have a lot of pride out there as a secondary and we knew we had to step up."

Overall, the Bulldogs finished the game with 428 yards of total offense, including 237 rushing yards and 191 thru the air. FSU also finished five-of-10 on third down and four-of-six in the red zone. MTU was only two-of-13 on third down in the setback.

Ferris State improved to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Michigan Tech dropped to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in conference action.

The victory was FSU's 13th in a row over the Huskies dating back to 2012 and FSU also improved to 13-0 versus MTU under Annese. Ferris State is now 25-0 against the two Upper Peninsula schools, MTU and Northern Michigan, since Annese's arrival.

The Bulldogs will host rival Grand Valley State in the Anchor-Bone Classic next Saturday, Oct. 25, at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (ET).

"It's very good coming out and getting a big win on the road going into another big game next week with a rivalry and great competition against Grand Valley," said Brett. "I think this gives us even more confidence going into next week. Our offensive line was out there playing dominant football. We feel like we have the best offensive line in the country, and they showed it again today."

Tickets for next week's Anchor-Bone Classic are on sale now at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.