DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University football team handed Jacksonville its first loss of the season, as the Bulldogs came back to beat the Dolphins 28-24 on Saturday afternoon at Drake Stadium.
"Great win because it was a win from the whole team. When we put that kind of offense performance together with our defense we are tough to beat," said head coach Rick Fox.
The Bulldogs beat the Dolphins at its own game, out-passing the league leading team, 280-235. The Dolphins' season-low 235 passing yards were 82 yards below their average coming in. Drake held the league passing leader, Kade Bell to season-low 235 passing yards.
Andy Rice led Drake's offense by throwing for 267 yards and completed 24-of-39 with four touchdowns. Rice's favorite target was Eric Saubert, who caught nine pass for 118 yards and three touchdowns, became the first Bulldog to record over 100-yard receiving this season. Keegan Gallery added 72 receiving yards on seven receptions.
The Dolphins didn't waste any time to get on the board first, as Brandon Behr made a 47-yard field goal on JU's first drive of the game.
Drake's offense finally got in a rhythm in the second quarter as the defense continued their strong performance. The Bulldogs outgained JU 137-77 with Rice completing 11-of-12 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
Midway through the second period Rice found Saubert in the front corner of the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass to put Drake up 7-3. Then on Drake's next possession Rice once again found Saubert near the front pylon for a nine-yard touchdown, extending the Bulldogs lead, 14-3.
On the ensuing kickoff the Bulldogs tried to catch the Dolphins off guard, by attempting an on-side kick, but was recovered by JU's Wade Benton.
The Dolphins took full advantage of the excellent field position as it took three-plays for the JU to score. Kade Bell completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to Brian Burnett, cutting JU's deficit to four, 14-10.
The third quarter was all Jacksonville as the Dolphins scored on both of their possessions in period. JU opened the half with an eight-play 57-yard touchdown drive and then used a 10-play 68-yard drive to go up 24-14.
With a 10-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, Saubert scored his third touchdown of the day to put the Drake within three, 24-21, with 13:30 left to play.
The Bulldogs needed a turnover to help get momentum and they got it with just over five minutes left in the game, when John Hugunin forced his second fumble of the game and Bob Quilico jumped on the loose ball.
Rice then orchestrated a four-play 44-yard go-ahead scoring drive. On first and 15, Rice completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Yarwood, giving the Bulldogs a 28-24 lead with 3:14 left to play.
Drake's defense forced a three and out, making Jacksonville having to punt it away, and the Bulldogs got two first-downs before taking a knee in the final two minutes to account for the final score, 28-24.
"When we got down there by 10, that a tough road to climb against a great opponent like Jacksonville. So to come back like that and to make those plays that was huge," said Fox.
Hugunin led DU's defense with a career-high 20 tackles (10 solo), 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Quilico recovered both fumbles and added six tackles (three solo) to his performance.
The Bulldogs return to action on Oct. 31 when they travel to Morehead State at 12 p.m. CST at Jayne Stadium.
