By most accounts, the first year of the Tony Annese era had to be considered a success for Ferris State University. A 7-4 record might even belie how competitive the Bulldogs really were, and there’s little doubt that the folks in Big Rapids are excited to see what kind of step forward their club can make. Leading the way will be quarterback Jason VanderLaan, who earned GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2012. VanderLaan rushed for nearly as many yards as he threw for last year, and he is causing the league’s defenses to decide what exactly they feel they can take away from him week to week.
While the Bulldog offense gained potency during the course of the season, the defense had some struggles at times. They allowed more than 30 points per game last year, and roughly half of their starters must be replaced. There’s little doubt that the Bulldog offense will be able to generate points, so the key question might be whether or not the defense can improve and not make what the offense does a necessity.
Ferris will open its season on the road at two-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State University. After a trip to Ashland University in week three, the Bulldogs reach week five and face the month of October that pits them against all four of the GLIAC North’s Co-Champions from 2012. They then finish the year with two of their final three games at home.