newberry ferris state delivered a decisive result on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, when Ferris State defeated Newberry 49–17 in the NCAA Division II national semifinal at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, Michigan, sending the Bulldogs back to the national championship game.
Ferris State improved to 15–0 and extended its winning streak to 29 games. The Bulldogs built a fast 21–0 lead, absorbed Newberry’s push back into the game, then pulled away with a surge late in the first half and steady control the rest of the afternoon.
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How Ferris State Took Control Early
Ferris State’s opening quarter set the tone. The Bulldogs scored three times in the first period to jump ahead 21–7, putting immediate pressure on Newberry to keep pace.
Newberry answered late in the first quarter and continued fighting into the second, refusing to let the game turn into a runaway right away. For a stretch in the middle of the second quarter, the Wolves tightened the score to 21–17 and gave themselves a real chance to flip the script.
Ferris State responded the way unbeaten teams often do: with poise, points, and timely stops. By halftime, the Bulldogs had pushed the margin back out to 35–17, creating breathing room that never disappeared.
Key Stretch: Newberry Closes In, Ferris Slams the Door
The most competitive window came after Newberry’s rally made it a four-point game. Ferris State’s answer mattered because it changed the emotional direction of the contest.
Instead of trading scores, Ferris State stacked points before the break and forced Newberry into mistakes that ended drives. That sequence turned what looked like a potential shootout into a game Ferris could manage with its depth and physicality.
Turnovers Tilted the Game
One of the defining statistical differences came through the air. Newberry quarterback Reed Charpia threw five interceptions, and those takeaways repeatedly disrupted any chance for the Wolves to sustain momentum.
Even when Newberry moved the ball, the possessions often ended without points. That combination—Ferris scoring efficiently while Newberry wasted opportunities—made the final margin grow quickly.
Ferris State’s Ground Game Set the Tempo
Ferris State leaned on a powerful rushing attack that kept the chains moving and wore down the defense. The Bulldogs rushed with balance and consistency, featuring multiple backs who produced meaningful yardage:
- Carson Gulker: 115 rushing yards
- Jake Price: 85 rushing yards
- Chase Carter: 69 rushing yards
With Ferris consistently winning on early downs, the Bulldogs stayed in favorable situations and kept their offense flexible. The steady ground production also helped Ferris protect leads by shortening the game and forcing Newberry to take more risks.
Total Yardage Shows the Offensive Edge
Ferris State finished with 511 total yards compared with Newberry’s 392, a gap that reflected the Bulldogs’ ability to create explosive plays while also controlling the ball.
That yardage advantage wasn’t just about big gains; it showed up in how Ferris could answer pressure moments. When Newberry narrowed the score, Ferris had the offense to respond immediately. When the Wolves tried to mount another comeback, Ferris had the defense and field position to shut the door.
Frigid Conditions in Big Rapids
The semifinal unfolded in cold conditions at Top Taggart Field, adding another layer to a high-stakes postseason environment.
Attendance was listed at 1,089, and the crowd watched Ferris State handle the moment with the confidence of a program that has made repeated deep playoff runs in recent seasons.
Tense Moments and Ejections
The game also included a heated on-field incident that led to multiple ejections after a post-play scuffle. While emotions ran high in the semifinal setting, Ferris State maintained control where it mattered most—on the scoreboard—by continuing to execute and avoiding a collapse in discipline that could have swung momentum.
What the Win Means for Ferris State
With the 49–17 win, Ferris State earned another trip to the NCAA Division II national championship game. The Bulldogs’ consistency across the season—now 15 straight wins—has been driven by a combination of efficient offense, depth in the run game, and defensive playmaking.
This semifinal also reinforced a familiar formula: Ferris State can win in multiple ways. The Bulldogs scored early, handled a mid-game challenge, forced key turnovers, and then leaned on physical football to finish.
Newberry’s Season Ends After Historic Run
Newberry entered the semifinal at 12–2 and had put together one of the strongest seasons in program history. The Wolves showed toughness by trimming a 21–0 deficit into a one-score game, but the five interceptions proved too much to overcome against an opponent as complete as Ferris State.
Newberry’s offense generated yardage and flashes of explosiveness, yet turnovers repeatedly erased opportunities that could have changed the pressure on Ferris and tightened the fourth quarter.
Next Up: Ferris State vs. Harding for the National Title
Ferris State will face Harding in the NCAA Division II national championship game after Harding defeated Kutztown 49–27 in the other national semifinal on Dec. 13.
The title game is set for Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, with a 4 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN2.
Harding enters the championship matchup unbeaten as well, setting up a clash between two programs that reached the final by dominating in the semifinals.
Why the Championship Matchup Stands Out
Ferris State arrives with a 15–0 record, a 29-game winning streak, and a semifinal performance that mixed fast starts with late control. Harding arrives after scoring 49 points in its own semifinal, proving it can finish games with authority.
That combination points to a title game where execution, ball security, and finishing drives will matter. Ferris State’s takeaway production against Newberry showed how quickly the Bulldogs can change games when they win the turnover battle.
And for fans who followed newberry ferris state through the semifinal weekend, the result served as a clear statement: Ferris State isn’t just advancing—it’s playing with the confidence and firepower of a team built for another championship run.
What Fans Should Watch Between Now and Dec. 20
With the matchup set, attention turns to preparation and health. Both teams will have a short window to reset after emotional semifinal wins, and both will be traveling to Texas for the final.
Ferris State’s ability to run the ball with multiple contributors and create turnovers has been central to this postseason push. Harding’s path to the title game included a high-scoring semifinal, adding another layer of intrigue to how the championship might be decided.
As the countdown continues, the Bulldogs will carry momentum from a 49–17 semifinal that showcased both explosiveness and control—and that’s exactly the profile championship teams want entering the final week of the season.
If you watched the game or you’re picking a winner for Dec. 20, share your take below—who has the edge when Ferris State and Harding meet for the title?
