CFB D2 Game Preview: Pittsburg State Gorillas (0-0) vs. Ferris State Bulldogs (0-0)

Game Details

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Top Taggart Field

Preview Summary

Reigning Division II national champion Ferris State hosts a familiar foe in Pittsburg State, which delivered the Bulldogs’ only loss last season. Expect a high-octane Ferris State offense led by its 2024 title run to collide with the Gorillas’ veteran defense in a rematch of last year’s season opener. Early turnovers and special teams could swing the tone in this Week 0 showdown.

Season Context

Ferris State enters 2025 aiming for back-to-back national titles after a dominant championship run in 2024. The Bulldogs dropped their opener at Pittsburg State but ripped off 14 consecutive wins en route to their third D2 crown in four years. Pittsburg State plays its season opener on the road for the fourth straight year, carrying momentum from three consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearances. The Gorillas stunned Ferris State in last year’s opener and return a veteran roster hungry for another signature victory.

Team Overviews

Pittsburg State Gorillas

Head Coach: Brian Wright (10th season)

2024 Highlight: Delivered FSU’s lone loss in week zero; three straight D2 playoff berths since 2021

Strengths: Physical defensive front, opportunistic secondary, disciplined special teams

Ferris State Bulldogs

Head Coach: Tony Annese (Reigning D2 National Coach of the Year)

2024 Record: 14–1, NCAA Division II National Champions; secured third title in four seasons

Key Playmaker: Trinidad Chambliss accounted for 51 total touchdowns en route to the championship

Offense: Explosive spread-run system that averaged over 40 points per game in 2024

Defense: Bend-but-don’t-break unit that forced defenses to beat them in the red zone

Key Storylines

Last Year’s Upset Repeat?: Can Pittsburg State engineer another season-opening shock, or will Ferris State avenge that lone blemish?

Championship Pedigree vs. Playoff Grit: A battle of blue-blood programs—FSU’s title experience against PS’s relentless playoff pedigree.

Week 0 Variables: Early-season rust, crowd energy, and new schemes debuting could tip the balance in a tight opener.

Tactical Matchups

Gorillas’ Run Defense vs. Bulldogs’ RPOs: Pittsburg State must clog lanes and tackle well in space to contain Ferris State’s tempo-driven run/pass options.

Bulldogs’ Secondary vs. PSU Play-Action: FSU’s back seven will be tested on intermediate routes and play-action fakes designed to exploit aggressive front sevens.

Head-to-Head

This marks the second straight season opener meeting between these D2 powerhouses, laying the groundwork for one of the most compelling non-conference rivalries in Division II.

What to Watch

Season-Opening Special Teams: Can either unit flip field position with a return or block?

First-Quarter Defensive Stands: Early stops will set the physical tone.

Turnover Margin: Last opener saw a critical takeaway swing—watch ball security on both sides.