As the dust settles in Big Rapids, Mich, the No. 1-seeded Ferris State Bulldogs come away victorious over Northwood in the opening round of play in the NCAA D2 Football Playoffs, 65-14.  

• Subscribe To FloCollege Today
• D2 Football Rankings 2025 Week 11: Findlay Top 10, Western Oregon To No. 19
• When is the NCAA D3 Football Selection Show?

The Bulldogs put on an absolute offensive clinic in the opening round showdown putting 65 points on the scoreboard at Top Taggart Field and scoring at least once in every quarter. Ferris State ended the day 588 yards of total offense, 432 of those coming from the run game. 

Quarterback Chase Carter was 11-for-21 on the day with 133 yards throw the air with two touchdown tosses. Carter was also the leading rusher for the Bulldogs with 152 yards on 15 carries for two rushing touchdowns. Also an offensive weapon for Ferris State was Carson Gulker. Gulker was the second leading rusher on the day with 100 yards on 15 carries and one rushing touchdown. 

Northwood struggled to get the offense going, only piecing together two scores in the matchup on Nov. 21. The Timberwolves tallied 261 yards of total offense with 131 coming through the air. Quarterback Paul Seeley was 5-for-13 on the day with 75 yards and one passing touchdown. 

Hudson Gerstacker was the leading receiver for Northwood with 48 yards on two receptions with one touchdown. 

Northwood ends its season 9-3 overall and 7-2 in conference play. Ferris State keeps its undefeated season alive and will move to the second round of the NCAA D2 football playoffs on Nov. 29. The bulldogs will sqaure off against Ashland who just downed Minnesota Duluth, 32-7.

Relive all of the action from the game down below or find the on-demand replay on ESPN +. 

End 4Q, Ferris State Wins - 0:00

Northwood 14, Ferris State 65

As the clock hits zero in Big Rapids, Mich. the Ferris State Bulldogs have secured another opening round victory over Northwood, 65-14. 

Two Minute Warning 4Q - 2:00

Northwood 14, Ferris State 65

With just two minutes remaining in regulation, the clock in winding down towards a Ferris State victory. If the Bulldogs secure the win, they will face the winner of Ashland vs. Minnesota Duluth. Ashland currently leads 32-7 with just over two minutes left to play. 

Ferris State Adds Another 4Q - 7:14

Northwood 14, Ferris State 65

Just when you thought the scoring could be done for the day, the Bulldogs add another touchdown to their stat sheet for the day. Leeshaun Mumpfield with a quick 10-yard rush up the middle seals the score for Ferris State. 

Start 4Q - 15:00

Northwood 14, Ferris State 58 

The start of the final 15 minutes in Big Rapids sees Ferris State just moments away from another win. This one isn't over left, there could still be time for a TimberWolves comeback. 

End 3Q - 0: 00 

Northwood 14, Ferris State 58 

The clock has hit zero in this third quarter of action. 15 minutes left to go in this opening round matchup. 

Bulldogs Extend The Lead 3Q - 2:29

Northwood 14, Ferris State 58

The Bulldogs keep their foot on the gas in this third quarter. Chase Carter slips up the gut for a 40-yard rushing touchdown. The PAT is good. 

Ferris State Ends Scoring Drought 3Q - 4:01

Northwood 14, Ferris State 51

When the offense has struggled for both teams in the third quarter, the Bulldogs are the first to snap the drought with just four minutes left to play. Brady Rose keeps the ball and rushes left for nine yards and the score. 

Northwood Mistake Puts Ball Back in Bulldogs Hands 3Q - 7:20

Northwood 14, Ferris State 44

It's been a back-and-forth test in the third quarter as neither team has gotten a whole lot of offensive luck. However, the tables may have turned towards Ferris State once again as the Bulldogs punt was muffed by Riley Vennix of Northwood. The ball is recovered by Ferris State

Start 3Q - 15:00

Northwood 14, Ferris State 44

The start of the final half in this opening round matchup sees Northwood back to receive the kickoff. 

Score Updates From The Rest Of The Bracket

Still some time before this matchup is back in action, but with the first round of the NCAA D2 playoffs well underway, here is a look at how the rest of the bracket is shaping up. 

• Kutztown 45, Bentley 0 - 5:50 left in 4Q
• Indiana (PA) 20, Assumption 7 - Halftime
• Frostburg State 14, Johnson C. Smith 0 - 14:48 left in 3Q
• California (PA) 20, Virginia Union 17 - 0:03 left in 2Q
• Valdosta State 23, Albany State 21 - 0:03 left in 2Q
• Newberry 31, Kentucky State 10 - 0:11 left in 2Q 
• Ashland 17, Minnesota Duluth 7 - Halftime
• Minnesota State 21, Findlay 7 - 0:05 left in 2Q 
• Wingate 17, Benedict 0 - 0:59 left in 1Q 
• West Florida 0, North Greenville 0 - 6:05 left in 1Q 
• UIndy 16, Truman State 0 - 2:23 left in 1Q 
• Harding 10, Northwest Missouri State 0 - Start of 2Q 
• Pittsburg State 7, Chadron State 3 - 2:45 left in 1Q

Ferris State Adds Quick Field Goal, End 2Q - 0:00

Northwood 14, Ferris State 44

As time expires on the opening half in Big Rapids, Mich., the Bulldogs are quick to convert a field goal to make this a 30-point ball game. Eddie Jewett drills the 34-yarder for Ferris State. 

Northwood Finds The End Zone! 2Q - 1:12

Northwood 14, Ferris State 41

After a slow offensive start for the Timberwolves, the execution comes together late in the first half. Pauly Seeley connects with Hudson Gerstacker for the Northwood score! 

Bulldog Touchdown! 2Q - 2:09

Northwood 7, Ferris State 41

The offensive momentum continues to grow and with it the lead for Ferris State. Bray Rose with the short rush up the middle secures yet another touchdown for the Bulldogs. The PAT from Jewett is good! 

Defense Shows Up For Ferris State! 2Q - 3:13

Northwood 7, Ferris State 34

Pauly Seeley is sacked for a major loss for Northwood. The ball comes out and is recovered by Tim Allen for Ferris State. The Bulldogs will take over on the Northwood 24-yard line. 

Ferris State Touchdown! 2Q - 3:49

Northwood 7, Ferris State 34

The Bulldogs are on a roll on the offensive side as Carson Gulker rushes 11-yards to the left for the end zone for Ferris State! 

Northwood Interception! 2Q - 11:51

Northwood 7, Ferris State 27

It's an interception type of day as the Timberwolves pick off Chase Carter just a few drives after the Bulldogs picked off Ethan Hamby. Ferris State still leads by 20, but it is still early in the first round matchup! 

Bulldogs Pick Six! 2Q - 12:06 

Northwood 7, Ferris State 27

After punting for the first time in the ball game just a few snaps earlier, Ferris State picked off Ethan Hamby and returned the ball to the house. Jalen Jones gets credited for the pick six! The PAT was no good. 

Start 2Q - 15:00

Northwood 7, Ferris State 21

The Timberwolves punt it away on the opening drive in the second quarter. The Bulldogs will start on their own 42-yard line. 

End 1Q - 0:00

Northwood 7, Ferris State 21

Time has expired in the opening quarter at Top Taggart Field. This one has been all gas and no brakes as the Bulldogs hold a two-score lead over the Timberwolves. Northwood starts on 4th and 6 when we return! 

Chase Carter Turned The Wheels On! 1Q - 1:57

Northwood 7, Ferris State 21

The Ferris State Bulldogs are keeping their foot on the gas as Chase Carter turned on the jets to find the end zone on a 53-yard rush. It's back to a two-score game!

Northwood Responds! 1Q - 4:27

Northwood 7, Ferris State 14 

The Timberwolves respond quickly cutting the Ferris State lead to one score! Ethan Hamby connects with Gerry Hanson for the end zone. The PAT from Drew Cady is good and Northwood is on the board! 

Ferris State Doubles The Lead! 1Q - 6:32

Northwood 0, Ferris State 14

Almost as quickly as the Bulldogs got on the field to start their second offensive drive, the end zone is found once again. Chase Carter connects with Taariik Brett for the score. PAT is good and Ferris State leads 14-0. 

Defense Forces Northwood To Go Out On Downs 1Q - 8:44

Northwood 0, Ferris State 7 

The Bulldog defense showed complete control in the first offensive drive from Northwood. As the Timberwolves were marching down the field, Ethan Hamby was sacked by Tim Allen on 3rd and 6. 

Bulldogs Strike First! 1Q - 10:13

Northwood 0, Ferris State 7 

Ferris State strikes first in this ball game! As the Bulldogs charged down the field, Carson Gulker is the man who found the end zone after connecting with starting quarterback Chase Carter. The PAT from Eddie Jewett is good! 

Kickoff! 1Q - 15:00 

Northwood 0, Ferris State 0

Action is underway in Big Rapids! Northwood won the toss and elected to defer. Ferris State will receive the opening kickoff. 

10 Minutes Until Kickoff - It's Playoff Time

Ten minutes until kickoff from Ferris State! Get ready football fans, it's finally playoff time! 

Northwood vs. Ferris State: By The Numbers

With just 30 minutes left until kickoff in Big Rapids, these two teams have made their marks in the 2025 season statistically. Here's how the Bulldogs and Timberwolves stack up! Please not all stats are on a per game basis in the 2025 season. 

Ferris State

• Points: 52.7
• Total Offensive Yards: 515.5 yards
• Passing Yards: 224.4 yards
• Rushing Yards: 291.2 yards
• 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 58%
• Time of Possession: 29:03
• Passing Yards Allowed: 176.3 yards
• Rushing Yards Allowed: 107.1 yards

Northwood

• Points: 30.4 
• Total Offensive Yards: 360.4 yards
• Passing Yards: 229.5 yards
• Rushing Yards: 130.8 yards
• 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 40%
• Time of Possession: 28:40
• Passing Yards Allowed: 161.3 yards
• Rushing Yards Allowed: 142.3 yards

Where is Northwood vs. Ferris State Football

The Bulldogs and the Timberwolves are ready for battle! The matchup will take place as Ferris State plays host in Big Rapids, Mich. at Top Taggart Field. 

45 Minutes 'Til Kickoff - The Hype Is Here! 

It is almost game day! Northwood is feeling hype so you should too! Check out this Timberwolves hype video! 

roundonetrailer.mp4#LetItRip #RollTimbys pic.twitter.com/ZBVb3xHSa9

— Northwood Football (@Northwoodfball) November 22, 2025

50 Minutes 'Til Kickoff - Ferris State Gameday Threads

Just under an hour to go before action gets started in the opening round of the NCAA D2 playoffs. Ferris State has the gameday threads on lock for the first game! 

GAME THREADS! Time to get Nasty! The 'Dawgs will hit the field in their playoff look w/black jerseys and black pants today! Thanks to Jersey Mike's for sponsoring our game threads! pic.twitter.com/D9DipeESLz

— Ferris Athletics (@ferrisathletics) November 22, 2025

1 Hour 'Til Kickoff - Northwood Settled In

The Timberwolves arrived on the scene on Nov. 20. Here is a look at how the team settled in. 

Settling in#LetItRip #RollTimbys pic.twitter.com/O9uSo2cubY

— Northwood Football (@Northwoodfball) November 21, 2025

Ferris State 2025 Football Roster

• 0, Jerek Fields, LB
• 0, Jeremiah Lee, WR
• 1, Gyasi Mattison, DB
• 1, Deion Small, SL
• 2, Wyatt Bower, QB
• 2, Daviere Jones, DB
• 3, Chase Carter, QB
• 3, Eric Jackson, DB
• 4, Tae Boyd, WR
• 4, Justin Payoute, DB
• 5, Key'Vell Cooper, RB
• 5, Jeremiah Housey, DB
• 6, Tarick Bower, WR
• 6, Liko Johnson, LB
• 7, Zak Ahern, RB
• 7, Isaiah Byars, LB
• 8, Payton Hughes, LB
• 8, Jaylin Townsend, WR
• 9, Alex Springs, DB
• 9, Cam Underwood, WR
• 10, Taariik Brett, SL
• 10, Ralph Carter, DL
• 11, Tyrone Fowler, DL
• 11, Darian Kruja, WR
• 12, Carson Gulker, QB
• 12, Chris Lands, DB
• 13, D'Mari Jenkins, DB
• 13, Tyren Mason, WR
• 14, Sincer Boyd, RB
• 14, Stanley Lambert, DL
• 14, Timothy Ormond II, WR
• 16, Leeshaun Mumpfield, QB
• 16, Tre' Rigby, DB
• 17, Dakari Neely, WR
• 17, Quentin Pope, DB
• 18, Kyle Cottee, QB
• 18, Mervens Jean Pierre, DB
• 19, Adonis Ferguson, DB
• 19, Charlie Spencer, QB
• 20, Jaden Edington, RB
• 20, Chase Nixon, DB
• 21, Tim Allen, DL
• 21, Kevin Simes, SL
• 22, Brady Rose, SL
• 22, Ahlston Ware, DB
• 23, Brady Hamby, LB
• 23, AJ Hill, RB
• 23, James Robinson, DB
• 24, Jake Price, RB
• 24, Nolan Ziegler, LB
• 25, Edward Kofuma-Henry, DB
• 26, Javen Sewell, DB
• 27, Parker Holman, SL
• 28, Manny Peoples, DB
• 29, Colbey Reed, RB
• 30, Ryan Ahern, LB
• 31, Jack Lamancusa, DE
• 32, Levi Tuinstra, K/P
• 34, Colby Bailey, RB
• 34, Christian Cramer, LB
• 34, Tyler Greene, DB
• 35, Eddie Jewett, K
• 38, Sam Wahlberg, LS
• 40, Anthony Perdue, DB
• 41, Michael Bush, LB
• 42, Jalen Jones, DB
• 43, Razah Townsend, DL
• 44, Kailib Davis, DL
• 45, Mitchell Middleton, K/P
• 47, Matt McCraw, LB
• 47, Jalen McFadden, DB
• 48, Josh Garcia, DL
• 48, Cas Moir, LB
• 49, Maurice Adams Jr., DL
• 49, Gabe Blanchard, DL
• 50, Freddie King, DL
• 50, Chimdindu Obi, DL
• 51, D'jaun Gilbert, OL
• 52, Jarvis Windom, OL
• 53, Ryan Ross, OL
• 55, Elmir Jakupovic, OL
• 56, Ben Przytula, OL
• 57, Jaylen Washington, OL
• 64, Cam Heiss, OL
• 65, Cory Pecynski, OL
• 66, Kaharri Caldwell, OL
• 67, Avery Pavlak, OL
• 68, Jordan Tooles, DL
• 69, Ace Simonson, OL
• 70, Andrew DeVries, OL
• 71, Matthew Misch, OL
• 72, Tim Anderson, OL
• 73, Mack Bontekoe, OL
• 74, Bob Anderson, OL
• 75, Dayne Arnett, OL
• 77, Tyrone Webber, OL
• 78, Dumela Knox, OL
• 80, Jackson Altwies, DL
• 80, Jami Williams, WR
• 81, Devon Strobel, DE
• 82, Derrick Matlock II, DL
• 84, Mason Dykstra, TE/H
• 89, Cooper Nye, DE
• 90, Royce Daugherty, DL
• 91, Jvonne Ruffin, DL
• 92, Cam Post, DL
• 92, Decarion Raney, DE
• 93, Erik Seabrook, DL
• 94, Alefosio Saipaia, DL
• 97, Sawyer TenHaaf, DE
• 98, Zach Kelly, DL
• 99, Markee Jones, DL

Northwood 2025 Football Roster

• 0, Cole Simpson, DB
• 1, Case Boos, WR
• 1, Aviere Thomas, DB
• 2, Devin Brown, RB
• 2, Isaiah McGarry, DB
• 3, Kanye Jackson, LB
• 3, Brayden Lape, QB
• 4, Lake Boos, WR
• 4, Charlie Lovell, DL
• 5, Joe Lathers, LB
• 5, Carter Minix, WR
• 6, Lorenzo Alfred, DB
• 6, Ethan Hamby, QB
• 7, Ty Bensinger, DB
• 8, Sam Dersa, WR
• 8, Jaden Green, DL
• 9, Jalin Pitchford, LB
• 9, Pauly Seeley, QB
• 10, Jake Townsend, WR
• 10, McKinley Underwood, DL
• 11, Marlon Haugabook, WR
• 11, Saion Tollie, DB
• 12, Briheem Rabhi, WR
• 12, Michael Woods Jr., DB
• 13, Diego Gutierrez, QB
• 13, Aidan Halliday, LB
• 14, Drew Cady, K/P
• 14, Gerry Hanson, WR
• 15, Bryson Bakas, K
• 15, Jeremiah Penick, DL
• 16, Hudson Gerstacker, WR
• 16, Steeler Leep, DB
• 17, Jackson Audretsch, K/P
• 17, Riley Vennix, DB
• 18, Mitch Rivard, WR
• 19, Marvin Hartfield, DB
• 19, Tony Simmons, WR
• 20, Ali Hammoud, DB
• 20, Trent Hill, RB
• 21, Chauncey Freeman, DB
• 22, Jaiden Young, DB
• 23, Gio Akrawi, LB
• 23, Ethan Newville, DB
• 24, Ralph Golden, LB
• 25, Matteo Humbert, RB
• 26, AJ Bryan, RB
• 27, Michael Jones, DB
• 28, Marquan Braswell, RB
• 29, Carson Beekman, K
• 30, BJ Weathersby, RB
• 31, Aidan Moore, RB
• 32, Naji Sherrod, LB
• 32, Tevon Walsh, DB
• 33, Jaden Gilstrap, LB
• 34, Larry Ellison, RB
• 35, Ryan Relyea, LB
• 37, Thomas Powrie, DB
• 38, Hassan Sareini, LB
• 39, Nick Waszczenko, TE
• 40, Carter Fay, DL
• 41, Korbin Sulitis, LB
• 42, Dustin Warner, TE
• 43, Fletcher Anderson, LB
• 44, Tyler Marrogy, DL
• 45, Jack Murray, LB
• 46, Ryan Ervin, LB
• 47, Griffin Merchant, LS
• 48, Luke Woodke, TE
• 49, Ty Farmer, LB
• 51, Brogan Parks, LB
• 52, Lamar Moore, DL
• 53, Roman Lambert, OL
• 54, Nico Davis, LS
• 55, Reese Peery, OL
• 56, Riley Smalarz, OL
• 57, Zain Beydoun, OL
• 58, Shawn Jones, OL
• 59, Bo Woodard, OL
• 60, Gavin Wisniewski, OL
• 61, Ty Mead, OL
• 62, Joey Ramsey, OL
• 63, Kaden Schirmer, OL
• 64, Josh Kriekaard, OL
• 65, Nolan Nelson, OL
• 66, Mitch Umlor, OL
• 67, Conner Calano, OL
• 68, Eesa Mohammed, OL
• 69, Carlo Fortino, OL
• 71, Damon Denny, OL
• 73, JC Stanciel, OL
• 75, Jax Mason, OL
• 76, Flynn Crystal, OL
• 77, Kevin Brown, OL
• 78, Zach DeLeeuw, OL
• 79, Caden Lickfeldt, OL
• 81, Alex Thompson, WR
• 82, Raef Goosen, TE
• 82, Wesley Hughes, WR
• 83, Connor O'Rourke, WR
• 85, Cyron Stamper, WR
• 86, Jack Krajewski, TE
• 87, Danny Krajewski, TE
• 88, Charlie Stober, TE
• 89, Ryder Zajac, TE
• 90, Jovon Massey, DL
• 91, Corday Clayton, DL
• 94, Luke Munger, DL
• 95, Ethan Cowie, DL
• 96, Shawn Turpin, DL
• 97, Max Stoecker, DL
• 98, Delvon Pascoe-Ward, DL
• 99, Brevin Hendricks, DL
• 99, Ricardo Jackson, DL
• RS, Andrew Fust, TE
• RS, Lawson Grier, DL

The Full 2025 NCAA D2 Football Bracket

32 teams found their way into the post season and with all of these teams in action on Nov. 22, there can only be one winner per matchup. Here's the full field. 

The #D2FB bracket is officially here! 🏈 🏆#MakeItYours | https://t.co/9ZvdkIwAfH pic.twitter.com/WcDq5GBO3h

— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) November 16, 2025

How To Watch D2 Football Playoffs

While the D2 football playoff race won't be streamed live on FloCollege, we still have all of the information for the action coming up. 

From the opening round to the championship games, all of the D2 action will be streaming live on ESPN + for those college football fans looking to get their football fix. 

Who Are The D2 Football Playoff First Round Matchups?

Here are the first-round matchups in the D2 football playoff. All times are listed in ET. 

• 1 p.m. | Valdosta State vs. Albany State (GA)
• 1 p.m. | Benedict vs. Wingate
• 1 p.m. | Kentucky State vs. Newberry
• 1 p.m. | Minnesota State Mankato vs. Findlay
• 1 p.m. | Truman State vs. UIndy
• 2 p.m. | North Greenville vs. West Florida
• 2 p.m. | Minnesota Duluth vs. Ashland 
• 2 p.m. | Northwest Missouri State vs. Harding 
• 2 p.m. | Chadron State vs. Pittsburg State
• 3 p.m. | UT Permian Basin vs. Colorado State- Pueblo
• 4 p.m. | Western Colorado University vs. Central Washington

When Are The First Playoff Matchups?

The first round of the D2 NCAA playoff will take place on Nov. 22. All 32 teams will take the field to determine the round two games slated for kickoff on Nov. 29. 

When Is The NCAA D2 National Championship Game?

The  D2 National Championship will be held in McKinney, Texas on Dec. 20. The two remaining teams will square off for the national title. 

Archived Footage On FloCollege

Video footage from all events will be archived and stored in a video library for FloFootball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

Watch The 2025 College Football Season On FloCollege

FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games. 

Join The College Football Conversation

• Follow us on Twitter @FloCollegeFB
• Follow us on Instagram @FloCollegeFootball
• Follow us on TikTok @FloCollegeFootball
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook