BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State rolled to a 55-7 win over Shepherd on Saturday in the NCAA Division II Semifinals.
Ferris State quarterback Jared Bernhardt returned to action after missing last week’s quarterfinal. On the first offensive snap for the Bulldogs, he ripped off a 61-yard run up the sideline. He scored on the next play to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
By the time the first half was over, Bernhardt had scored five rushing touchdowns as the Bulldogs opened up a 35-7 lead.
Entering the game, Shepherd was the nation’s top-scoring offense at 46.4 points per game and Ferris State was second at 45.4 points per game.
The Bulldogs defense held the vaunted Shepherd offense to just one touchdown on the afternoon and came away with three sacks and an interception.
It was a dominating performance on both sides of the ball for Ferris State as the Bulldogs secured the 100th win at Ferris State for head coach Tony Annese.
Ferris State advances to face Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II National Championship. The Blazers beat Colorado School of Mines 34-31 in the other NCAA Semifinal.
Ferris State met Valdosta State in the 2018 National Championship. Valdosta State won 49-47.
The national championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18th at 9 p.m. in McKinney, Texas.
© 2023 - 910 Media Group
