The Ferris State Bulldogs football team represents Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, Michigan, in NCAA Division II college football. The Bulldogs, who began playing football in 1900, compete as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Ferris State's home games are played on campus at Top Taggart Field.
| Ferris State Bulldogs football | |
|---|---|
| First season | 1900 |
| Athletic director | Steve Brockelbank |
| Head coach | Tony Annese 13th season, 137–21 (.867) |
| Stadium | Top Taggart Field[1] (capacity: 6,200) |
| Year built | 1957 |
| Location | Big Rapids, Michigan |
| NCAA division | Division II |
| Conference | GLIAC |
| Claimed national titles | 3 (2021, 2022, 2024) |
| Colors | Crimson and gold[2] |
| Website | Official website |
Ferris State has won three NCAA Division II football championships, in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Conference history
edit- 1899–1937: Independent
- 1938–1941: Michigan-Ontario Collegiate Conference
- 1946–1955: Independent
- 1956–1973: NAIA independent
- 1974–1989: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
- 1990–1998: Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference
- 1999–present: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Championships
editNational championships
edit| Year | Association | Division | Head coach | Record | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NCAA (3) | Division II (2) | Tony Annese | 14–0 (7–0 GLIAC) | Valdosta State | W, 58–17 |
| 2022 | 14–1 (5–1 GLIAC) | Colorado Mines | W, 41–14 | |||
| 2024 | 14–1 (7–0 GLIAC) | Valdosta State | W, 49–14 |
Rivalries
editDavenport
editThe Calder City Classic is the name given to the Davenport–Ferris State football rivalry. The winner of the game receives the Calder City Classic trophy, with the series and trophy named for Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids. The first game played under the Calder City Classic name was the 2024 match-up.[3] Every third game in the series will be held at a neutral site in Grand Rapids.[4]
Grand Valley State
editThe Anchor–Bone Classic is the name given to the Ferris State–Grand Valley State football rivalry. The first Anchor–Bone Classic was played in 2003 while the overall series dates back to 1972. The winning team receives the Anchor–Bone Trophy. Heading into the 2024 game, Ferris State leads the overall series while Grand Valley State leads the trophy series 14–11.[5]
Top Taggart Field
edit| Location | 1215 Campus Drive Big Rapids, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6,200 |
| Opened | 1957 |
Top Taggart Field is an American football stadium located in Big Rapids, Michigan with a seating capacity of 6,200. Located on the campus of Ferris State University, it is the home venue for the Ferris State Bulldogs football team. The stadium is named after W. C. "Top" Taggart, a former halfback for the Bulldogs and the program's first official head coach.[1] Top Taggart Field features the Wheeler Pavilion, a three-story facility located on the stadium's west side that features club rooms, media rooms, and a ticket office; construction began in 2001.[6]
On August 29, 2024, university president Bill Pink announced plans to construct new residence halls that will wrap around the stadium behind the north end zone. The residence halls are expected to open in August 2026.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Top Taggart Field". ferristatebulldogs.com. Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
- ^ "Colors – Ferris State University". Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ "Ferris State and Davenport Universities announce the Calder City Classic". Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]]. September 26, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ Champion, Brandon (September 26, 2024). "Calder City Classic: Ferris State, Davenport announce new football rivalry". Mlive.com. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ "Anchor-Bone Classic History. Here's Every GVSU Vs. Ferris State Score". FloSports. October 23, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ "Wheeler Pavilion". Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ "Ferris State planning residence hall attached to football stadium to provide unmatched student experience". Ferris State University. August 29, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.