OT: Division 2 football update:Ferri, GVSU, Slippery Rock, and UMD.

Submitted by stephenrjking on October 16th, 2018 at 10:49 PM

The important action happens in East Lansing on Saturday, but for those who can't get enough football, and for those with some interest in smaller schools, the NCAA division 2 season is moving right along and there's some fun stuff going on.

The big news this week was the massive clash between national #2 ranked Grand Valley State and #3 Ferris State in exurban Grand Rapids. Ferris State won a thriller, 35-31, on a 31-yard throwback TD pass with 3:11 remaining in the game. The win puts Ferris State in pole position for a top seed in Super Region 3, which means a first-round playoff bye. 

In Super Region 1, our old friend Slippery Rock is cruising at 6-1 and have a good chance to get another playoff bid, buoyed by a huge win over Indiana University (PA). 

And, local (and important only) to me, UMD survived a broken ankle to starting QB John Larson and is currently undefeated, with Winona being the last realistic obstacle to a perfect regular season. That means a home playoff game or two, which is a blast this far north. 

Might not home field in the biggest game, though, since UMD is in the same region as national #1 ranked Minnesota State (Mankato).

xtramelanin

October 17th, 2018 at 5:32 AM ^

looks like that gvsu v. fsu game was a dandy.  i have installed that same play that got their winning 
TD with some of my sons' offenses.  we simply call it 'razzle-dazzle' right or left.  it is a dandy. 

carolina blue

October 17th, 2018 at 7:21 AM ^

Can someone explain the significance of Slippery Rock?  I’ve heard the cheers in the Stadium when that particular score is announced and the general love for Slippery Rock but never understood its affilliation with, or at least admiration from, Michigan. 

LSAClassOf2000

October 17th, 2018 at 7:50 AM ^

I believe it goes back to the late 1950s when Steve FIlipiak - the PA announcer for Michigan at the time - began to read scores off the wires, and as I recall, his only real reason for latching onto Slippery Rock was because he liked the name. A strange start for a tradition perhaps, but at every game I've been to, I've always cheered when Slippery Rock triumphed. 

98xj

October 17th, 2018 at 9:18 AM ^

Just a point of clarification: to some of us, UMD means the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Yes, I know, we don't have a varsity Football team. Just sayin'.....

Brian Griese

October 17th, 2018 at 11:46 AM ^

Also, you can add the best D2 college in Michigan (Hillsdale) is 6-1 with their only loss coming in OT at Michigan Tech earlier this year. They have a showdown coming with Tiffin in a few weeks.