FOOTBALL: Several Ferris Defenders Post Big Numbers In Loss

DETROIT - Ferris State University fell on the short end of a 45-7 loss, mostly due to its difficulties stopping the run, but the Bulldogs had some big defensive numbers against Wayne State University on Saturday afternoon at Adams Field.

Linebacker Matt Ryan, who is enjoying a strong season, finished with 20 tackles, seven solo tackles, a forced fumble and half a quarterback sack. It's the third straight big-time performance by the senior. In addition to Ryan, senior safety Santino Favot (pictured) had eight tackles and a pass breakup as part of his defensive effort out of the secondary. Ron Hardy, a receiver turned defensive back due to injuries, recorded seven tackles while Muneer Bawayeh, Nick Butler and Angelo Williams each had six tackles.

Ryan, however, had the big defensive effort for the Bulldogs. Entering Saturday's game at Wayne, Ryan had career-high tackle totals in each of the previous two games as he had 12 tackles against Michigan Tech (Oct. 3) and then came back with 16 last week against Indianapolis. He shattered those totals with 20 against the Warriors.