Venue & Game Info
Location: Top Taggart Field, Big Rapids, Michigan
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET
Capacity: ~6,500 (outdoor stadium)
Weather Forecast: Cold, ~37–39°F, cloudy skies, NW winds 10–12 mph, chance of light snow flurries
Broadcast: ESPN+ / NCAA.com
Injury Report
Ferris State Bulldogs: QB Carson Gulker (ankle) probable; WR Marcus Taylor cleared after minor hamstring strain.
Ashland Eagles: RB Larry Martin (shoulder) questionable; LB Michael Ayers (knee) out for season.
Key Player Matchups
Quarterbacks:
Ferris State: Carson Gulker – 2,785 yards, 28 TD, 7 INT
Ashland: Austin Brenner – 2,345 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT
Running Backs:
Ferris State: Marcus Taylor – 1,045 yards, 12 TD
Ashland: Larry Martin – 987 yards, 9 TD (questionable)
Receivers:
Ferris State: Xavier Wade – 865 yards, 9 TD
Ashland: Logan Burrell – 745 yards, 6 TD
Defensive Leaders:
Ferris State: LB Caleb Murphy – 102 tackles, 12 sacks
Ashland: LB Michael Ayers – 88 tackles, 7 sacks (injured)
Recent Team Form
Ferris State:
W vs Grand Valley State (28-24)
W vs Davenport (35-21)
W vs Northern Michigan (42-14)
W vs Wayne State (38-17)
W vs Michigan Tech (31-10)
Ashland:
W vs Findlay (27-24)
W vs Hillsdale (35-14)
L vs Tiffin (31-28)
W vs Walsh (41-10)
W vs Ohio Dominican (34-20)
Series History
Ferris State leads the all-time series 5–2.
Last meeting: 2023, Ferris State won 35–21.
Ashland’s last win came in 2016 (20–17).
Betting Trends:
Ferris State has covered in 4 of last 5 games.
Ashland is 3-2 ATS in last 5, but struggled against top-tier opponents.
Ferris State games trend over due to offensive firepower.
Historical Betting Results
Ferris State covered vs Grand Valley State (-6.5), winning 28–24.
Ashland failed to cover vs Tiffin (+3.5), losing 31–28.
Ferris State 7–3 ATS in playoff games since 2021.
Projected Score: Ferris State 34 – Ashland 21
Reasoning: Ferris State’s balanced offense and championship pedigree should control the game. Ashland’s upset potential hinges on Martin’s health and Brenner’s efficiency, but Ferris State’s depth and home-field advantage make them strong favorites.
Final Take: Expect Ferris State to extend its unbeaten run and advance to the quarterfinals. Ashland will fight hard, but the Bulldogs’ championship pedigree and home-field dominance make them the clear favorites.
Game Odds
Ferris State Bulldogs – 10.5
Ashland Eagles 53
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025
