GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University football team has officially received the school's first NCAA Division II Playoff appearance as the Panthers were selected as an at-large pick in Super Region Three during the official NCAA Selection Show on Sunday (Nov. 13) evening.
DU will make a return trip to Big Rapids where they played the defending national champion Ferris State Bulldogs just two weeks ago in the regular season. The first-round matchup on Saturday, Nov. 19, at FSU's Top Taggart Field at 1:00 PM, pits two West Michigan and GLIAC foes. The Bulldogs won 28-7 in the previous matchup back on Nov. 5.
"This is another historic moment for our program," said head coach Sparky McEwen. "There has been a tremendous amount of time, energy, and effort by this University and administration to put our program on the Division II map. Our coaches and student-athletes have worked extremely hard over the past five years to put us in the position we are today. We are thankful to be part of the toughest NCAA Division II conference in America."
The other half of the NCAA Super Region Three bracket features third-seeded Pittsburg State (Kan.) hosting Indianapolis this week with fourth-seeded Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) entertaining Northwest Missouri State in round one. Grand Valley State is the top seed in the region and earned the first-round bye.
A total of 28 teams from the four super regions received NCAA Playoff berths.
NCAA Football Playoff Game Ticket Prices (Nov. 19)
Adults - $10
Seniors (65+) - $7
Students (K-12) - $5
DU Students - $5 w/valid ID
Children 5 & under - Free
Group Tickets - Call 231-591-2888 for info
To Purchase Tickets in advance, please use one of the following methods:
- Visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets
- In-person at the FSU Athletics Ticket Office
Davenport had a major turnaround from 3-8 last year to a school record eight wins (8-2) and a third-place finish in the GLIAC.
The NCAA Division II Football Committee announced the field of 28 teams for the 2022 NCAA Division II Football Championship. Twelve first-round games will be conducted on the campus of one of the competing institutions. In addition, one team per super regional has earned a first-round bye.
The first-round winners will all advance to the second round with games on the campus of one of the competing institutions. Second-round winners will meet in the quarterfinals at various campus sites. Quarterfinal winners will advance to play in the semifinals on the campus of one of the competing institutions. Seven teams selected per super regional make up the field of 28 teams.
The championship game will be played December 17, at the McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas.
