Game Overview
The No. 1-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs (12-0) host the Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons (8-3) in a marquee NCAA Division II quarterfinal clash on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as part of Super Region Three. This matchup features the defending national champions—Ferris State, fresh off their third DII title in four years (2024)—against a scrappy Dragons squad riding playoff momentum with back-to-back upsets. The Bulldogs, who have dominated the GLIAC and playoffs alike, enter as heavy favorites with a balanced attack and suffocating defense, while Moorhead’s opportunistic play has propelled them from a middling regular season to Cinderella status. The winner advances to the semifinals, where a potential rematch with Harding looms. Expect a cold-weather grind at Top Taggart Field, where Ferris State’s experience and home dominance could stifle Moorhead’s upset bid, but the Dragons’ resilience in close games adds intrigue to this DII powerhouse vs. underdog narrative.
Venue and Location
The game kicks off at Top Taggart Field on the Ferris State University campus in Big Rapids, Michigan. Nestled in the wooded hills of Mecosta County, about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids and 90 miles northeast of Muskegon, the stadium holds 6,200 fans and boasts a state-of-the-art artificial turf surface upgraded in 2022. Home to the Bulldogs since 1973, it’s earned a reputation as a playoff fortress, where Ferris State is 18-2 in postseason play and outscored foes 512-98 this season. The venue’s elevation (900 feet) and surrounding pines create a chilly, echoey atmosphere amplified by “Dawg Pound” student sections and alumni tailgates. Gates open 90 minutes early; parking is free in campus lots, with RVs accommodated nearby. For out-of-town fans, the nearest airport is MBS International (60 miles south).
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET (noon CT local; slotted for regional TV coverage on ESPN+ or NCAA.com)
This early afternoon start maximizes Midwest viewing windows and allows time for pre-game rituals amid December’s short daylight.
Weather Forecast
Early December in Big Rapids typically delivers frosty, variable conditions, and the outlook for game day is mostly sunny with highs near 28°F (-2°C) at kickoff, cooling to 20°F (-7°C) by the final whistle. Light winds from the northwest at 5-10 mph may gust to 15 mph, potentially affecting punts and field goals, while low humidity (45%) keeps things dry—no snow or rain in the forecast (10% chance of isolated flurries). The turf will be firm and fast, favoring Ferris State’s explosive run game, but the biting cold could lead to fumbles and conservative play-calling. Teams will rely on heated sideline gear and hot cocoa for fans; overall, ideal for a defensive slugfest without major interruptions.
Injury Report
Both teams avoided major setbacks in the second round, but depth will be tested in the cold. Updates as of December 1:
Ferris State Bulldogs:
Out: None critical; the roster’s health has fueled their unbeaten run.
Questionable: RB Zamir Knighten (hamstring tweak from Nov. 29 vs. Ashland) is limited in practice but expected to suit up as the backup to lead rusher Braden Jay.
Probable: QB Carson Gulker (shoulder from regular season) and WR Jeremiah Lee (ankle) are full-go after clean bills; DL Gyasi Mattison (knee) practiced fully.
Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons:
Out: Starting CB Jalen Carter (ACL tear from NSIC semis) misses his third game; his absence weakens coverage against Ferris State’s pass rush.
Questionable: QB Cade Feely (concussion from upset win over UIndy) cleared protocols but monitored; backup Dalen Morris ready if needed.
Probable: RB Ty James (leading rusher, 980 yards) and LB Micah Williams (team-high 92 tackles) are 100%; secondary depth intact post-recovery.
Ferris State reports 98% availability, edging Moorhead’s 92%, which could tilt trench battles.
Key Player Matchups
Momentum will pivot on these pivotal duels:
Ferris State QB Carson Gulker vs. Moorhead Pass Defense (Led by LB Micah Williams): Gulker (2,450 pass yds, 28 TDs, 5 INTs) thrives in play-action; Williams (92 tackles, 4 sacks) anchors a unit allowing 210 pass yds/game. If Gulker exploits mismatches, Ferris State rolls; Moorhead must pressure to force errors.
Moorhead RB Ty James vs. Ferris State Front Four (DT Trinidad Chambliss & DE Reggie Bussey): James (980 rush yds, 12 TDs) powers a ground attack averaging 165 YPG, but Ferris State’s D-line (No. 4 nationally, 2.1 sacks/game) has stuffed runs in playoffs. Chambliss (6 TFLs) could disrupt Moorhead’s identity.
Ferris State WR Jeremiah Lee vs. Moorhead CB Depth (Post-Carter): Lee (72 rec, 1,050 yds, 11 TDs) is Gulker’s go-to deep threat; without Carter, backups like freshman Malik Johnson face a steep challenge against Lee’s speed and hands.
Moorhead QB Cade Feely vs. Ferris State Secondary (S Jack McDaniels): Feely (1,950 pass yds, 18 TDs) has scrambled for key gains, but McDaniels (3 INTs, 65 tackles) leads a shutdown group (No. 3 in DII pass efficiency defense). Turnovers here could end Moorhead’s run.
Ferris State’s talent disparity favors them, but Moorhead’s upset DNA means exploiting any rust.
Recent Team Forms
Ferris State is a juggernaut; Moorhead, a hot playoff surprise after a bumpy start.
Ferris State Bulldogs: Undefeated and untouchable, the Bulldogs have won 12 straight, including playoff romps. Last five: W 42-17 vs. Ashland (Nov. 29, second round—held foes under 20 pts), W 56-14 vs. Northwood (Nov. 22, first round), W 35-10 vs. Grand Valley St. (GLIAC final), W 48-7 vs. Davenport (semis), W 31-21 vs. Michigan Tech (regular). Offense: 38.2 PPG; Defense: 12.5 PPG allowed (three shutouts). No lead surrendered since 2024 title game.
Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons: From 4-2 start with losses to powerhouses (Winona St., Augustana), they’ve won six of seven, including playoff shocks. Last five: W 35-27 vs. UIndy (Nov. 29, second round—rallied from 14 down), W 28-24 vs. Angelo St. (Nov. 22, first round—upset No. 8 seed), W 24-20 vs. Minot St. (NSIC semis), W 31-28 vs. Northern St. (regular), L 21-17 vs. Augustana. Defense peaked late (18 PPG allowed in wins); offense gritty but turnover-prone (15 on year).Ferris State’s polish contrasts Moorhead’s chaos-thriving form—watch for Dragons’ late surges.
Conference vs. Conference (GLIAC vs. NSIC)
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) are DII’s Midwest titans, with the GLIAC holding a historical edge in football prowess. The GLIAC, founded in 1972 with 11 members across MI, OH, IN, and WI, is a talent factory—boasting five national titles (all Ferris State since 2021) and 15 playoff berths in the last decade. Its pro-style offenses and physical fronts draw from Rust Belt recruiting pipelines.
The NSIC, established in 1932 as the Northern Teachers Athletic Conference (now 16 members, mostly MN/SD/NE), merged men’s and women’s leagues in 1992 and emphasizes balanced, weather-tough schemes. It has two titles (most recently Minnesota State Mankato in 2021) but fewer deep runs, with eight quarterfinalists since 2015. Head-to-head since 2010: GLIAC leads 22-14 (61% win rate), including Ferris State’s 4-1 vs. NSIC foes (e.g., 38-21 over MSU Mankato in 2023). The GLIAC’s depth (three 2025 playoff teams) outshines the NSIC’s (two), but the Dragons’ upset over UIndy (GLVC, akin to GLIAC) hints at parity. This pits GLIAC polish against NSIC grit.
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Conference Record | Playoff Record (2025) | National Rank |
| Ferris State Bulldogs | 12-0 | 7-0 (GLIAC Champs) | 2-0 | No. 1 |
| Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons | 8-3 | 6-2 (NSIC Tournament) | 2-0 | Unranked |
Ferris State’s shutout streak and +1,000 point differential dominate; Moorhead’s losses were competitive (avg. margin: 8 pts).
Series History
This is the first-ever football meeting between Ferris State and Minnesota State-Moorhead. The Bulldogs are 5-2 all-time vs. NSIC opponents, with playoff experience (12-4 record, four titles). Moorhead’s DII playoff debut adds fresh stakes—no bad blood, just high drama.
Betting Trends
Ferris State: 10-2 ATS (83%), covering 6 straight home games and both playoff wins. Public 72% on Bulldogs; 9 of 12 games under (defense shines).
Moorhead: 6-4-1 ATS (60%), 4-1 as road dogs in wins. Sharps (58%) nibble Dragons +21.5 for value; overs in 7 of 8 road games.
Neutral: GLIAC vs. NSIC 7-3 to under since 2020; playoff favorites cover 68% in quarterfinals.
Historical Betting Results (DII Quarterfinals Context)
Over the last 10 DII quarterfinals (2015-2024), No. 1 seeds like Ferris State are 10-0 SU, 8-2 ATS (80% cover rate), winning by avg. 24.6 pts. Home teams: 9-1 SU, 7-3 ATS. Underdogs (like Moorhead) 3-7 SU but 5-5 ATS, often covering in upsets (e.g., 2022’s Bemidji State +18.5 win). Totals: 6-4 under, avg. 45 pts, due to playoff chills and defenses. GLIAC teams: 6-2 SU in quarters; NSIC: 2-4 SU.
Final Score Prediction: Ferris State 34, Minnesota State-Moorhead 14
Game Odds
Ferris State Bulldogs – 21.5
Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons 48.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
