Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Top Taggart Field, Big Rapids, Michigan (Capacity: ~6,500)
Broadcast: FloSports / Bulldog Sports Network (Sunny 97.3 FM)
Weather Forecast (Big Rapids, MI)
Temperature: ~71°F (22°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid-60s by evening
Conditions: Mostly sunny, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Ideal homecoming football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Ferris State (2–0, GLIAC, defending NCAA DII National Champions):
QB Mylik Mitchell – Healthy, 5 TDs, 1 INT through two games.
RB Marcus Taylor – Healthy, 210 rushing yards, 3 TDs.
WR Xavier Wade – Healthy, 9 receptions, 2 TDs.
Defense – No major injuries reported; unit has allowed just 25 points in two games.
Rio Grande (0–2, NAIA, first season since 1949):
QB Ethan Collins – Healthy, 2 TDs, 3 INTs.
RB Jordan Matthews – Healthy, 115 rushing yards.
WR Chris Johnson – Healthy, 10 receptions, 1 TD.
Depth issues remain as the program rebuilds after a 75-year hiatus.
Key Player Matchups
QB Mylik Mitchell (FSU) vs. Rio Grande Secondary
Mitchell’s efficiency and experience will test a young Rio defense still adjusting to college speed.
RB Marcus Taylor (FSU) vs. Rio Grande Front Seven
Taylor’s power running could dominate against an undermanned defensive line.
WR Xavier Wade (FSU) vs. Rio Grande Corners
Wade’s size and red-zone ability create a mismatch.
QB Ethan Collins (Rio) vs. Ferris State Pass Rush
Collins must avoid turnovers against one of the most aggressive defensive fronts in Division II.
Recent Team Form
Ferris State Bulldogs (2–0, GLIAC)
9/13: W 41–34 vs. Tiffin
9/6: W 63–6 @ Lake Erie
Trend: Offense averaging 52 PPG; defense opportunistic.
Rio Grande RedStorm (0–2, NAIA)
9/13: L 38–10 vs. Georgetown (KY)
9/6: L 45–14 @ Lindsey Wilson
Trend: Offense averaging 12 PPG; defense allowing 41.5 PPG.
Series History
First-ever meeting between Ferris State and Rio Grande.
Adds intrigue as Rio Grande rejoined football in 2025 after a 75-year absence.
Betting Trends
Ferris State:
5–0 SU in last 5 games (dating back to 2024 playoffs).
4–1 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
Rio Grande:
0–2 SU in 2025 (program restart).
0–2 ATS in 2025.
Overs hit in both games.
Cross-Division Trends: DII teams cover ~70% of the time vs. NAIA opponents.
Historical Betting Results
Ferris State: Profitable ATS as a heavy favorite; overs common when offense dominates.
Rio Grande: No historical betting data since program was dormant from 1949–2024.
GLIAC vs. NAIA Trends: GLIAC teams typically win by 40+ in September non-conference games.
Game Odds
U-Rio Grande RedStorm 63.5
Ferris State Bulldogs – 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
