Pittsburg State football gave the defending NCAA Division II National Champion Ferris State Bulldogs all they could handle Saturday in a 17-14 loss in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Playing their first NCAA playoff game in eight seasons, the Gorillas were ranked behind the Bulldogs in the rankings, despite going undefeated and 11-0 this season in the MIAA. At the post-game press conference, Saturday, Pitt State Head football coach Brian Wright spoke about some of the positives of this season.
"I'm proud of our football team, I'm proud of our guys, I'm proud of our coaches and what they accomplished this year. An undefeated season in the MIAA is a heck of a thing to accomplish, a tough thing to do, and our guys did it. And won the conference championship. Just proud of them, proud of who they are. But obviously disappointed in today's outcome."
Pitt State had a final chance to win or tie the score in the game's final minute. The Gorillas drove 56 yards to the Ferris State 14-yard line, but a three-yard loss and a holding penalty forced them to try a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to force overtime. The field goal attempt sailed wide right, allowing the Bulldogs to escape with the win.
FSU now takes on number one ranked Grand Valley State in the National Quarter Finals this Saturday.
