No. 1 Ferris State Football's winning streak has reached 35 games.
The Bulldogs opened GLIAC play with a dominant 42-0 win over Northern Michigan on Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette, improving to 5-0 while recording their first shutout of the 2026 season.
Ferris State led 21-0 after the first quarter and 35-0 at halftime, overwhelming Northern Michigan on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs outgained the Wildcats 367-20 in the first half and allowed just one first down before the break.
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Ferris State used multiple quarterbacks throughout the afternoon. Chase Carter completed all six of his first-half passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Wyatt Bower threw a touchdown and added another on the ground. Marcel Jones took over later in the game.
Jaylin Townsend caught a touchdown from Bower, Tarick Bower hauled in a 54-yard touchdown from Carter and Jake Price, Key'Vell Cooper and Carter each scored on the ground.
The Ferris State defense was just as dominant. Northern Michigan didn't record its first first down until late in the second quarter and finished the opening half 0-for-9 on third down.
The shutout extends Ferris State's winning streak to 35 consecutive games as the Bulldogs begin GLIAC play 1-0. Northern Michigan falls to 0-5 overall and 0-1 in the conference.
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Final Score
Ferris State 42, Northern Michigan 0
First Quarter: Ferris State 21, Northern Michigan 0
Halftime: Ferris State 35, Northern Michigan 0
Third Quarter: Ferris State 42, Northern Michigan 0
Final: Ferris State 42, Northern Michigan 0
Ferris State Football Winning Streak Reaches 35 Games
Ferris State hasn't lost since the opening game of the 2024 season.
The Bulldogs have now won 35 consecutive games while continuing a run that includes undefeated national championship seasons in 2024 and 2025.
Ferris State also extends its winning streak against Northern Michigan to 15 games.
What's Next For Ferris State Football?
Ferris State returns home to continue GLIAC play against Saginaw Valley State on Oct. 10.
The Bulldogs then face Grand Valley State in the Anchor-Bone Classic on Oct. 17.
7:33 PM
FINAL: Ferris State Shuts Out Northern Michigan 42-0, Winning Streak Reaches 35
No. 1 Ferris State opens GLIAC play with a statement.
The Bulldogs shut out Northern Michigan 42-0 at the Superior Dome to improve to 5-0 and extend their winning streak to 35 consecutive games.
Ferris State scored all 42 points across the first three quarters and led 35-0 at halftime. The Bulldogs' defense preserved the shutout with a goal-line fumble recovery in the fourth quarter.
Northern Michigan falls to 0-5 overall and 0-1 in GLIAC play.
7:26 PM
Ferris State Is Two Minutes Away From Win No. 35 - FSU 42, NMU 0, 2:06 4Q
Ferris State is closing in on another win and a shutout.
The Bulldogs take nearly three minutes off the clock before Eoin O'Sullivan punts 47 yards, pinning Northern Michigan at its own 12.
No. 1 Ferris State is 2:06 away from extending its winning streak to 35 games.
7:22 PM
Ferris State Slams The Door With Goal-Line Turnover - FSU 42, NMU 0, 5:02 4Q
Northern Michigan's best drive of the game ends just short of the end zone.
The Wildcats march 84 yards on 14 plays and reach the Ferris State 4, but Noah Dobert fumbles and William Brown recovers for the Bulldogs.
Ferris State takes over at its own 20 with 5:02 remaining, keeping the shutout intact.
7:17 PM
Northern Michigan Finds Some Rhythm - FSU 42, NMU 0, 4Q
Northern Michigan is putting together its best drive of the afternoon.
Noah Dobert breaks loose for a 30-yard run, his longest of the game, before Duke Shovald connects with Jacob Halicek for another 15 yards.
Dobert adds a nine-yard run to move the Wildcats into the red zone as Northern Michigan searches for its first points of the game.
7:12 PM
Ferris State Takes 42-0 Lead Into The Fourth Quarter - FSU 42, NMU 0, 13:25 4Q
Ferris State is 13:25 away from extending its winning streak to 35 games.
The Bulldogs take a 42-0 lead into the fourth quarter and have turned the offense over to Marcel Jones and several reserves.
Ferris State's latest possession ends with LeeShaun Mumpfield's 39-yard punt, pinning Northern Michigan at its own 12.
7:06 PM
Northern Michigan Picks Off Marcel Jones - FSU 42, NMU 0, 1:51 3Q
Ferris State's long drive ends with Northern Michigan's second interception of the afternoon.
Marcel Jones, the third quarterback used by the Bulldogs today, is picked off near the goal line after Ferris State marched 71 yards on a drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock.
Northern Michigan takes over deep in its own territory with Ferris State still leading 42-0 late in the third quarter.
7:02 PM
Marcel Jones Takes Over At Quarterback For Ferris State - FSU 42, NMU 0, 3Q
Ferris State has turned to a third quarterback with the Bulldogs comfortably ahead.
Marcel Jones takes over for Wyatt Bower and Chase Carter and has already moved the offense deep into Northern Michigan territory.
Jones has done most of his damage on the ground while also completing a pair of passes to LeeShaun Mumpfield as Ferris State continues a long third-quarter drive.
6:55 PM
Noah Dobert Moves The Chains, But NMU Punts Again - FSU 42, NMU 0, 10:04 3Q
Noah Dobert breaks off a 12-yard run for Northern Michigan's second first down of the afternoon.
The Wildcats can't build on it. Ferris State stops the drive near midfield and forces Northern Michigan to punt for the eighth time.
Ferris State takes over at its own 17 leading 42-0 with 10:04 left in the third quarter.
6:49 PM
Ferris State Wastes No Time In The Second Half - FSU 42, NMU 0, 13:15 3Q
Ferris State picks up right where it left off.
Wyatt Bower hits Kevin Simes for gains of 22 and eight yards before Key'Vell Cooper takes over on the ground. Cooper runs for 14 yards and follows it with an eight-yard touchdown on the next snap.
The Bulldogs march 52 yards in just 1:41, and Jay Cady's extra point makes it 42-0 with 13:15 left in the third quarter.
6:47 PM
Second Half Underway In Marquette - FSU 35, NMU 0, 14:56 3Q
The second half is underway at the Superior Dome with No. 1 Ferris State firmly in control.
Jaylin Townsend returns the opening kickoff 13 yards to the Ferris State 48, giving the Bulldogs the first possession of the half.
Ferris State begins the third quarter with Wyatt Bower at quarterback after outgaining Northern Michigan 367-20 in the first half.
6:43 PM
Ferris State's Two-Quarterback Attack Is Working - FSU 35, NMU 0, Halftime
Ferris State has rotated Wyatt Bower and Chase Carter throughout the first half, and both quarterbacks have made an impact.
Carter is a perfect 6-of-6 for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Bower has 96 passing yards, a passing touchdown and a rushing score.
The rotation is nothing new for Tony Annese's offense. Ferris State has utilized multiple quarterbacks in previous seasons, and the Bulldogs are leaning on that approach again today in Marquette.
6:37 PM
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Halftime Stat Leaders
Ferris State
Passing: Chase Carter, 128 yards, 1 TD
Rushing: Wyatt Bower, 37 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Tarick Bower, 93 yards, 1 TD
Tackles: Nick Flegler, 5
Sacks: Nick Flegler, 1
Northern Michigan
Passing: Duke Shovald, 14 yards
Rushing: Noah Dobert, 19 yards
Receiving: Trevor Theuerkauf, 7 yards
Tackles: Jax Hertel, 6
Interceptions: Carter Schmitt, 1
6:29 PM
Ferris State Defense Smothering Northern Michigan - FSU 35, NMU 0, Halftime
Ferris State's defense allowed just 20 total yards and one first down in the first half.
The Bulldogs have two sacks, with Nick Flegler recording one and Alex Springs and Tyrone Fowler Jr. combining for another.
Ferris State Defensive Stats
Total yards allowed: 20
First downs allowed: 1
Rushing yards allowed: 6
Passing yards allowed: 14
Third down: NMU 0-of-9
Sacks: 2
Yards per play allowed: 0.7
Noah Dobert: 10 carries, 19 yards
6:26 PM
Ferris State Dominates First Half - FSU 35, NMU 0, Halftime
No. 1 Ferris State heads to halftime with a 35-0 lead after outgaining Northern Michigan 367-20 in the first half.
Chase Carter is a perfect 6-of-6 for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Wyatt Bower has 96 passing yards and two total touchdowns.
Northern Michigan has just one first down and is 0-for-9 on third down.
Halftime Stats
Total yards: FSU 367, NMU 20
First downs: FSU 20, NMU 1
Rushing yards: FSU 143, NMU 6
Passing yards: FSU 224, NMU 14
Third down: FSU 2-of-4, NMU 0-of-9
Noah Dobert: 10 carries, 19 yards
6:19 PM
Ferris State Misses FG - FSU 35, NMU 0, 0:26 2Q
Ferris State gets another trip into the red zone but comes away empty.
The Bulldogs drive 30 yards in seven plays before the possession stalls at the Northern Michigan 16. Jay Cady comes on for a 33-yard field goal attempt, but the kick is no good.
Northern Michigan takes over at its own 20 with 26 seconds remaining before halftime, trailing 35-0.
6:17 PM
Ferris State Knocking On The Door Again - FSU 35, NMU 0, 1:55 2Q
Ferris State is threatening to add to its lead before halftime.
Zak Ahern breaks off a 12-yard run to move the chains before Wyatt Bower finds LeeShaun Mumpfield for another 16 yards.
The Bulldogs have quickly moved from the NMU 46 to the 18-yard line with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.
Ferris State leads 35-0.
6:09 PM
Northern Michigan Finally Moves The Chains - FSU 35, NMU 0, 3:58 2Q
Northern Michigan has its first first down of the afternoon.
After going without one for more than 26 minutes, the Wildcats keep the offense on the field for fourth-and-1 at their own 34.
Duke Shovald finds Trevor Theuerkauf for three yards to move the chains and keep the drive alive.
Ferris State still leads 35-0 with 3:58 remaining in the first half.
6:03 PM
Jake Price Finishes Another Ferris State Touchdown Drive - FSU 35, NMU 0, 5:50 2Q
Ferris State is firmly in control at the Superior Dome.
Chase Carter leads a six-play, 55-yard drive, completing passes to Dakari Neely, Kevin Simes and Jake Price. Price does plenty of damage himself, adding runs of 16 and five yards before catching a 14-yard pass that takes Ferris to the NMU 2.
Price finishes the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, and Jay Cady's extra point extends the lead to 35-0.
Northern Michigan gets the ball back with 5:50 remaining in the half still searching for its first first down of the game.
5:54 PM
Wyatt Bower Finds Jaylin Townsend, Ferris State Is Rolling - FSU 28, NMU 0, 9:53 2Q
Ferris State turns its next possession into seven more points.
Wyatt Bower connects with Kevin Simes for 30 yards to move the Bulldogs into the red zone, then finds Jaylin Townsend for a 19-yard touchdown two plays later.
It's Townsend's first touchdown of the afternoon after already hauling in several big completions from both Ferris State quarterbacks.
Jay Cady adds the extra point, extending the Bulldogs' lead to 28-0 with 9:53 remaining in the second quarter.
5:51 PM
Northern Michigan Can't Cash In On The Interception - FSU 21, NMU 0, 11:22 2Q
Northern Michigan gets the turnover it needed but can't turn it into points.
The Wildcats pick up six yards on Duke Shovald's completion to Sebastian Boyea, but Noah Dobert is dropped for a four-yard loss on the next play. Alex Springs and Tyrone Fowler Jr. then sack Shovald on third down to end the threat.
Northern Michigan punts it away, and Taariik Brett returns it six yards to the Ferris State 46.
The Bulldogs take over still leading 21-0 with 11:22 remaining in the first half.
5:46 PM
Northern Michigan Picks Off Wyatt Bower - FSU 21, NMU 0, 13:28 2Q
Northern Michigan's defense comes up with its second big play of the afternoon.
After another Wildcats three-and-out, Wyatt Bower tries to go to the air on the first play of Ferris State's possession, but Northern Michigan's Carter Schmitt intercepts the pass.
The turnover gives the Wildcats the ball back with 13:28 remaining in the second quarter and a chance to cut into Ferris State's 21-0 lead.
5:40 PM
Chase Carter Goes Deep, Tarick Bower Scores: Ferris State Leads 21-0 After One - FSU 21, NMU 0, End 1Q
Ferris State needed just two plays to find the end zone again. This time the other twin gets in.
Chase Carter connects with Tarick Bower for a 54-yard touchdown, giving Carter his second big completion of the first quarter.
Jay Cady adds the extra point, and No. 1 Ferris State takes a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
5:38 PM
Northern Michigan Still Searching For A First Down - FSU 14, NMU 0, 0:30 1Q
Northern Michigan's offense remains stuck in neutral as the first quarter winds down.
Duke Shovald throws three consecutive incompletions as the Wildcats go three-and-out for the third straight possession. Northern Michigan has yet to record a first down through four drives.
Liam Rubino punts 40 yards, and Taariik Brett returns it eight yards to the Ferris State 43.
The Bulldogs get the ball back leading 14-0 with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
5:33 PM
Wyatt Bower Takes It Himself - FSU 14, NMU 0, 0:58 1Q
Ferris State has found its rhythm.
Wyatt Bower caps the Bulldogs' latest drive by keeping the ball and racing 14 yards into the end zone for his first touchdown of the afternoon.
Kevin Simes helped get Ferris into scoring territory with a 22-yard run on third-and-8, while Bower connected with Jaylin Townsend for nine yards to convert another third down.
Jay Cady's extra point makes it 14-0 Ferris State with 58 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
5:25 PM
Northern Michigan Goes Three-And-Out Again - FSU 7, NMU 0, 3:35 1Q
Northern Michigan still can't get anything going offensively.
The Wildcats lose a yard on their second possession after the Ferris State touchdown and go three-and-out for the second consecutive drive.
Liam Rubino punts 31 yards to the Ferris State 48, giving the Bulldogs another possession with excellent field position.
Ferris State leads 7-0 with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter.
5:22 PM
Chase Carter Strikes Twice As Ferris State Takes The Lead - FSU 7, NMU 0, 5:09 1Q
Ferris State needed just two plays to cash in on the short field.
Chase Carter is in for Wyatt Bower. Reason currently unknown.
Chase Carter connects with Jaylin Townsend for 39 yards on the first play of the drive, taking the Bulldogs all the way from the NMU 40 to the 1-yard line.
Carter finishes the job himself on the next snap, powering in from one yard out for the first touchdown of the afternoon.
Jay Cady adds the extra point, and No. 1 Ferris State leads Northern Michigan 7-0 with 5:09 remaining in the first quarter.
5:18 PM
Ferris State Gets The Ball Right Back In NMU Territory - 0-0, 5:43 1Q
Northern Michigan's huge fourth-down stop doesn't turn into much on offense.
Noah Dobert gets the ball on the first two plays but manages just two total yards before Duke Shovald's third-down pass falls incomplete.
Then things get worse for the Wildcats. Nicholas Gruesen's punt travels just 18 yards and goes out of bounds, giving No. 1 Ferris State the ball at the NMU 40.
Northern Michigan's defense is headed right back onto the field with Ferris already in scoring territory.
5:16 PM
Northern Michigan Comes Up With Huge Fourth-Down Stop - 0-0, 7:07 1Q
Northern Michigan's defense just brought some life into the Superior Dome.
Facing fourth-and-3 at the NMU 18, Ferris State keeps the offense on the field and puts the ball in Wyatt Bower's hands. Jax Hertel and Nathan Pralle meet him in the backfield for a two-yard loss, and the Wildcats take over on downs.
Ferris State's long opening drive comes up empty after reaching deep into Northern Michigan territory.
It's still 0-0 with 7:07 remaining in the first quarter.
5:12 PM
Penalties Pile Up On Ferris State's Opening Drive - 0-0, 9:03 1Q
Ferris State is moving the football, but four penalties have made its opening possession a long one.
The Bulldogs have already had a touchdown wiped out by holding and have been flagged multiple times on the drive.
Despite the setbacks, Wyatt Bower connects with Jaylin Townsend for 11 yards to move the Bulldogs into Northern Michigan territory.
Ferris State has the ball at the NMU 39 with the game still scoreless.
5:07 PM
Ferris State Touchdown Wiped Out By Holding Penalty - 0-0, 12:14 1Q
Ferris State appeared to strike quickly on its opening possession, but a holding penalty wipes the touchdown off the board.
Wyatt Bower opened the drive with a five-yard completion to Taariik Brett before Jeremiah Housey moved the chains with a five-yard run.
Zak Ahern then broke free for what initially was ruled a touchdown, but a holding penalty against Ferris State brings it back.
The Bulldogs remain on offense with the game scoreless.
5:04 PM
Ferris State Takes Over After Northern Michigan Punt - 0-0, 13:32 1Q
Northern Michigan's opening possession ends with a punt after the Wildcats pick up just four yards.
Noah Dobert rushed for two yards on the first play before Northern Michigan quarterback Duke Shovald completed a two-yard pass on third-and-8.
Liam Rubino punts 42 yards to the Ferris State 29, where the No. 1 Bulldogs will begin their first possession of the afternoon.
5:02 PM
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Is Underway - 0-0, 1st, 15:00
We're underway from the Superior Dome in Marquette.
No. 1 Ferris State starts the afternoon with the football, wearing white jerseys with red helmets. Northern Michigan is in yellow jerseys and yellow pants.
4:57 PM
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Kickoff Approaching
No. 1 Ferris State and Northern Michigan are getting closer to kickoff at the Superior Dome in Marquette.
Ferris State enters 4-0 and riding a 34-game winning streak, while Northern Michigan enters 0-4 and is coming off a bye week.
The Bulldogs and Wildcats kick off at 1 p.m. ET as both teams begin GLIAC play.
4:52 PM
No. 1 Ferris State Opens Conference Play
Ferris State enters Saturday as the No. 1 team in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll.
The Bulldogs received all 31 first-place votes in the latest poll after improving to 4-0.
Ferris State has occupied familiar territory at the top of Division II after winning four of the past five national championships.
4:45 PM
Tony Annese Is Undefeated Against Northern Michigan
Ferris State head coach Tony Annese has never lost to Northern Michigan.
Annese enters Saturday 13-0 against the Wildcats since taking over the Ferris State program in 2012.
Ferris has won 14 consecutive games in the series overall and leads the all-time series 30-15-6.
4:35 PM
Northern Michigan Had Two Weeks To Prepare For No. 1 Ferris State
Northern Michigan enters Saturday coming off its first bye week of the 2026 season.
The Wildcats last played Sept. 19, when Davenport defeated NMU 42-7 at the Superior Dome.
That means first-year Northern Michigan head coach Matt Janus and the Wildcats have had two weeks to prepare for the defending national champions.
Ferris State, meanwhile, played Sept. 26 and defeated Kentucky Christian 73-6.
4:25 PM
When Did Ferris State Football Last Lose?
It's been more than two years since Ferris State lost a football game.
The Bulldogs' last loss came against Pittsburg State in the 2024 season opener. Ferris hasn't lost since, winning the remainder of the 2024 season, going undefeated during its 2025 national championship run and opening 2026 with four straight victories.
Ferris enters Saturday with 34 consecutive wins.
4:15 PM
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Football Series History
Ferris State leads the all-time series against Northern Michigan, 30-15-6.
The Bulldogs' current 14-game winning streak in the series stretches back to 2011.
4:02 PM
Noah Dobert Leads Northern Michigan Into GLIAC Play
If Northern Michigan is going to challenge the No. 1 team in Division II, Noah Dobert figures to be an important part of the equation.
Dobert enters Saturday with 407 rushing yards on 80 carries through four games, averaging 101.8 rushing yards per game.
That follows a record-setting 2025 season in which Dobert rushed for 1,656 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named the GLIAC Offensive Back of the Year and earned D2CCA Second Team All-America honors.
3:57 PM
Ferris State vs. Northern Michigan Recent History
Ferris State has controlled the series recently.
The Bulldogs have won 14 consecutive games against Northern Michigan and head coach Tony Annese is 13-0 against the Wildcats.
Here are the past three meetings:
2025: Ferris State 70, Northern Michigan 35
2024: Ferris State 55, Northern Michigan 9
2023: Ferris State 78, Northern Michigan 3
Northern Michigan's last victory over Ferris State came in 2010.
3:55 PM
Northern Michigan Football 2026 Schedule
Aug. 27: Minnesota State Moorhead 41, Northern Michigan 19
Sept. 5: Tiffin 35, Northern Michigan 7
Sept. 12: St. Thomas 56, Northern Michigan 14
Sept. 19: Davenport 42, Northern Michigan 7
Sept. 26: Bye
Oct. 3: vs. Ferris State, 1 p.m. ET
Oct. 10: at Davenport, 2 p.m. ET
Oct. 17: at Michigan Tech, noon ET
Oct. 24: vs. Roosevelt, 1 p.m. ET
Oct. 31: at Wayne State, noon ET
Nov. 7: at Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. ET
Nov. 14: vs. Saginaw Valley State, 1 p.m. ET
3:46 PM
Ferris State Football 2026 Schedule
Aug. 27: Ferris State 42, Pittsburg State 14
Sept. 4: Ferris State 38, Bentley 3
Sept. 12: Ferris State 28, Central Washington 14
Sept. 19: Bye
Sept. 26: Ferris State 73, Kentucky Christian 6
Oct. 3: at Northern Michigan, 1 p.m. ET
Oct. 10: vs. Saginaw Valley State, 1 p.m. ET
Oct. 17: at Grand Valley State, 3 p.m. ET
Oct. 24: vs. Michigan Tech, 1 p.m. ET
Oct. 31: vs. Davenport, 1 p.m. ET
Nov. 7: at Wayne State, 1 p.m. ET
Nov. 14: vs. Roosevelt, 1 p.m. ET
3:15 PM
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