Something spooky is brewing in Big Rapids this Halloween.
Two undefeated teams will enter the 2026 Calder City Classic on Saturday, Oct. 31, but only one will leave with its perfect record intact.
No. 1 Ferris State (8-0) hosts No. 9 Davenport (8-0) with a rivalry trophy, bragging rights and first place in the GLIAC hanging in the balance.
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The Bulldogs enter riding a frightening 38-game winning streak, just two victories shy of the Division II record. But Davenport has plans to play spoiler, hunting its first victory over Ferris State and its first Calder City Classic trophy.
Here's everything to know about a Halloween showdown with major GLIAC championship implications.
What Is The Calder City Classic?
The Calder City Classic is more than just a GLIAC rivalry. There's a trophy on the line.
Established in 2024, the annual matchup between Ferris State and Davenport features a traveling trophy inspired by La Grande Vitesse, the iconic red Alexander Calder sculpture in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ferris State has claimed the trophy in each of the first two editions, defeating Davenport 24-9 in 2024 and 44-23 in 2025.
While the Bulldogs hold a 10-0 advantage in the all-time series, Saturday gives the undefeated Panthers an opportunity to capture their first Calder City Classic trophy, end Ferris State's historic winning streak and take control of the GLIAC championship race.
When Is Ferris State vs. Davenport Football?
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Top Taggart Field, Big Rapids, Michigan
- Matchup: No. 9 Davenport at No. 1 Ferris State
- Streaming: FloCollege
Ferris State Football Is Closing In On Division II History
Ferris State has spent the past several seasons establishing itself as the standard in Division II football.
The two-time defending national champions enter Saturday riding a 38-game winning streak, tied for the second-longest in D2 history. Only Grand Valley State's 40-game run stands ahead of the Bulldogs.
A victory over Davenport would move Ferris State within one win of matching that record.
But the road hasn't been easy lately.
Ferris State overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Grand Valley State 41-34 on Oct. 17 before surviving another test against Michigan Tech last Saturday.
Taariik Brett... how'd you do that
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) October 24, 2026
Brett dodges Huskies left and right and stays vertical as he rushes for 7 yards into the end zone🙌
📺: https://t.co/mds7a5cNrL@GLIACsports | @FerrisFootball #GLIAC | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on FloCollege pic.twitter.com/KaRBWuLeCU
The Bulldogs defeated the Huskies 27-20 despite losing quarterback Wyatt Bower to a lower-body injury early in the game.
Chase Carter stepped in with 141 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns, earning GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Bower's availability for Saturday has not been confirmed, but Carter provides championship-tested depth after leading Ferris State with 1,181 rushing yards during its 2025 national title run.
Following the Michigan Tech victory, head coach Tony Annese acknowledged the pressure of maintaining the streak.
"We're everybody's Super Bowl," Annese said.
Can Davenport Football Finally Beat Ferris State?
Davenport has accomplished nearly everything asked of an undefeated team this season. But one challenge remains: beating Ferris State.
The Panthers are 0-10 against the Bulldogs all-time, including last season's 44-23 defeat.
That result was closer than the final score suggests.
Davenport jumped ahead 14-0 and entered halftime tied 23-23 before Ferris State scored 21 unanswered points to secure the victory.
Now, the Panthers return with an 8-0 record, one of Division II's most productive rushing offenses and a defense allowing just 12.6 points per game.
Davenport is coming off a 49-0 shutout of Wayne State, holding the Warriors to 112 yards and zero third-down conversions on 15 attempts.
The matchup also has a personal connection. Panthers head coach Sparky McEwen previously played and coached at Ferris State, while several Davenport players have transferred from the Bulldogs.
For a program that has never beaten Ferris State, Saturday presents an opportunity to make history.
Ferris State vs. Davenport Features Two Dominant Rushing Attacks
Saturday's biggest matchup might come at the line of scrimmage.
Ferris State leads the GLIAC in total offense with 516.6 yards per game, but Davenport isn't far behind at 505.3.
The Panthers lead the conference in rushing, averaging an unbelievable 333.1 yards per game compared to Ferris State's 292.1.
Much of Davenport's production comes from senior running back Cephus Harris, who has rushed for 1,587 yards and 21 touchdowns through eight games.
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Harris averages a remarkable 198.4 rushing yards per game and is coming off a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance against Wayne State.
But neither defense makes running the football easy.
Davenport has allowed just 96.4 rushing yards per game, while Ferris State surrenders 110. Both teams have conceded only two rushing touchdowns all season.
And here's another remarkable statistic: Through eight games, Ferris State has allowed 2,047 total yards compared to Davenport's 2,051.
Just four yards separate the two defenses all season.
Something has to give when two of the GLIAC's most explosive rushing offenses meet two of its toughest defenses.
What's At Stake In The GLIAC Championship Race?
The GLIAC standings couldn't be much tighter.
Ferris State and Davenport are both 4-0 in conference play, while Michigan Tech sits one game behind at 3-1.
Saturday's winner takes sole possession of first place and gains a crucial head-to-head advantage in the conference championship race.
For Ferris State, a victory would preserve its undefeated season, extend its historic winning streak and strengthen its pursuit of another GLIAC championship.
For Davenport, the opportunity is even bigger: its first victory over Ferris State, an unbeaten record through nine games and control of the conference race entering November.
The Panthers would still face Michigan Tech on Nov. 7 and Grand Valley State on Nov. 14, meaning Saturday's winner won't automatically secure the title.
With both programs nationally ranked, the result could also factor into NCAA Division II playoff positioning.
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