Ferris State Opens 2018 With Decisive Home Win Over East Stroudsburg

Postgame Press Conference 
Game Highlights   

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University opened the 2018 gridiron campign in an impressive way as the eighth-ranked Bulldogs bolted out to a big lead and cruised to a 49-17 triumph over East Stroudsburg (Pa.) on Thursday (Aug. 30) night at FSU's Top Taggart Field.

The Bulldogs scored three times in the first quarter and led 42-3 at halftime against the Warriors in the first-ever series matchup.

Ferris State jumped on the board early as the Bulldogs marched 81 yards in three plays on their opening offensive drive of the year to take a 7-0 lead on junior quarterback Jayru Campbell's 44-yard scoring throw to junior slot Dion Earls.

The Bulldogs added another score with 7:46 to play in the first stanza when Campbell found paydirt from five-yards away to finish a nine-play, 88-yard jaunt, giving FSU a 14-0 lead.

The defense got into the scoring column soon after when junior defensive back DeShaun Thrower scooped up a fumble and raced 51 yards to the house with 5:52 remaining in the first period to make it 21-0 in FSU's favor.

The Bulldogs increased their lead to 28-0 to start the second quarter as sophomore tailback Marvin Campbell scored on a six-yard run to finish off an 11-play, 90-yard scoring drive.

Then, with 7:32 to play in the first half, junior slot Davontae Harrington reached the endzone on a seven-yard scamper. His TD run gave FSU a 35-0 lead following a four-play, 55-yard drive.

East Stroudsburg finally got on the board with 2:20 to play in the first half when Jordan Walters converted a 28-yard field goal after the Bulldog defense limited ESU to only 21 yards in seven plays following a miscue in FSU territory.

However, Ferris State answered back soon after by marching 75 yards in seven plays before Earls caught a 12-yard pass from Campbell to make in 42-3 at halftime.

The Warriors scored the only points of the third period as the Bulldogs worked other players into the rotation. ESU trimmed the deficit to 42-10 after three as they drove 53 yards in seven play with quarterback Ben Moser hooking up with Jylil Reeder on a three-yard scoring play.

In the fourth quarter, Bulldog junior quarterback Travis Russell raced up the middle and scored on a 46-yard run, finishing off a three-play, 65-yard drive to give FSU a 49-10 margin.

The visitors scored the final points of the evening with 8:55 left on Devante Robinson's one-yard scoring run, which ended a 38-yard march that needed only two plays.

Overall, the Bulldogs rolled up 649 total yards and had 30 first downs with 389 yards coming on the ground on 51 carries. FSU also limited ESU to only 271 yards, including 37 rushing yards on 30 attempts.

Campbell completed seven-of-14 passes for 204 yards and two scores while adding a team-high 100 rushing yards and a score on 12 attempts in only one half of action. Earls caught five balls for 114 yards and two TD's.

Along with his fumble recovery return, Thrower also had an interception for the Bulldog defense.

Moser led East Stroudsburg with 234 yards passing on 19-of-42 throwing, but was intercepted twice and sacked four times.

The Bulldogs will continue their season-opening two-game homestand as they host the Findlay Oilers on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff for the potential battle of nationally-ranked squads is set for 7 p.m. (ET).

Tickets for next Saturday's game are on sale and can be purchased online at StarTickets.com. Please call (231) 591-2888 for additional information or visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.