DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University football team's offense came out on top for the second-straight year, besting the defense 60-43, in the Bulldogs' annual spring game on Saturday afternoon at Drake Stadium.
 
The team was split into offensive and defensive squads in which the defense earned points for touchdowns, turnovers, stops and safeties. Meanwhile the offense could score via traditional means and was awarded a point for each first down and play of 20 or more yards. The contest consisted of four five-minute quarters with a hurry-up situation added on to the first three quarters. Following the hurry-up situations, special teams competition took place where points could be earned for either team.
 
The defense came out ready to play in the first two possessions. Following a stop, sophomore Will Warner intercepted a pass to give the defense a 7-4 lead.
 
The offense managed to find some rhythm at the end of the opening quarter, scoring on the final possession as well as in the hurry-up situation to take the lead. Senior Grant Kraemer completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Mitch McFarlane and then found junior Steven Doran near the front pylon to give the offense a 27-11 lead.
 
After opening the second-quarter with a three-and-out, the defense held the offense to a field goal to make it, 33-14.
 
On the next possession, Kraemer found McFarlane again in the end zone to give the offense a commanding 45-14 lead.
 
Senior Austin Dismond intercepted Kraemer in the opening drive of the third-quarter to cut the defense's deficit, 47-27.
 
Sophomore Taylor Murph scored the final touchdown of the day on a great cutback mid-way through the third to put offense up 58-27.
 
Dismond ended the third-quarter with his second pick of the day, making it 60-34.
 
The defense finished the game strong, holding the offense scoreless in the fourth-quarter for the final score of 60-43.
 
The spring game marks the completion of the Bulldogs' spring practices. the squad will resume offseason workouts for the remainder of the semester before rejoining with the start of preseason practice in August. The team opens its 2017 schedule on Sept. 2 against South Dakota at Drake Stadium.