Ferris did emerge last week with a 34-14 win over Tiffin University, but the Bulldogs were expected to get a victory against a team that was picked to finish last in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
This week, Ferris has to clean up all of the little things that hurt it in week one and tighten up the passing game to diversify the offense. Ferris showed signs of being able to run the football against Tiffin's defense, but the passing game was not as sharp as you have to believe head coach Jeff Pierce and his staff want to see that aerial attack get it going.
Kyle Parrish completed 9-of-26 passes for 64 yards with an interception against the Dragons last week in rainy conditions at Top Taggart Field. Neither team passed the ball very well in the game, but the Bulldogs hope for better this weekend against Ashland. Alan Freeman had three receptions for 12 yards, Matt Schuelke had two catches for 14 yards while Aaron Olman, Keenan Bowman, David Freeman and Stephen Gardner each had a catch.
I expect the Bulldogs will iron out some of the bumps in the passing game to become a lot more productive through the air.
Defensively, Ferris faces an Ashland team with a ton of talented players at receiver, quarterback and running back. In fact, the Bulldogs face Billy Cundiff, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and will be in line for some All-American recognition. Cundiff did not have his best effort in the season opener against Bloomsburg (a 10-7 loss), but he will be looking to have a nice bounce-back game against Ferris.
Ferris' secondary will have to step up to cover some very good Ashland receivers. The linebackers and the line will need to control the running game and get to Cundiff to take him out of his comfort zone. If Cundiff is allowed to get too comfortable in the pocket he has the ability to pick apart a defense.
The Bulldogs' defense (led by linebackers Nick Butler, Kyle Fitzpatrick and Matt Ryan as well as the likes of Chad Schoen, Santino Favot, Joe Morrow, Jordan Morgan and others) will see if it can challenge a young Ashland offensive line. The Eagles do have the benefit of (A) having competed in week one against a good Bloomsburg team and (B) getting a few extra days to prepare and heal after having played last Thursday.
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