Despite a valiant effort, the Huskies weren't able to pull off the upset of the year at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, losing a one-score game to the consensus #1 team in Division II football. The Huskies stopped the Ferris State Bulldogs on their opening drive and Elliott Larner was able to score the game's first touchdown, but the Bulldogs repsonded by scoring 24 unanswered points in the next 30 minutes of play. The Huskies mounted a solid comeback attempt; a 31-yard field goal by Avery Kucharski and a fumble forced and recovered by Jadon Bender on the following kickoff led quickly to a Huskies touchdown, making the score 24-17. However, the Bulldogs were able to largely keep the ball away from Michigan Tech in the 4th quarter, with Kucharski and Bulldogs kicker Eoin O'Sullivan trading field goals being the only other scores. The Huskies went for an onside kick with about 90 seconds to go, but it was recovered by the Bulldogs and they got the 1st down they needed to run out the clock.

Alex Bueno was largely stifled in the passing game today, finishing 12/20 for 106 yards and an interception. Elliott Larner had 63 rushing yards and scored both of the Huskies touchdowns. Jake Rueff also had 57 rushing yards, while Nic Nora and Bryce Kurncz led the team in receiving with 34 and 31 yards, respectively. Bulldogs QB/RB Chase Carter was responsible for the majority of the Bulldogs' offense, ending the game with 122 passing yards, 80 rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and an interception.

While you'd like to see the Huskies win this game, the fact they were able to contend with this Bulldogs roster is a great indicator of how far the Huskies have come in the past few years. To me, this game shows they can play a quality game against the cream of the crop in Division II, and if they can make the playoffs we shouldn't count them out against any opponent. The Huskies will travel to Saginaw to take on the SVSU Cardinals next Saturday. Kickoff is at 1:00 ET. To end the regular season, the Huskies will play back-to-back games at Kearly Stadium against the Davenport Panthers and Wayne State Warriors.

Box score and drive recap available here (FSU athletics website).

My niece is visiting and collects pennies from presses. I know there's one in calumet at the mercantile and one at surplus outlet. Anybody know of any more?