A disastrous final 4:00 of the first half spelled doom for Tiffin University's football team, as they allowed 20 unanswered points over that span and eventually fell to Ferris State in their season opener 34-14.

The Bulldogs and the Dragons played each other tough throughout the first quarter, with FSU finally breaking the ice late in the opening quarter with a touchdown. The Dragons answered in short order, however, taking advantage of a botched punt attempt as Jackson Davis recovered the fumble in the end zone at the 9:12 mark of the second quarter to tie the score 7-7.

Ferris State kicked a field goal at the 4:24 mark to make the score 10-7, but the wheels came off for the Dragons on its next possession. After punting away after a three-and-out, the Bulldogs marched 52 yards in four plays to score and make the score 17-7.

The Dragons responded by moving the ball down the field, attempting to narrow the game in the closing minute of play before halftime. But FSU's Kyle Fitzpatrick picked off a Steve Feeman pass and returned it 65 yards for another touchdown. After TU had a poor 13 yard punt after another three-and-out, the Bulldogs booted another field goal with two seconds remaining to give them a 27-7 halftime edge.

The Dragons were unable to get on the board in the third quarter, while FSU tacked on another touchdown. TU finished the scoring in the fourth quarter when Alvin McKnight rushed 32 yards at the 14:54 mark to make the score 34-14.

TU was outgained 322-231 in total yardage, with both teams emphasizing their ground games. The Bulldogs outrushed TU 258-153, as TU mustered just 79 yards through the air on 9 of 24 passing with 2 interceptions. TU also helped the Bulldogs with 95 yards in penalties.

The Bulldogs also ran 82 plays to TU's 60 and had nearly 10 more minutes in time of possession.

One bright spot for the Dragons was the performance of Washington State transfer Chris Ivory, who in limited action rushed for 90 yards on 13 carries and hauled in 3 passes for 43 more yards. McKnight also gained 49 yards on 8 rushes.

Defensively Arthur Allen had 11 tackles, David Rumley (8 tackles) and Courtney Embry (7 tackles) joined Rahsan Wilson (8 tackles, sack) to also lead the defense. Davis also had 8 tackles with an interception and fumble recovery for a score.