DES MOINES, Iowa--As the Drake Bulldogs begin spring football practice today, the 2012 season schedule has been finalized with kickoff times for the defending Pioneer Football League co-champions.

Drake, under fifth-year head coach Chris Creighton, will open defense of its title at home versus Grand View on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at 7 p.m. at Drake Stadium. That matchup is the first of six home contests for the Bulldogs, who will be led by the reigning PFL Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Mike Piatkowski.

The non-conference schedule also features a home game, Saturday, Sept. 8, vs. Montana State and a road trip to Indiana State, Saturday, Sept. 15.

"We are excited to get back on the field and work toward our goal of a conference championship," said Creighton, a finalist for the 2011 Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year award. "We have an excellent schedule and some terrific home matchups for our fans to enjoy."

The game versus Montana State features the return of former Drake head coach Rob Ash, now in his sixth year as head coach of the Bobcats. Ash became Drake's all-time winningest head coach between 1989-2006, compiling a record of 125-63-2 (.655). Creighton, in his first four seasons at the helm, has established the highest winning percentage by a Bulldogs head coach, at .682 (30-14).

"Coach Ash is such a big part of Drake's football history," Creighton added. "I'm appreciative of the success that he had here and the foundation that his years here laid for our current team. It will be a thrill for everybody to welcome him back."

The home schedule also brings a clash with 2011 PFL co-champion San Diego. The Toreros handed the Bulldogs their only conference loss of 2011, as the two teams shared the PFL title.

Spring practices are open to media. The complete spring practice schedule can be found here.

Drake Bulldogs 2012 Football Schedule

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