Ferris State head coach Tony Annese has stirred up excitement ahead of the upcoming Division II national championship by expressing his preference for a different opponent. In a light-hearted moment during a recent press conference, he stated, "I’d rather play Notre Dame than Harding," eliciting laughter and highlighting the formidable challenge that Harding presents this season.
As both teams enter this highly anticipated game with perfect records of 15-0, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This showdown will take place in McKinney, Texas, marking the second consecutive year that Ferris State and Harding have faced off in the playoffs, though this time, the title is on the line.
Coach Annese’s respect for Harding is evident. Reflecting on their playoff journey, he mentioned, "I’ve been rooting against them this whole playoff run." This sentiment underscores the level of competition he knows they will bring to the field. Last season, Ferris State triumphed over Harding decisively with a score of 41-7, but Annese is aware that history doesn’t guarantee future outcomes.
Interestingly, while Notre Dame's football team is technically available for a game due to their absence from postseason play, it’s evident that Ferris State must focus on the task at hand. The Irish opted out of a bowl game invitation after missing out on the College Football Playoff, so they won’t be a factor in this championship.
Annese elaborated on the challenges Harding poses. He pointed out their remarkable offensive capabilities and noted that they boast the nation’s top-ranked defense. "We’ve played them three times, and you’ve got to be so sharp in every aspect of the game. Our defense needs to be disciplined; the hope of stopping them is unrealistic. The goal is to slow them down and minimize big plays. They’re incredible on offense, and defensively, they are very tough to crack."
He candidly expressed his frustrations: "I hate to be rude, but I’ve been hoping someone would knock them off so we wouldn’t have to face them. That’s just how significant of a challenge they are."
Currently, Harding is averaging an impressive 39.5 points per game in the playoffs, slightly below their regular-season average of 43.1. Ferris State's previous success in limiting Harding’s scoring last year gives them some confidence, but they know they must perform at their best come game day.
As the kickoff approaches—scheduled for 4 p.m. ET—there’s a buzz of anticipation not just among Ferris State supporters but potentially among fans of Notre Dame who might tune in to see if their old rival can secure a fourth national title since 2021, while Harding aims for its second championship in two years.
