HICKORY, N.C. - Lenoir-Rhyne football is excited to announce reigning National Champion Ferris State will be traveling to Hickory in week two of the 2022 season on Sept. 10 for a non-conference matchup in the newly renovated Moretz Stadium. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. between the bricks. 

"The chance to play Ferris State, the defending National Champion, is a tremendous opportunity for our players and football program," said Head Football Coach Mike Jacobs. "As we strive to build a program that is competitive not only in the SAC but nationally, it is imperative to schedule strong outside competition. This serves as a chance to showcase Lenoir-Rhyne University, our football program, and the newly renovated Moretz Stadium. We can not wait to see Bear Nation between the bricks!"

The Bears and Bulldogs have been two of the most successful programs in Division II over the last 10 years. Ferris State is coming off its first national championship in program history in 2021, and LR has been to the NCAA Playoffs three seasons in a row and six times since 2012, including a national championship game appearance in 2013.

In addition to its national title in 2021, the Bulldogs were national semifinalists in 2019 and the national runner-up in 2018. The Bears have won two out of the last three South Atlantic Conference championships, and the Bulldogs have won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference three seasons in a row. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. 

LR's full 2022 schedule will be released at a later date.