The D2 football playoffs heated up on Saturday, November 29, as top-seeded teams advanced to the quarterfinals. Ferris State defeated Ashland 56-24 to keep their undefeated season alive, while Kutztown dominated Assumption 56-19 in dominant second-round performances that set the stage for continued playoff intensity.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ferris State improved to 12-0 on the season with their dominant 56-24 victory over Ashland in Big Rapids, Michigan
- Kutztown dominated Assumption 56-19 with 600 total yards of offense in the matchup
- The NCAA D2 football playoffs feature eight second-round games on November 29, 2025
- Both No. 1 seeds showed championship-caliber performances, advancing to the quarterfinals on December 6
Ferris State’s Perfect Season Remains Undefeated Against Ashland
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The nation’s top-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs kept their undefeated season alive with a convincing 56-24 victory over the Ashland Eagles in round two of the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Bulldogs, who won the national championship in 2024 and made their nation-leading 11th consecutive playoff appearance, proved why they’re the defending champs.
Quarterback Chase Carter led the offensive clinic, completing 9 of 17 pass attempts for 135 yards and three touchdown passes. Carter also contributed 91 rushing yards on 10 carries with one rushing touchdown, showcasing the dual-threat capabilities that make Ferris State’s offense nearly impossible to contain.
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Despite Ashland’s quick start, scoring 14 early points to lead 14-0, the Eagles couldn’t maintain momentum. Cameron Blair completed 8 of 19 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions that proved costly. Running back Chris Maloney led Ashland’s ground attack with 198 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown.
| Statistic | Ferris State | Ashland |
| Final Score | 56 | 24 |
| Total Offense | 483 yards | 422 yards |
| Passing Yards | 135 yards | 122 yards |
| Record | 12-0 | 10-3 |
Kutztown’s Dominant Offensive Display Advances Golden Bears
The Kutztown Golden Bears, the top seed in Super Region One, put on an offensive clinic against Assumption, posting a decisive 56-19 victory. The Golden Bears generated an impressive 600 total yards of offense while keeping Assumption’s offense in check throughout the matchup.
Kutztown’s defense forced crucial turnovers and shut down Assumption’s offensive rhythms, preventing the Greyhounds from building any momentum. The Golden Bears are making their third consecutive playoff appearance and advancing to the quarterfinals where stronger competition awaits.
For Assumption, the challenge against Kutztown proved too much despite entering the game with a 9-3 record coming off a first-round upset. The Greyhounds tallied just 19 points and couldn’t match the Golden Bears’ explosive offensive output.
Second-Round Playoff Action Sets Up Quarterfinals Stage
Saturday’s games marked the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division II football playoffs, with eight matchups determining which 16 teams advance to the quarterfinals. All top seeds showed their championship credentials with dominant performances early in the afternoon windows.
Other notable second-round results included No. 1 Albany State edging Benedict 14-12 and Frostburg State surviving 23-21 over California (Pennsylvania). These matchups demonstrated how competitive the Division II playoff landscape remains with any team capable of creating upsets.
Ferris State Advances to Face Minnesota State in Quarterfinals
Ferris State will now take on Minnesota State in the third round of the playoffs, while Kutztown and other winners await their quarterfinal matchups on December 6. The Bulldogs’ path to a potential second consecutive national championship runs through McKinney, Texas, where the championship game is scheduled for December 20.
The defending national champions have looked nearly unstoppable this season, maintaining their undefeated record with balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defensive forced turnovers. If Ferris State continues their elite play, another deep playoff run appears inevitable.
What Does This Victory Mean for the College Football Landscape?
Ferris State’s domination sends a clear message to the rest of Division II that this Bulldogs team is built to compete for another national title. Their offensive weapons, led by Chase Carter’s dual-threat abilities and bolstered by elite defensive performance, create matchup nightmares for opponents.
Meanwhile, Kutztown’s dominant performance suggests the Golden Bears are legitimate national championship contenders despite a lower seed compared to prior seasons. The combination of suffocating defense and explosive offensive outings gives the Super Region One champions realistic hopes of making a deep run.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.