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Ferris State Football Wins 2024 D2 Championship, Dominates Valdosta 49-14

Ferris State Football Wins 2024 D2 Championship, Dominates Valdosta 49-14

Ferris State football secured their third D2 title in four years with a 49-14 win over Valdosta State. Trinidad Chambliss shines with 51 total TDs in 2024.

Dec 21, 2024 by R. R. Ellis
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Ferris State football proved unstoppable in the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship, securing a dominant 49-14 win over undefeated Valdosta State. 

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who took over after an early-season injury to Carson Gulker, capped a stellar season with 51 total touchdowns — 26 passing and 25 rushing. 

Despite a strong season from Valdosta State, led by Sammy Edwards and Alfonso Franklin, Ferris State's relentless offense and defense overwhelmed the Blazers. 

This victory marks Ferris State's third championship in the past four years, solidifying their place as DII football's elite program under head coach Tony Annese.

Recap the game as it happened below. 

Trinidad.

Ferris State Wins D2 College Football National Championship

Final: Ferris State 49, Valdosta State 14

Tony Annese wins his 3rd championship in 4 years. 

Trinidad Chambliss leads the way, as the quarterback took over for an injured Carson Gulker in the third game of the season. 

Chambliss finishes the season with 51 touchdowns, 26 passing TDs and 25 rushing TDs.

He finishes 3rd in Harlon Hill voting, but more importantly, he leads his team to the D2 championship. 

Ferris State dominated today, and it was never really in doubt. 

Tony Annese 😂

Ferris 2 Minutes From Championship

Ferris State 49, Valdosta State 14

Two-minute timeout is happening now. 

Ferris State is about to win their 3rd championship in 4 years.

Chambliss Has 51 Total TDs This Season

Ferris State 49, Valdosta State 14

Chambliss, with 26 passing touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns, leads in scoring in all divisions of NCAA football. 

Incredible for a player who came in as a backup to Carson Gulker. 

Chambliss Exits Game A Champion - 4Q 7:23

Ferris State 49, Valdosta State 14

Still, with 7 minutes left, Ferris State has wrapped up the Division 2 National Championship title. 

Trinidad Chambliss exits the game having led his team against undefeated Valdosta State, and the Bulldogs will come out of it overwhelmingly victorious. 

Chambliss -> Underwood TD

Ferris State 49, Valdosta State 14

Immediately after the Tony Annese interview, Ferris State scores. 

Ferris State is going to be the D2 college football national champion. 

Tony Annese Sideline Interview

I don't know if you caught that, I'm mad at my quarterback because he won't run the ball as much as I want him to run the ball. 

Just finish the thing, you know. I want to score here and then I'd feel really comfortable, but until then I'm just going to be grinding this out for 15 more minutes. Hopefully we finish this drive and we're in good field position and then we really put a tough spot on them.

3rd Quarter Ends, FSU Close To 3rd D2 National Championship

Ferris State 42, Valdosta State 14

We head into the fourth quarter as Ferris State has dominated most of the game. 

Trinidad Chambliss has taken center stage as the Bulldogs have scored 42 points against an unbeaten Valdosta State team. 

Edwards Fumbles! Ferris State Defensive Touchdown!

Ferris State 42, Valdosta State 14

Sammy Edwards uses his legs to pick up the first down, but fumbles in the process. 

Ferris State runs it back for a defensive touchdown. 

Bulldogs putting the game away. 

Chambliss Doing It On The Big Stage - 3Q 4:53

Ferris State 34, Valdosta State 14

Trinidad Chambliss is doing what he has done all season. 

He's thrown for 2 touchdowns and rushed for 2 touchdowns. Making 25/25 for the year. 

With 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, there isn't much FSU has to do to hold on for the win. 

With that said, Trinidad Chambliss was doing things last year. And FloFootball was on it. 

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Valdosta Responds With TD

Ferris State 34, Valdosta State 14

Two touchdowns to start the second half as VSU responds to the FSU touchdown. 

Still, it is only the Blazers second touchdown of the day. Lots of work to do. 

Chambliss Is Him

Chambliss Scores To Start 2nd Half

Ferris State 34, Valdosta State 7

Ferris State feel inevitable right now. They are continuing to pile on Valdosta State. 

Bulldogs are currently up 28 points. 

Second Half Begins - 3Q 15:00

Ferris State 28, Valdosta State 7

FSU starts with the ball. 

Top Performers

Ferris State:

  • Trinidad Chambliss – 65 passing yards, 10 carries, 65 rushing yards, 1 TD
  • Brady Rose – 1-1 passing, 61 yards, 1 TD (long of 61 yards)
  • Tyrone Fowler Jr. – 5 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 sack, 1 TFL

Valdosta State:

  • Alfonso Franklin – 12 carries, 81 yards, 0 TD (long of 27 yards)
  • Sammy Edwards – 5-12 passing, 63 yards, 1 TD (long of 38 yards)
  • Larry Elder – 8 total tackles, 4 solo, 0 sacks, 0 TFL

Closer Look At Emari O'Brien TD

Halftime Team Stats

Ferris State 28, Valdosta State 7

1st Downs:

  • Ferris State: 12
  • Valdosta State: 7

Rushing Yards:

  • Ferris State: 117 yards (20 attempts, 5.85 avg.)
  • Valdosta State: 86 yards (22 attempts, 3.91 avg.)

Passing Yards:

  • Ferris State: 132 yards (7 completions on 9 attempts, 0 INT)
  • Valdosta State: 63 yards (5 completions on 12 attempts, 0 INT)

Total Offense:

  • Ferris State: 249 yards (29 plays, 8.59 avg. per play)
  • Valdosta State: 167 yards (34 plays, 4.38 avg. per play)

Third-Down Conversions:

  • Ferris State: 1-4
  • Valdosta State: 2-9

Fourth-Down Conversions:

  • Ferris State: 0-0
  • Valdosta State: 1-2

Halftime: Ferris State 28, Valdosta State 7

Ferris State 28, Valdosta State 7

Ferris State goes into the locker room up 21 points. 

Valdosta State has been unable to get started against this FSU defense. 

Ferris State Touchdown Before Halftime

Ferris State 28, Valdosta State 7

A wide-open Emari O'Brien catches a rocket from Trinidad Chambliss as FSU continues to dominate on offense. 

Ferris State will get the ball to start the 3rd quarter. 

FSU Trying To Score Before Halftime

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 7

3rd down with 22 seconds left on the clock. 

Chambliss is trying to put up a fourth TD for the Bulldogs. 

Closer Look At Ajiero Touchdown

Valdosta Touchdown!

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 7

The Blazers get on the board, finally. 

They really needed a score before halftime, and they get it from Sammy Edwards. 

Edwards passes 38 yards to Tyler Ajiero. 

We've got a game, y'all. 

Ferris State Punts From Endzone - 2Q 3:44

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

VSU nearly blocked the punt as the Blazers defense steps up and stops the Bulldogs, who were backed up to their 4-yard line. 

Valdosta gets another chance to put something together before halftime. 

4th Down Again For VSU - 2Q 5:59

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

Valdosta has mustered only five 1st downs this game. 

Rose Makes Wild Catch, Then Punts

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

Weird series of plays as Brady Rose probably made a catch on the sideline, that was ruled out of bounds. 

He then takes a handoff on 4th down and punts it wildly into VSU territory. 

It's entertainment. 

Ferris State is still up by 21 points as we head like a freight train towards halftime. 

VSU Misses FG

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

Valdosta, desperate to get some points on the board, missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. 

It'll be interesting to see how the Blazers react to being down this much, this early. 

VSU was overwhelmingly a team that played games in the lead this season. 

Not Much There For Valdosta - 2Q 9:30

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

Sammy Edwards is 2-5 for 22 yards and most of that came on a 15-yard reception. 

Closer Look At Katzer Touchdown

Another Bulldogs TD! - 2Q 12:39

Ferris State 21, Valdosta State 0

Kannon Katzer catches a lob from Trinidad Chambliss and is able to fight and tumble his way into the end zone. 

Ferris State Bulldogs are dominating early. 

Pass Interference Pushes Ferris Up - 2Q 12:49

Ferris State 14, Valdosta State 0

Ferris State working from the VSU30 as they look to go up three scores in the first half. 

VSU Fails To Convert On 4th Down - 2Q 14:32

Ferris State 14, Valdosta State 0

Sammy Edwards tried his best as the Blazers went for it on 4th, as they tried to get something going, but they couldn't convert. 

Ferris State will take over at their own 33-yard line. 

First Quarter Ends

Ferris State 14, Valdosta State 0

Ferris State is up big early, but VSU is pushing to get their first points. 

VSU Into FSU Territory - 1Q 0:30

Valdosta putting together their best possession so far this game. 

They're working from the FSU42.

Closer Look At Cam Underwood Touchdown

Incredible Ferris Touchdown!

Ferris State 14, Valdosta State 0

Trick play as Chambliss hands off to Brady Rose, who passes to Cam Underwood for a 61-yard touchdown. 

Unbelievable play as Ferris State goes up big early. 

Valdosta Stumbles Out Of The Blocks - 1Q 5:20

Ferris State 7, Valdosta State 0

Valdosta State's offense has fallen flat to start the game. 

Let's see how Trinidad Chambliss does in his second possession. 

FSU Stops VSU On 3rd Down - 1Q 5:30

Valdosta State is unable to convert again as this Bulldog defense remains stout. 

Reminder That VSU Is Undefeated

Just saying. 

Closer Look At Chambliss TD

Chambliss Scores! 

Ferris State 7, Valdosta State 0

Ferris State puts up the first points of the game. 

Huge possession from Trinidad Chambliss, he looks unstoppable. 

Bulldogs First And Goal - 1Q 8:30

Ferris State close to scoring the first points in the D2 National Championship game. 

FSU To 24-Yard Line - 1Q 10:30

Already, the Bulldogs are pushing for their first score. 

Immediate Impact From Chambliss

Chambliss goes 44 yards on a QB run, incredible. 

Trinidad Chambliss Gets Started - 1Q 12:00

Ferris State 0, Valdosta State 0

Chambliss will get his first possession at the D2 National Championship. 

Reminder, the player has 23 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns. 

VSU Can't Convert On 3rd And 21 - 1Q 12:10

Ferris State 0, Valdosta State 0

Sammy Edwards is sacked for a huge loss on 2nd down, putting VSU in a corner. 

They will punt to the Bulldogs for their first possession. 

Strong work from FSU defense after giving up the chunk play. 

Huge Gain For Alfonso Franklin - 1Q 13:03

Ferris State 0, Valdosta State 0

Franklin goes 27 yards to the Ferris State 39-yard line. 

Sammy Edwards Airs It Out, Misses - 1Q 14:55

VSU goes for gold on the first play, but Edwards cannot connect with his WR. 

First Quarter Begins - 1Q 15:00

Ferris State 0, Valdosta State 0

Ferris State kicks off to VSU. 

Let's go. 

Trinidad Chambliss Vs. Sammy Edwards

Games Played

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 14 games
  • Sammy Edwards: 13 games

Passer Rating

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 147.5
  • Sammy Edwards: 179.52

Completions

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 215 completions
  • Sammy Edwards: 210 completions

Attempts

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 347 attempts
  • Sammy Edwards: 315 attempts

Completion Percentage

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 62.0%
  • Sammy Edwards: 66.67%

Passing Yards

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 2,772 yards
  • Sammy Edwards: 3,101 yards

Passing Touchdowns

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 23 touchdowns
  • Sammy Edwards: 30 touchdowns

Longest Pass

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 68 yards
  • Sammy Edwards: 84 yards

Average Yards per Game

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 198.0 yards
  • Sammy Edwards: 238.54 yards

Rushing Yards

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 941 yards
  • Sammy Edwards: 302 yards

Rushing Touchdowns

  • Trinidad Chambliss: 23 touchdowns
  • Sammy Edwards: 4 touchdowns

Ferris State Vs. Valdosta State All-Time

Ferris State and Valdosta State have met twice in their histories, both times in the D2 National Championship game and both times in McKinney, Texas. 

  • Valdosta State won the first time, winning the national championship in 2018, 49-47
  • Ferris State won the second game, winning the national championship in 2021, 58-17

When Is The NCAA Division II Championship Game?

Ferris State will take on Valdosta State in the NCAA Division 2 championship game in McKinney, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21.

What Channel Is Ferris State Vs. Valdosta State In D2 Football Championship On?

The Division 2 National Championship between Ferris State and Valdosta State will be broadcast on ESPN2. 

Dawgs & Blazers Are Ready

Valdosta State, Ferris State Getting Hyped For D2 Championship

Watch 2024 Ferris State Games For Free On FloFootball's YouTube

Recap the Ferris State season by watching some full games from this past season. 

Watch 2024 Valdosta State Games For Free On FloFootball's YouTube

Recap the Valdosta State season by watching some full games from this past season. 

How Many Football National Championships Has Ferris State Won?

The Ferris State Bulldogs have won two football national championships – 2021 and 2022. 

They also reached the title game in 2018 but fell to Valdosta State.

How Many National Championship Has Valdosta State Won

The Valdosta State Blazers have won four Division II national championships: 2004, 2007, 2012, and 2018.

Ferris State Football Results From 2024 Season

  • Aug 31: Ferris State 3, Pittsburg State 19
  • Sep 7: Ferris State 56, Lake Erie, 3
  • Sep 14: Ferris State 43, Ashland 3
  • Sep 28: Ferris State 84, AIC 7
  • Oct 5: Ferris State 55, Roosevelt 13
  • Oct 12; Ferris State 27, Wayne State 14
  • Oct 19: Ferris State 51, Michigan Tech 13
  • Oct 26: Ferris State 34, Grand Valley State 7
  • Nov 2: Ferris State 55, Northern Michigan 9
  • Nov 9: Ferris State 27, Saginaw Valley State 24
  • Nov 16: Ferris State 24, Davenport 9

NCAA Division II Football Playoffs

  • Nov 30: Ferris State 78, Central Oklahoma 17
  • Dec 7: Ferris State 41, Harding 7
  • Dec 14: Ferris State 48, Slippery Rock 38

Valdosta State Football Results From 2024 Season

  • Aug 31: Valdosta State 42, Albany State 10
  • Sep 7: Valdosta State 27, Newberry 14
  • Sep 14: Valdosta State 34, Fayetteville State 0
  • Sep 21: Valdosta State 73, Erskine 0
  • Oct 5: Valdosta State 59, Shorter 6
  • Oct 12: Valdosta State 32, North Greenville 24
  • Oct 19: Valdosta State 35, MC 10
  • Nov 2: Valdosta State 28, West Florida 7
  • Nov 9: Valdosta State 49, Delta State 20
  • Nov 16: Valdosta State 28, West Florida 7

NCAA Division II Football Playoffs

  • Nov 30: Valdosta State 33, Miles College 17
  • Dec 7: Valdosta State 49, Virginia Union 14
  • Dec 14: Valdosta State 35, Minnesota State 21

NCAA Division II Football Playoff Schedule

First Round: Saturday, Nov. 23

  • Slippery Rock def. New Haven, 14-7
  • Ashland def. Charleston (W.Va.), 40-38
  • California (Pa.) def. East Stroudsburg, 30-27
  • Miles def. Carson-Newman, 14-13
  • Virginia Union def. Wingate, 34-31
  • Lenoir-Rhyne def. West Alabama, 37-34
  • Central Oklahoma def. Ouachita Baptist, 38-31
  • Grand Valley State def. UIndy, 24-7
  • Harding def. Pittsburg State, 48-3
  • Minnesota State def. Augustana (S.D.), 20-19
  • Western Colorado def. Central Washington, 28-21
  • Bemidji State def. Angelo State, 24-14

Second Round: Saturday, Nov. 30

  • Slippery Rock def. Kutztown, 25-24
  • Valdosta State def. Miles, 33-17
  • Ferris State def. Central Oklahoma, 78-17
  • Minnesota State def. CSU Pueblo, 26-23

Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 7

  • Slippery Rock def. California (Pa.), 31-13
  • Ferris State def. Harding, 41-7
  • Valdosta State def. Virginia Union, 49-14
  • Minnesota State def. Bemidji State, 20-19

Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 14

  • Ferris State def. Slippery Rock, 48-38
  • Valdosta State def. Minnesota State, 35-21

Final: Saturday, Dec. 21

  • Ferris State vs. Valdosta State, 2 p.m. Eastern (ESPN2)

AFCA Division II Football Rankings

As of Nov. 18, 2024

  1. Valdosta St. (Ga.) (27) 10-0
  2. Ferris St. (Mich.) (3) 10-1
  3. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-0
  4. Harding (Ark.) 10-1
  5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-1
  6. Charleston (W.Va.) 11-0
  7. Colorado St.-Pueblo 10-1
  8. Central Oklahoma 10-1
  9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 10-1
  10. Western Colorado 10-1
  11. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-1
  12. West Alabama 9-1
  13. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 8-2
  14. Indianapolis (Ind.) 10-1
  15. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 9-2
  16. Angelo St. (Tex.) 9-2
  17. Wingate (N.C.) 9-1
  18. Colorado School of Mines 8-3
  19. Central Washington 8-3
  20. California (Pa.) 8-2
  21. West Florida 7-3
  22. Augustana (S.D.) 8-3
  23. Southern Arkansas 9-2
  24. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 9-2
  25. Central Missouri 8-3

Dropped Out: Minnesota St. (18), Findlay (Ohio) (22).

Others Receiving Votes: Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 65; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 45; Virginia Union, 38; Miles (Ala.), 36; Minnesota St., 34; New Haven (Conn.), 21; Findlay (Ohio), 18; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 9; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 4; Davenport (Mich.), 3; Ashland (Ohio), 2; Glenville St. (W.Va.), 1.

To see the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, click here.

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