Sat Dec 07 18:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Harding Bisons Face Tough Test Against Ferris State in Super Region Three Final
**BIG RAPIDS, MI** – The Harding Bisons, champions of the Great American Conference, are headed back to the Super Region Three final for the second consecutive year. Their quest for a repeat national semifinal appearance will require overcoming a formidable challenge: the top-seeded Ferris State Bulldogs, in their home stadium this Saturday.
Last year, Harding defeated Grand Valley State to reach the semifinals. This year, they’ve dominated Pitt State and Grand Valley State in the playoffs, but Ferris State presents a different beast entirely. The Bulldogs recently routed Central Oklahoma, 78-17, showcasing a powerful ground game that amassed nearly 500 rushing yards.
While Harding’s elite defense is expected to stifle Ferris State’s running attack to some degree, the matchup promises a significant test. Harding boasts a potent rushing attack of its own, averaging over 400 rushing yards per game in their last five contests. However, they’ll face a Bulldog defense that allows just 101.3 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns all season – a stark contrast to Harding’s seven games with six or more rushing touchdowns.
Ferris State’s success isn’t attributed to any single star player, but rather a remarkably consistent defensive unit with 82 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. Harding counters with exceptional depth at running back, boasting three players who have each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in a season.
Ferris State’s offense revolves around quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a dual-threat player who has thrown for over 2,400 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 731 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s supported by a talented receiving corps and running back Kannon Katzer, who averages an impressive 8.7 yards per carry.
Harding’s defense, however, has proven incredibly stingy in recent weeks, allowing a mere 169 rushing yards over their last four games. This suggests that Ferris State may struggle to replicate their typical 260-yard rushing average.
The game pits two highly successful teams against each other. While Ferris State’s season included some less dominant performances, notably a season-opening loss to Pitt State (a team Harding recently defeated 48-3), their overall strength cannot be discounted.
The clash is anticipated to be closely contested, but given Harding’s consistent performance and recent dominance, the defending champions are favored to advance.
First Piper 