MEN'S BASKETBALL: Newbies Come In And Perform Well For Bulldogs

EAST LANSING - Some members of Ferris State University's highly-touted freshman class were thrown right into the fire right off the bat on Sunday afternoon in the Breslin Center at Michigan State University.

Toledo, Ohio native Drew Lehman, a freshman guard, was inserted into the starting lineup. Lehman played 26 minutes, scored five points, shot 2-of-3 from the floor, 1-of-2 from the 3-point line, totaled four assists and had just one turnover.

Rookie guard Dietrich Lever came off the bench to play 21 minutes. The Canton native had five points on 2-of-5 shooting from the floor.

Forwards Dan Chilcote, Tyrin Wade (pictured) and Trent Messer all played for the Bulldogs in the game. Chilcote, who looked solid, was limited to seven minutes as he fouled out early in the second half. Wade, a Lansing native, played 14 minutes while Messer played 10. Chilcote scored three points while Wade and Messer each added two.

Photo by Ben Amato

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Sanders, Others Open Some Eyes

EAST LANSING - The play of Ferris State University forward Jerrell Sanders opened a lot of eyes at the Breslin Center on Sunday afternoon as the Bulldogs dropped an 85-58 decision to Michigan State University.

Sanders finished with 14 points and six rebounds as he matched a 14-point effort from teammate Daniel Sutherlin. The play of Sanders was a hot topic in the post-game press conference as a number of people asked questions about the athletic 6-6 swingman from Grand Rapids.

"You know, I think Jerrell has a lot of skill and some size and athleticism," said Ferris head coach Bill Sall. "To tell you the truth, at the beginning of the game our guys didn't have that deer in the headlights look. They came out and competed really well and I was really happy with that. Last year, we played Indiana and had a very good game as well, so he is one of those small college players that has really refined his game since he was in high school and has really become a great player."

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Sutherlin's Persuasiveness Leads To Ferris-MSU Game

Ferris State University forward Daniel Sutherlin was a major reason why the Bulldogs ended up playing the Spartans.

EAST LANSING - A sort of chance meeting between Ferris State University men's basketball player Daniel Sutherlin and Michigan State University Athletics Director Mark Hollis led to Sunday afternoon's exhibition contest between the Bulldogs and the Spartans.

"It's a great story, actually," Ferris head coach Bill Sall started to say. "I think the reason we are here today is from some rain at St. Ives. Mr. Hollis was out playing one of our nice courses we have over at St. Ives Golf Course right by Big Rapids. It was a rainy day, he went into the golf clubhouse area. Dan Sutherlin, who had a very good game today, is working out at St. Ives and struck up a conversation and Mr. Hollis was kind enough to say I'm looking for an exhibition game this season and low and behold he followed through. We got a call right before school started and said they would like to play us. So anyway, it helps to have players at a golf club on a rainy day in St. Ives. It was a good thing and we appreciate that Mark could help us out there."

It was a win-win situation for the Bulldogs and the Spartans.

Photo by Ben Amato

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Michigan State 85, Ferris 58

EAST LANSING - Ferris State University competed hard for 40 minutes against Michigan State University even though the final score doesn't reflect that fight.

The Bulldogs dropped an 85-58 exhibition decision to the Spartans inside the Breslin Center on Sunday afternoon.

"I would just like to thank the Michigan State family and Coach (Tom) Izzo for allowing us to come down here," said Ferris head coach Bill Sall. "I think it was a thrill of a lifetime for the players to actually have a chance to play on Breslin's court, as well as the head coaches. We certainly enjoyed our time here today."

FOOTBALL: Frazier Shines, But Wants The Win

William Frazier had some spectacular plays on Saturday as Ferris State University took on the University of Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs suffered a 24-17 defeat at the hands of the Greyhounds at Top Taggart Field in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action.

"We can't go anywhere but up," Frazier said. "We just have to get this out of our head, look at the film and get better from here."

Frazier lamented the empty drives for which Ferris had great opportunities, but failed to turn them into points.

"We can get down the field on 90-yard drives and 80-yard drives and come up empty," he said. "We just have to finish drives."

Frazier finished with five catches for 95 yards ... including a 40-yard reception. He had two kick returns for 34 yards as well. Frazier was asked about his numbers, but turned it back to team.

"It's encouraging I had a big game, but at the end of the day all that matters is we have to get a "W" ... it's a hard right now," he said.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Continues Play Well Heading Into Weekend Set In Ohio

Ferris State University's volleyball team, ranked 11th in the nation, is heading on the road for contests on Saturday and Sunday in Ohio.

The Bulldogs of head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm are at Ohio Dominican on Saturday, Oct. 29 and then at Tiffin on Sunday, Oct. 30. Ferris wants to finish the regular season on a strong note.

Ashley Huntey, a senior outside hitter, is having an outstanding season as she leads the team with 270 kills. Anne Sutton, junior middle hitter, has 222, Aly Brecht , a junior outside hitter, has 178 and Courtney Rehm (pictured), a 6-2 freshman middle hitter who is enjoying a spectacular debut season, has 157.

For more information:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wvball/2011-12/releases/201110250urcz2

THIS WEEK:

vs. Ohio Dominican
Saturday, Oct. 29 - 5 p.m. (EDT)
Columbus, Ohio

vs. Tiffin
Sunday, Oct. 30 – 11 a.m. (EDT)
Tiffin, Ohio

Here is the scouting report from Ferris' website:

Ohio Dominican: Ferris State holds a 1-0 lead over the Panthers in the all-time series with the lone encounter taking place in 2010. The Bulldogs notched a 3-0 win over Ohio Dominican last season at home in Big Rapids. Thus far in the 2011 season, the Panthers hold an 11-12 overall record and are 4-9 in GLIAC action. Head Coach Sandy Rowley is currently in her 22nd season with the program.

Tiffin: Ferris State and Tiffin will meet for the fourth time as the Bulldogs hold a 3-0 all-time series advantage over the Dragons. FSU claimed a 3-2 victory last season at the Ewigleben Sports Arena in Big Rapids,. The Dragons currently hold a 5-16 overall record and are 4-8 in the GLIAC. Dava Cordova is in her second season as the head coach at Tiffin.

HOCKEY: No.6 Ferris Battles No. 4 Michigan

This is the big test that a lot of Bulldog hockey fans have been waiting on as Ferris State University, ranked sixth in the nation, heads to Yost Ice Arena to take on the University of Michigan, ranked fourth in the land.

The teams battle tonight, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and then finish off the series on Friday night in Ann Arbor at the upgraded Yost Ice Arena.

This road test will be a major one for the Bulldogs who want to get an even better gauge as to where they're at and how good they are, truly, at this early stage of the season.

The Bulldogs, led by Eric Alexander (pictured) and others, need to withstand the early charge that Michigan will no doubt throw at them strengthened by a rabid crowd of fans cheering on the Wolverines.

For more information on the games this week, visit:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mice/2011-12/releases/20111026heexfe

TENNIS: Ferris Women Take Fifth In The GLIAC

MIDLAND - The Ferris State University women's tennis team figured to be in for a fight in its bid for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.

The competition for that championship has gotten tougher as other programs have elevated their play over the years.

The Bulldogs took fifth place at the league tournament in Midland over the weekend - an event that concluded on Sunday. Ana Jan (pictured), in No. 1 singles, and Laurence LeBlanc, in No. 4 singles, had victories. In doubles, Ferris earned all three points. The fifth-place finish was secured

as Ferris earned a 5-0 win over Lake Superior State University. Prior to that, the fifth-seeded Bulldogs had dropped a match to fourth-seeded Ashland on Friday.

For more information, visit:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wten/2011-12/releases/20111023sk7pnt

HOCKEY: Ferris Off To A Special Start

Ferris State University has all the makings of a team on a mission to accomplish some big things this season on the ice.

Head coach Bob Daniels' Bulldogs, already nationally ranked, are off to a 6-0 start after sweeping No. 10 Miami over the weekend in Big Rapids. Ferris has been impressive all the way around, but its lock-down defensive efforts, led by Chad Billins (pictured) have been bolstered by top-notch goaltending and outstanding efforts by its defensemen in front of the net.

Ferris is making a strong case for a top-10 ranking with the way it has

performed through its first three sets of the season against St. Lawrence University, RPI and Miami University.

Now, the question is, will the pollsters take notice that the so-called "leftover" teams (not invited to the Big Ten, for obvious reasons, or the NCHC) can hang with anybody.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Struggles In Loss To Grand Valley

ALLENDALE - The numbers were pretty bad for Ferris State University in Saturday night's 57-10 loss to rival Grand Valley State University in the Anchor-Bone Classic.

A good-sized crowd at Lubbers Stadium had a lot to cheer about as Grand Valley scored the game's first 31 points en route to a 47-point victory.

Ferris had a chance early in the game to make it potentially a slugfest, but came up empty on a promising drive that might have tied the score at 7-7. GVSU turned that missed Ferris opportunity into another seven points and a 14-0 lead. From there, the floodgates opened as Grand Valley

poured it on big time with a totally dominating performance in all three phases of the game (offense, defense and special teams).

GVSU totaled 631 yards of total offense and quarterback Heath Parling completed 21-of-28 passes for 336 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Receiver Charles Johnson had a dominating performance with six receptions for 144 yards with two touchdowns. Greg Gay had two touchdown receptions and Jovonne Augustus had one TD grab and five receptions overall. Running back Hersey Jackson rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry.

Ferris had 72 rushing yards on 18 carries from Tom Schneider. Schneider completed 15-of-29 passes for 156 yards and receiver Mike Ryan (pictured) had four catches for 35 yards. Ryan, on a trick play, had one TD pass for 15 yards to Schneider.

It was thorough domination and a horribly disappointing outcome. Now, Ferris has to find a way to put this setback behind it and bounce back for the stretch run of the season. The Bulldogs can't let this emotional pain derail them for the rest of the 2011 campaign.

It's time to shake this one off and gear up for the next challenge: a good University of Indianapolis team on Saturday (Oct. 29) at 2 p.m. at Top Taggart Field.

FOOTBALL: Ferris' Loss To GVSU Makes Me Wonder How Grand Valley Lost Any Games

ALLENDALE - The way Grand Valley State University played, my opinion of the Lakers being the top team in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was confirmed after its 57-10 victory over Ferris State University.

This team is good ... VERY GOOD! Taking a look at the Lakers on Saturday night makes me wonder how this squad had a three-game losing streaks where they suffered losses to Hillsdale College, 34-31; the University of Indianapolis, 34-33; and the University of Findlay, 26-20. With no disrespect intended to those teams, it's highly unlikely Grand Valley would lose to any of those squads (or anyone else in the GLIAC) the way it has played the last four weeks. Since those three losses, GVSU has scored 70, 42, 61 and 57 points in four consecutive wins.

It will be interesting to see how GVSU plays against Michigan Tech University (Oct. 29) and Saginaw Valley State University (Nov. 12). However, both of those games are in Allendale. That means an even greater advantage for GVSU.

Grand Valley is a very good football team and proved it Saturday ... as it had proven it the previous three weeks.

COLLEGE HOCKEY: No. 14 Ferris Continues To Roll With Big Win Over No. 10 Miami

Ferris State University had a great performance last night in its victory over Miami in a battle of nationally-ranked teams. (Photo/Scott Whitney)

No. 14 Ferris State University figured to have its toughest test of the season with 10th-ranked Miami University coming into Big Rapids to take on the Bulldogs at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Ferris and Miami slugged it out for two periods of even hockey before the Bulldogs scored twice in the third period, including an empty-net goal to take the 4-2 victory.

Jordie Johnston's power-play goal at 6:19 of the third proved the difference as Eric Alexander scored his second goal of the night, into an empty net, to seal the victory.

The Bulldogs will attempt to move to 6-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association if they can pull off a Saturday night victory over the RedHawks.

It will not be easy, however. Expect Miami to come out playing even more physical to get back on the winning track.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Head Coach Jeff Pierce Discusses Grand Valley

Here are some comments from Ferris State University football head coach Jeff Pierce discussing the team's matchup this evening in Allendale at Grand Valley State University.

HOCKEY: It Should Be A Great Battle Of Nationally-Ranked Teams

Ferris State University is getting reading or a huge series as the Bulldogs, ranked 14th in the nation, prepare to host 10th-ranked Miami University in a two-game series in Big Rapids on Friday and Saturday evening.

The Bulldogs begin Central Collegiate Hockey Association play in tough fashion with one of the nation's premier programs. This will be a great test for the Bulldogs who are undefeated at 4-0 coming into this series.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ferris' 4-0 start to the campaign has been the defense. The goaltending has been strong led by veteran Taylor Nelson (pictured) and freshman C.J. Motte. Nelson was expected to be ready to step in and Motte has opened a lot of eyes with his strong early play for the Bulldogs.

The defense has been tough and has quieted some critics who feared the loss of Zach Redmond might be too much to handle. Of course, some of those same critics said the same thing about losing Pat Nagle in goal. Ferris, however, has proven to be a resilient program as guys have stepped up to fill in those big skates.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Has A Good Shot Against Grand Valley, But Must Be Sharp

A lot of people are wondering if this is the year that Ferris State University gets that first win over Grand Valley State University in football since 1999.

It has been a long time and a lot of years of frustration as the Bulldogs have struggled to find that ultimate success against the Lakers.

At this point of the season, Ferris and Grand Valley are playing solid football and feeling confident about their chances to knock off the Lakers at Lubbers Stadium - one of the toughest facilities in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to play in for visitors. The

Bulldogs will get their shot on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Allendale.

Ferris needs to get its passing game going pretty well. The Bulldogs have to test the secondary of the Lakers. To do that, however, Ferris will need to provide Tom Schneider with the protection he needs to complete those passes.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will need to put the pressure on the GVSU offensive line and quarterback Heath Parling. That can be easier said than done as the Lakers typically do a good job of protecting the quarterback. Also, GVSU boasts a strong running game as well with Norman Shuford and Hersey Jackson. Ferris' front seven will be challenged by that offensive line and a strong rushing offense.

HOCKEY: Alexander, Czarnowczan and Hill Will Sign Autographs After Saturday's Game

On Saturday night, three Ferris State University hockey players will be signing autographs on the concourse after the game for fans. This will take place after the 14th-ranked Bulldogs' 7:05 p.m. game against 10th-ranked Miami University has ended.

The Bulldog hockey players who will be engaging the fans and signing autographs include senior captain Tommy Hill, sophomore defenseman Scott Czarnowczan and junior forward Eric Alexander.

FOOTBALL: Video From Ferris-Northern Game

Here is some video from the Ferris State University-Northern Michigan University football game.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Head Coach Jeff Pierce Discusses Northern Michigan

Here are some comments from Ferris State University football head coach Jeff Pierce about the Bulldogs' upcoming opponent, Northern Michigan University.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Faces HUGE Game Against Northern Michigan

Ferris State University's football team has an important game this weekend as it takes on Northern Michigan University for homecoming on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids.

The Bulldogs of head coach Jeff Pierce have to shake off last weekend's missed opportunity against the University of Findlay and find a way to get it done this week against the Wildcats, who are a well-coached team led man Bernie Anderson.

The team still has a lot to play for, including alumni, and now is the time to step it up as it will be playing in front of members of the 1999 team that will be in town celebrating that last conference championship.

It's time for Ferris to step it up and put together two strong halves of football. Against Findlay, the Bulldogs put together one good half, but that will not be enough against a Northern Michigan team that is as good as the Oilers.

HOCKEY: Ferris Sees Familiar Face Against RPI

The Ferris State University hockey team is on its home ice tonight for the first time this season (in the regular season) as it hosts RPI and head coach Seth Appert, a former Bulldog hockey goaltender.

The Bulldogs, led by ace defenseman Brett Wysopal and others, host the Engineers tonight at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. The Bulldogs are 2-0 with a sweep over St. Lawrence while RPI comes in with a record of 1-1 after splitting with Minnesota State.

This should be a good measuring stick for the Bulldogs to see where they are coming off a sweep of St. Lawrence.

FOOTBALL: Photos From Ferris-Findlay Game

Here are a few photos from the Ferris State University-University of Findlay game shot by Ben Amato.

Ferris' Jordan Morgan (14) is caught by the throat as he tries to turn the corner and get pressure on the quarterback against the University of Findlay.

Ferris' Skyler Stoker (34) tries to break free on a run with the football against the Oilers.

Ferris quarterback Tom Schneider holds steady in the pocket as he looks down field for open receivers against Findlay.

The Bulldogs come running out onto the field under the Gridiron Club banner at Donnell Stadium in Findlay, Ohio.

Ferris' Garrett Woods (94) makes a tackle while his jersey is being grabbed during Saturday's game in Findlay, Ohio.

HOCKEY: Ferris Starts Season 2-0 With Sweep Of St. Lawrence

Ferris State University is off to a great start this season after sweeping St. Lawrence University this past weekend on the road in New York.

When a team begins the season you sometimes don't know what to expect. The Bulldogs of head coach Bob Daniels, however, looked solid as they went on the road to New York and performed well with a season-opening, non-conference sweep.

The Bulldogs defeated the Saints 4-2 on Friday and then 5-1 on Saturday before it returns to Big Rapids and prepares to host RPI this weekend as

part of homecoming activities at Ferris.

Lots of guys are off to good starts this season, including: Kyle Bonis, Travis Ouellette, Brett Wysopal, T.J. Schlueter, C.J. Motte (pictured), Taylor Nelson and others.

Game 1 Box Score:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mice/2011-12/files/slufsu1.htm

Game 2 Box Score:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mice/2011-12/files/slufsu2.htm

WOMEN'S TENNIS: Bulldogs Win Over Lake Erie By Forfeit

Ferris State University picked up a women's tennis victory over the weekend by forfeit ... a fairly rare occurrence in college athletics.

The Bulldogs were scheduled to take on Lake Erie College, but the Storm were unable to compete due to not having enough student-athletes able to participate.

Ferris, coached by Alex Palladino, is 8-3 overall and in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, as it prepares for the GLIAC Tournament in Midland (Oct. 21-23).

Here is more on the story:

http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wten/2011-12/releases/20111008upjl53

FOOTBALL: Video Highlights From Ferris-Findlay Game

Here are some video highlights from the game on Saturday in Findlay, Ohio, as the Ferris State University Bulldogs dropped a 43-35 decision to the University of Findlay squad.

The D2Football.com Message Board Officially Went Into The Toilet

I realize that when anonymous people can post on the D2Football.com message board anything can go and people can take all kinds of cheap shots, continue goofy running jokes (that oftentimes were never funny in the beginning) and make ridiculous allegations against student-athletes and coaches.

This is not really an indictment of D2Football.com as much as it is a commentary on the gutless and disgusting trolls polluting its message board.

But, some of the garbage on there now is dumb and (getting) dumber. Here is the latest pathetic thread as a bunch of anonymous idiots completely go overboard with attacks.

It used to be you could go on there and enjoy intelligent football conversation with the occasional garbage here and there. Now, the garbage has almost completely eclipsed intelligent football discussion.

Sorry, but his board is getting worse by the thread and I know there are some people who know me who are not going to like me writing this, but too bad:
http://www.d2messageboard.com/showthread.php?44300-Oh-no-Ferris-State!!/page4

On a side note:

Some Findlay and Ferris players got into it at the end of Saturday's game and, of course, some apparent Findlay fan gets on there and deems Ferris classless and lets the Oilers completely off the hook. For the record, on that particular issue, it takes two sides to have a confrontation. Take off the orange glasses.

FOOTBALL: Findlay 43, Ferris 35

FINDLAY, Ohio - It was a rough day of football for Ferris State University. The host Oilers jumped out to a 22-0 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs rallied for 35 second-half points, but it was not enough as the University of Findlay scored a 43-35 win over Ferris at Donnell Stadium in Findlay, Ohio.

With the loss the Bulldogs drop to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings.

Ferris struggled to hold down the running game of Findlay most of the game. In the first half, it was a challenge for the Bulldogs of head coach Jeff Pierce as turnovers, missed tackles and penalties plagued the team from start to finish.

More coverage will come later.

FOOTBALL: It's GameDay In Findlay, Ohio

Ferris State University is going to be in for a challenge this afternoon as it prepares to take on what looks, by most accounts, to be a much-improved Findlay team this afternoon in football action from Donnell Stadium in Findlay, Ohio.

The Bulldogs of head coach Jeff Pierce are 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference while the Oilers are 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the GLIAC.

UF is coming off a 45-28 loss last weekend at Indianapolis while Ferris is coming off of a 38-14 win against Lake Erie College.

This should be a good challenge for the Bulldogs on the road. We will find out a lot about how Ferris handles a solid and well-coached team on the road.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. from Donnell Stadium. Rob Bentley and I will have the radio call on Sunny 97.3 and the Bulldog Sports Network. Check www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com for more information.

COLLEGE HOCKEY: Ferris Vs. St. Lawrence

THIS WEEK:

at St. Lawrence (N.Y.) Saints
Friday & Saturday (Oct. 7-8) – 7:05 p.m./4:30 p.m. (EDT)
Appleton Arena - Canton, N.Y.

Live Game Statistics:
http://livestats.prestosports.com/ferrisstate/

Radio Broadcast: Friday's game will be carried live on the Bulldog Sports Network and Sunny 97.3 FM. Saturday's game is not slated for radio broadcast due to the Detroit Tigers playoff run but will be available online. Visit this link to access the Bulldog Sports Network audio for both games: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/ferris.portal

Video:
http://www.b2livetv.com/partner_members.asp?id=29 (Pay Per View)

Television: None

The Opening Faceoff: The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team will officially drop the puck on the 2011-12 season and its 33rd season of NCAA Division I intercollegiate competition this weekend (Oct. 7-8) against the St. Lawrence Saints in a two-game non-league series at Canton, N.Y.

VOLLEYBALL: Video Of Ferris' Win On Saturday Over Saginaw Valley

Here are some video highlights from the nationally-ranked Ferris State University volleyball team's 3-0 victory over Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, Oct. 1 in Big Rapids.

Ferris continues to perform at a high level with a great weekend that also included a 3-0 win on the road over Grand Valley State University in Allendale on Sunday.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Highlights Against Lake Erie College (Oct. 1)

Here are a few video highlights from Ferris State University's football victory on Saturday, Oct. 1 against Lake Erie College.

The Bulldogs played a solid game and showed that it could continue to play at a solid level. Tom Schneider continues to play well running the offense while the running game was spectacular led by Skyler Stoker and others.

The defense was tough led by Tayo Moss, from the linebacker position.