HC Preview: Ferris State

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Chargers wrap up home schedule with game vs. Ferris State
Teams have played each other for 35 straight years

Hillsdale College Press Release

October 29, 2008 - One of the GLIAC's longest-running rivalries will be renwed Saturday, as the Hillsdale College football team hosts Ferris State University. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium.

These teams have played each other every year since 1972, and have enjoyed a competitive rivalry over the years. This year, both teams enter their meeting with winning records and a strong desire to conclude their good regular seasons with victories over tough opponents.

This is the third time in four years the Bulldogs will make the 3 1/2 hour trek south to Hillsdale to face the Chargers. Hillsdale has won the last two home meetings against Ferris State - 34-14 on its 2005 Homecoming/home-opener game, and 29-27 in a memorable night game played in a misty rain on Sept. 23, 2006. That was the last night game played in Hillsdale.

Ferris State (6-3 overall, 5-3 GLIAC) sits in fourth place in the GLIAC and in 10th place in the latest Division II regional rankings. The Bulldogs are coming off a dramatic 19-13 win over Northwood University last week. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown with less than a minute left in regulation to clinch the victory.

The Bulldogs feature the third-best scoring defense in the GLIAC, allowing just 18.7 points per game. Hillsdale is fourth on that list, allowing 19 points per game. The Bulldogs are second in the GLIAC in total defense, and one of their best games as a defensive unit came in a loss to Grand Valley State. Ferris State held the Lakers to a season-low 31 points in a competitive 31-13 decision.

Ferris State also has the best pass defense in the league, which figures to get tested against Hillsdale's passing offense, which is third-best in the conference, averaging 259.8 yards per game through the air.

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