PITTSBURG -- Top-ranked Ferris State University scored 28 unanswered second half points to pull away from No. 4 Pittsburg State University and claim a 42-14 season opening victory Thursday (Aug. 27) at Carnie Smith Stadium.
The Bulldogs, the two-time defending NCAA Division II National Champions, posted their 31st consecutive victory with the decision and avenged their last loss in the 2024 season opener - a 19-3 road setback against Pitt State.
FSU outgained the Gorillas, 520 to 257 total yards, in the contest. The Bulldogs carried the ball 55 times for 385 yards with five rushing touchdowns. FSU also added a 13-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback William Brown. Running back Zak Ahern had 12 carries for 88 yards and a pair of scores.
Pitt State's
Josiah Young blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown to knot the score at 7-7 with 1:44 to play in the second quarter. Quarterback
Jake Wolff added an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
T.J. Starks midway through the fourth quarter for the Gorillas' final points.
Wolff finished the game completing 27 of 38 passes for 213 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Wide receiver
Greyson Holbert had seven catches for a team-leading 81 yards. Running back
Dylan Van rushed five times for 44 yards in the contest.
Safety
Quintin Kirby posted a career best 10 tackles to pace the Pitt State defense. Linebacker
Blake Carr added six stops, including two behind the line of scrimmage.
Pitt State will return to Carnie Smith Stadium to host MIAA rival Emporia State University next Saturday (Sept. 5) at 7 p.m.
