Grand Valley State vs. Ferris State: An Epic Division II Tale

By: Steve Pugh, Founder, Versus Sports Simulator
October 13, 2023

The college football world is vast, but for D2 aficionados, particularly those following the GLIAC conference, there's a marquee event that is etched in their hearts: the iconic clash between the Grand Valley State Lakers and the Ferris State Bulldogs. The crescendo of this rivalry reverberates beyond D2 lines, encapsulating the very spirit of college football.

The Teams – A Snapshot

As of today, both teams are neck-and-neck with an impressive season record of 4-1. The Lakers are leading the scoring category slightly with an average of 49.6 points per game to the Bulldogs’ 43.6. Both teams display offensive brilliance.

In terms of rankings, the AFCA D2 Coaches Poll has Ferris State ranked number 1 and Grand Valley State at number 7. Contrarily, Versus Sports Simulator has Ferris State ranked 18th (mainly due to a weak schedule so far this season) and Grand Valley State ranked 4th.

Grand Valley State Lakers

The Lakers have consistently showcased stellar performances this season. Flaunting a dazzling offensive rating of 99, they've got the artillery. Their defense, with a rating of 96, is formidable, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the division. Their power rating of 98 illustrates their supreme prowess and ability to overcome almost every opponent in D2 football.

Ferris State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs may be biting just a bit behind the Lakers on the stats sheet, but they pack a punch. With an offensive rating of 97 and a defensive score of 95, they are undeniably a powerhouse. Their consistency shines through their power rating of 97. And, they are the defending back-to-back National Champions.

The Chronicles of Their Battles

Let’s take a look at some of the recent battles between these two storied teams.

• 2017: Grand Valley St, albeit the favored squad, couldn't seize the day. Ferris edged a win with a single point, at 28-27.
• 2018: Ferris bulldozed through with a score of 35 against Grand Valley’s 31, proving the sports predictions and pundits wrong.
• 2019: It was a closer shave than anyone anticipated, but Ferris emerged victorious at 21-16.
• 2021: This year saw two electrifying encounters. In October, Ferris State, contrary to forecasts, showed their class with a modest 35-28 win. But come November, Ferris dominated fiercely, with a scoreline reading 54-20 in their favor.
• 2022: Their face-offs were nail-biting. First, it was Grand Valley State who narrowly surpassed with a 22-21 score in October. However, in their December meet, Ferris State turned the tables with a 24-21 victory.

This Year's Game Prediction

The Versus Sports Simulator prediction for the 2023 game scheduled for October 14 forecasts a 10-point Lakers win. And Versus is currently 353-90 (79.9%) in prediction accuracy this season at the D2 level. But given the recent history of errant predictions between these two teams, it's anyone's game. Versus is just 8-7 (53%) predicting this rivalry game since 2011.

From 2011 to 2022, Ferris State's dominance in this matchup is clear, leading the series 11-4. However, the volatile and unpredictable nature of their duels becomes evident when examining the Versus model's accuracy. When predictions favored Grand Valley, accuracy took a hit, with only 29% of games going as foreseen (a 2-5 accuracy record). But, when the model backed Ferris State, the accuracy saw a commendable jump to 75% (a 6-2 accuracy record).

GLIAC's Jewel Duel

This storied rivalry transcends stats, records, or predictions. It embodies the pride and passion of the GLIAC conference, underscoring the ethos of college football. The Grand Valley State vs. Ferris State matchup isn't just another game on the calendar; it’s a spectacle, a testament to dedication, tenacity, and the enduring spirit of rivalry.

Conclusion

As the clock ticks down to this year's showdown, the buzz is palpable. With the weight of history, the pressure of predictions, and the fervor of fans, this duel promises to be nothing short of epic. And for those lucky enough to witness it - prepare for a football masterclass, the D2 way.

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Previous Articles: From Champions to Underdogs: Ferris State's Unexpected Journey in the 2023 College Football Season