The No. 2 ranked Grand Valley State University Lakers are preparing to face off with the No. 3 Ferris State University Bulldogs for the second time this year and the sixth time in three seasons, but this is no ordinary matchup.

The last time the two met on Oct. 14, GVSU jumped out to a 35-0 lead before ultimately beating Ferris State 49-28. When they meet again on Saturday, Nov. 18, it will be without one of the two head coaches on the sideline.

As previously announced on March 23, 2023, Ferris State head coach Tony Annese will be serving a one-game suspension that was issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division II Football Committee.

According to the NCAA, the suspension is for players smoking cigars in the locker room of a Texas high school’s campus and for “damage that occurred at the host stadium after the 2022 championship game.” The penalty also included a $2,500 fine against Annese and “Restitution to the McKinney (Texas) Independent School District for $15,383 in cleaning and repair expenses,” which Ferris State paid.

However, according to Philip Pierce, the NCAA Assistant Director, Championships and Alliances, Annese is allowed to attend the game.

“He (Annese) can coach his team throughout the week and can be involved in game plans,” Pierce said.“If Coach Annese chooses, he may attend the game as a spectator and must purchase a ticket to do so.”