Ferris State Bulldogs scouting report

[AZGrizFan]

i keep trying to get one of these fellas that say we’re winning by 40-45 to put some money on it. No takers yet…big talkers though…

so what do realistically think we are going to win by?

I’ve been one saying I’m not certain we ARE going to win. Which is why I’ve been trying to get someone so certain to put some $$ on it.

 

[EverettGriz]

Opening line: Griz -14.5

SOMEONE doesn't think too much of the Griz... just 14.5 point favorites. AT HOME. Against a D-2 team.

Seriously? Over a two TD spread and you're disappointed?? This game SHOULD be close. They're the best DII team in the nation by far.

Let me ask you: during NDSU's dominant run, if they were playing at, I dunno, maybe #13th ranked Iowa, do you honestly think the spread would have been 14.5?

 

[brewskis]

Ferris States running attack is fun to watch. Their OL really blows open running lanes with ease. Very impressive.

 

[Jaredkuehn]

-The biggest weapon for Ferris is their head coach Tony Annese. He's thought of as the best offensive mind in D2 = hard to prepare for with their option looks and such. He's just a winner and will take this as his next mountain to climb, since he's already won the D2 natty. While this game will not impact Ferris at all in terms of playoff qualifications, I feel sure the competitor in Coach Annese will really want to win this game..even if they are a 14 point underdog.

Looking forward to seeing how things play out in this interesting matchup on Saturday night.

Bob Stitt was once considered the best offensive mind in D2.

 

[retiredpopo]

so what do realistically think we are going to win by?

I’ve been one saying I’m not certain we ARE going to win. Which is why I’ve been trying to get someone so certain to put some $$ on it.

I don’t bet money but here is my wager if we don’t win by at least 21 i won’t post again until the week before the scats game and if we win by 35 or more you don’t.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Opening line: Griz -14.5

SOMEONE doesn't think too much of the Griz... just 14.5 point favorites. AT HOME. Against a D-2 team.

Seriously? Over a two TD spread and you're disappointed?? This game SHOULD be close. They're the best DII team in the nation by far.

Let me ask you: during NDSU's dominant run, if they were playing at, I dunno, maybe #13th ranked Iowa, do you honestly think the spread would have been 14.5?

2013 NDSU beat Kansas State in Manhattan. K-state was defending Big 12 Champs at the time. They were decently ranked (can't remember the number).

As I recall - the line on that game was NDSU + 16.5 or so.

This is the most similar situation to the one you described above, I think.

So, yeah - Griz should win...but, exactly why I would not bet this game. Vegas is putting a bunch of respect on Ferris at + 14.5.

 

[bgbigdog]

https://youtu.be/EPyoUsOMmb4?si=2-Rj6fj1iTMiYzmZ

The only thing they anticipate to be missing from the trip, will be the cold part.

 

[D2 Witt]

As a person who covers D2 Football, if you'd like to get a better of what Ferris will looks like, the D2 Championship Game from last year is a pretty fair representation. Here's that game between Colorado Mines at Ferris. FSU brings back the brunt of the team in the video linked, minus star DE Caleb Murphy, who's now in the NFL.
https://youtu.be/ZPuxyfJnsuU?si=eowu7JhZAbrTjMQ2

People who follow D2 are interested to see how the Bulldogs will fare against a ranked FCS squad..in a place that'll be very tough to play. Certainly that's a considerable task for a D2 squad to overcome, this kinda home field advantage.

Since this thread is a scouting report..here are some of the key points from someone who's watched them closely over the last handful of years.

-Decent sized OL - average of 6'4, 310.

-Ferris will run a speed option out of the shotgun with their lefty QB (more of a conventional dual threat guy) or their bigger QB who's a brut that runs like a Josh Allen type. When they get inside the 10 yard line they'll bring in the big QB and try and play bully-ball and see if the opposing front can stop them on QB keepers. The big QB (Gulker) scored 30x last year as a result. If they think they can pound the middle against the Griz 3 man front, they will look to keep doing that and then run speed option off that to the edges..and not feel like they need to pass much. The lefty QB (Mitchell) can be sneaky good, but also puts the ball on the turf and sometimes doesn't put a premium on ball security. Here is when they go rugby push inside the 10 yard line with Gulker, the bigger signal caller. (7 min mark)
https://youtu.be/Y6ZaoBD05Ns?si=ue58poG7unv5Qirv&t=420

-Speed on the edges. In the game video above, they were without their top 2 wideouts..and they are both playing now. Wade and Thompson. They have deep threat speed and Jefferson (slot) will be used to run jet sweeps. Their speed on both sides of the ball is one of their biggest differentiators at the small college level. The elements of the triple option (from shotgun) that you'll see offer the defense a lot of eye candy. They'll run middle, then the ball to the edge, and then hit a shot in the passing game from play action off the triple action. Most DC's will have a lot to prepare for with their option and non-option stuff. I'm guessing Montana will be focused on trying to disrupt things at the point of attack and not allow the car to get out of the garage. A good example of their option look can be found here at the 3:26 mark.
https://youtu.be/Y6ZaoBD05Ns?si=hOy7CXJmG2tRvS-A&t=208

-Their defense has a good front four..decent size as well..left to right..265, 300, 349, 265. They'll play a 4-2-5 and be aggressive. Their secondary has gotten some injuries early-on and does lack size. Safeties are 5'9 and 5'7 for example. Their top defender is DE #8 Olalere Oladipo who is a FBS drop-back from Illinois. Their pass rush will likely be formidable, but they are giving up yards against the pass at the moment. At this point I'd say their offense (which has been sloppy early in the season so far) is a bit ahead of their defense. Their defense was strong a year ago, but has not shown as well this year so far. I think Montana might be able to hit some big plays against them..while I admittedly don't know enough about the Griz this year.

-Ferris fans are likely pretty concerned about the volume of penalties they had this last week..21 infractions for 193 yards. Yikes. This can be a problem for them at times. They play with an edge and a swagger and allow things to get that way occasionally.

-The biggest weapon for Ferris is their head coach Tony Annese. He's thought of as the best offensive mind in D2 = hard to prepare for with their option looks and such. He's just a winner and will take this as his next mountain to climb, since he's already won the D2 natty. While this game will not impact Ferris at all in terms of playoff qualifications, I feel sure the competitor in Coach Annese will really want to win this game..even if they are a 14 point underdog.

Looking forward to seeing how things play out in this interesting matchup on Saturday night.

This was really great. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, and welcome to EGriz!

You're welcome..and it's great to have a site like this for non-FBS fans to be engaged about their squad.

A few notes here..

Since D2 is my lane, and residing in Sioux Falls I cover the NSIC primarily (MN-ND-SD teams). However, I did get a chance to get to know one of your own..Shann Schillinger, who's the new head football coach at UMary in Bismarck. He's taking over a bit of a project there, but seems like a heckuva good guy.

Some folks on here have mentioned a small school playing in a bigger stadium with 25,000 fans..and I think that's absolutely a thing here. The biggest crowd Ferris sees is typically at Grand Valley State (MI), who's also a top program in D2 and their rival, and they'll fit about 12,000 to 15,000 in at Lubbers Stadium when they play during the year. So this does appear to be a concern for Ferris as they are blasting music this week at practices to try and prepare themselves for the bigger crowd and noise. I'll be interested to see if the Griz fans are at full throat for this game since it will be viewed by the common fan as playing a cupcake.

FWIW, I did see the Ferris SID just dropped their latest coaches show for this week. I think those who's mentioned special teams in favor or the Griz have a real point there. Ferris has looked careless at times in that regard and I know that's been an area of strength with Montana.
https://youtu.be/mprzIxGnqOQ?si=cs3VIU9zeQrIWlf7

 

[retiredpopo]

This was really great. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, and welcome to EGriz!

You're welcome..and it's great to have a site like this for non-FBS fans to be engaged about their squad.

A few notes here..

Since D2 is my lane, and residing in Sioux Falls I cover the NSIC primarily (MN-ND-SD teams). However, I did get a chance to get to know one of your own..Shann Schillinger, who's the new head football coach at UMary in Bismarck. He's taking over a bit of a project there, but seems like a heckuva good guy.

Some folks on here have mentioned a small school playing in a bigger stadium with 25,000 fans..and I think that's absolutely a thing here. The biggest crowd Ferris sees is typically at Grand Valley State (MI), who's also a top program in D2 and their rival, and they'll fit about 12,000 to 15,000 in at Lubbers Stadium when they play during the year. So this does appear to be a concern for Ferris as they are blasting music this week at practices to try and prepare themselves for the bigger crowd and noise. I'll be interested to see if the Griz fans are at full throat for this game since it will be viewed by the common fan as playing a cupcake.

FWIW, I did see the Ferris SID just dropped their latest coaches show for this week. I think those who's mentioned special teams in favor or the Griz have a real point there. Ferris has looked careless at times in that regard and I know that's been an area of strength with Montana.
https://youtu.be/mprzIxGnqOQ?si=cs3VIU9zeQrIWlf7

the stadium will be rocking and loud, I suppose if Ferris were able to get a few quick scores it might quiet it down, but it does not matter who is playing the crowd starts out loud. Coach Annese really a likable coach.

 

[ElrodGrizzly]

This was really great. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, and welcome to EGriz!

You're welcome..and it's great to have a site like this for non-FBS fans to be engaged about their squad.

A few notes here..

Since D2 is my lane, and residing in Sioux Falls I cover the NSIC primarily (MN-ND-SD teams). However, I did get a chance to get to know one of your own..Shann Schillinger, who's the new head football coach at UMary in Bismarck. He's taking over a bit of a project there, but seems like a heckuva good guy.

Some folks on here have mentioned a small school playing in a bigger stadium with 25,000 fans..and I think that's absolutely a thing here. The biggest crowd Ferris sees is typically at Grand Valley State (MI), who's also a top program in D2 and their rival, and they'll fit about 12,000 to 15,000 in at Lubbers Stadium when they play during the year. So this does appear to be a concern for Ferris as they are blasting music this week at practices to try and prepare themselves for the bigger crowd and noise. I'll be interested to see if the Griz fans are at full throat for this game since it will be viewed by the common fan as playing a cupcake.

FWIW, I did see the Ferris SID just dropped their latest coaches show for this week. I think those who's mentioned special teams in favor or the Griz have a real point there. Ferris has looked careless at times in that regard and I know that's been an area of strength with Montana.
https://youtu.be/mprzIxGnqOQ?si=cs3VIU9zeQrIWlf7

I think it may be the way we finished last year, but I've been very surprised at how concerned about this game Griz Nation seems to be. Everybody in my life seems overly worried about Ferris, and that is probably a good thing for our chances. I wouldn't expect the crowd to be dead for this one, especially when you throw in the night game where people had a lot more time to tailgate.

Shann is a really good dude, he was a good hire and I hope we get him back one day.

 

[bgbigdog]

You're welcome..and it's great to have a site like this for non-FBS fans to be engaged about their squad.

A few notes here..

Since D2 is my lane, and residing in Sioux Falls I cover the NSIC primarily (MN-ND-SD teams). However, I did get a chance to get to know one of your own..Shann Schillinger, who's the new head football coach at UMary in Bismarck. He's taking over a bit of a project there, but seems like a heckuva good guy.

Some folks on here have mentioned a small school playing in a bigger stadium with 25,000 fans..and I think that's absolutely a thing here. The biggest crowd Ferris sees is typically at Grand Valley State (MI), who's also a top program in D2 and their rival, and they'll fit about 12,000 to 15,000 in at Lubbers Stadium when they play during the year. So this does appear to be a concern for Ferris as they are blasting music this week at practices to try and prepare themselves for the bigger crowd and noise. I'll be interested to see if the Griz fans are at full throat for this game since it will be viewed by the common fan as playing a cupcake.

FWIW, I did see the Ferris SID just dropped their latest coaches show for this week. I think those who's mentioned special teams in favor or the Griz have a real point there. Ferris has looked careless at times in that regard and I know that's been an area of strength with Montana.
https://youtu.be/mprzIxGnqOQ?si=cs3VIU9zeQrIWlf7

I think it may be the way we finished last year, but I've been very surprised at how concerned about this game Griz Nation seems to be. Everybody in my life seems overly worried about Ferris, and that is probably a good thing for our chances. I wouldn't expect the crowd to be dead for this one, especially when you throw in the night game where people had a lot more time to tailgate.

Shann is a really good dude, he was a good hire and I hope we get him back one day.

I'd prefer to label it a healthy respect for a great football program.

 

[ElrodGrizzly]

I think it may be the way we finished last year, but I've been very surprised at how concerned about this game Griz Nation seems to be. Everybody in my life seems overly worried about Ferris, and that is probably a good thing for our chances. I wouldn't expect the crowd to be dead for this one, especially when you throw in the night game where people had a lot more time to tailgate.

Shann is a really good dude, he was a good hire and I hope we get him back one day.

I'd prefer to label it a healthy respect for a great football program.

Fair.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

I think it may be the way we finished last year, but I've been very surprised at how concerned about this game Griz Nation seems to be. Everybody in my life seems overly worried about Ferris, and that is probably a good thing for our chances. I wouldn't expect the crowd to be dead for this one, especially when you throw in the night game where people had a lot more time to tailgate.

Shann is a really good dude, he was a good hire and I hope we get him back one day.

I'd prefer to label it a healthy respect for a great football program.

Exactly. Having had a fairly recent experience with playing up and winning (beating UW in 2021), most of us realize that it can go the other way also, especially when you're playing the defending national champs. You can never afford to overlook any team, and I am confident that Bobby and the players are not taking this game lightly either. Should be a good game. Go Griz!

 

[Spanky2]

Opening line: Griz -14.5

SOMEONE doesn't think too much of the Griz... just 14.5 point favorites. AT HOME. Against a D-2 team.

Seriously? Over a two TD spread and you're disappointed?? This game SHOULD be close. They're the best DII team in the nation by far.

Let me ask you: during NDSU's dominant run, if they were playing at, I dunno, maybe #13th ranked Iowa, do you honestly think the spread would have been 14.5?

This will be an interesting game. Both schools have good coaches and the talent is similar. Ferris State has 22 Florida players on their roster along with mostly Michigan players and a sprinkling from other states. Lots of speed and ability.

 

[granitegriz]

The Utah Tech announcers said the Griz d-line is as good as the cats...this is correct. I would take Gubner any day and all day over anyone from the Bozangeles team. Ramos and Kaschmitter (sp) are very good too. Harris is going to be great pass rusher. It hurts that Nuce is out but the Griz's defensive line is not a problem! Kale Edwards is not getting knocked back... :clap:

 

[SoldierGriz]

The Utah Tech announcers said the Griz d-line is as good as the cats...this is correct. I would take Gubner any day and all day over anyone from the Bozangeles team. Ramos and Kaschmitter (sp) are very good too. Harris is going to be great pass rusher. It hurts that Nuce is out but the Griz's defensive line is not a problem! Kale Edwards is not getting knocked back... :clap:

Thus far, Kale Edwards is absolutely over-performing. He is quickly fulfilling his full potential.

 

[Robsnotes4u]

The Utah Tech announcers said the Griz d-line is as good as the cats...this is correct. I would take Gubner any day and all day over anyone from the Bozangeles team. Ramos and Kaschmitter (sp) are very good too. Harris is going to be great pass rusher. It hurts that Nuce is out but the Griz's defensive line is not a problem! Kale Edwards is not getting knocked back... :clap:

49 yards at 3.3 ypc
103 yards at 4.9 ypc

The announcers do not know what they are talking about.

This will be a huge test for the Griz line on both sides of the ball. Saving grace is depth, Griz may have an advantage. The lineman Ferris recruits are great. Murphy who played for Ferris last year led the NFL for preseason sacks this year.

 

[Paytonlives]

Nevada would not finish in the top 5 of the bigsky

The Griz are picked 6th, correct?

Ferris State is probably 50/50 with Montana, NAU and EWU. That means anything can happen, a blowout win for either side or a close win for either side. In ten games they each would expected to win 5

Keep trying to find a way that UM doesn't beat the living hell out of ferris... keep trying

 

[Robsnotes4u]

The Griz are picked 6th, correct?

Ferris State is probably 50/50 with Montana, NAU and EWU. That means anything can happen, a blowout win for either side or a close win for either side. In ten games they each would expected to win 5

Keep trying to find a way that UM doesn't beat the living hell out of ferris... keep trying

It is a coin flip. I’d didn’t say Ferris was going to win. Can and will have different meaning. I don’t need to find anything. If this was any easy game by a low level FCS or D2 team there wouldn’t be any talk about the game. There has been plenty of discussion on here, podcasts, Hauck and other forums how Ferris State can beat the Griz. Why is the so many threads about this game?

The Griz need to win and win big for the Big Sky playoff hopes and seeding. Everyone in the BSC should be cheering them on. So I hope they are on the good side of the 50/50.

 

[Bear Axed]

The Utah Tech announcers said the Griz d-line is as good as the cats...this is correct. I would take Gubner any day and all day over anyone from the Bozangeles team. Ramos and Kaschmitter (sp) are very good too. Harris is going to be great pass rusher. It hurts that Nuce is out but the Griz's defensive line is not a problem! Kale Edwards is not getting knocked back... :clap:

Nuce, Kaschmitter, Botner, Padraig Lang I’ve heard all are out for the season

Wow. Nuce and kaschmitter are big hits to an already thin d line