BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell University limited the Drake University football team, who averaged nearly 400 yards a game, to 154 yards of total offense as the Fighting Camels came away with a 24-14 victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday night in Barker-Lane Stadium
"It was a fun football game to be a part of because it was between two good football teams, but they executed when they needed to and we didn't," said head coach Rick Fox.
Fifth-year senior quarterback Andy Rice returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two games, but was never able to get comfortable in the pocket as he was sacked nine times. Rice competed 12-of-27 passes for 114 yards and threw two touchdowns.
Fifth-year senior Michael Hudson caught both of Rice's touchdown passes and finished the game with three receptions for 33 yards.
Drake's defense held the Camels to 3-of-12 on third down conversions and allowed 300 yards of total offense. The Bulldogs limited Campbell, who averaged over 200 yards rushing going into the game, to just 112 yards rushing. Fifth-year senior John Hugunin led the squad with 11 tackles (4 solo) and forced and recovered a fumble, while fifth-year senior Bob Quilico tallied 19 tackles.
Midway through the opening quarter, Campbell scored the first points of the game on a 46-yard field goal.
Two possessions later, Rice orchestrated a six-play 41 yard touchdown drive to put the Bulldogs up 7-3 at the 14:13 mark in the second quarter. Rice completed an eight-yard slant pass to Hudson.
Drake had a chance to extend its lead to two scores but the Bulldogs missed a 25-yard field goal near the end of the second quarter. The Camels capitalized on the Bulldogs missed opportunity by putting together an 80-yard touchdown drive, and retaking the lead for a 10-7 advantage at the end of the first half.
On Drake's second drive of the third quarter, Rice completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Hudson, capping off a seven-play 49-yard drive and putting the Bulldogs back on top, 14-10, with 5:21 left in the period.
The Camels used a trick play to score right before the end of the third quarter. Wide receiver Ben Bolling received the ball on an end around and completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Andre Davis to give the Camels a 17-14 lead going into the final quarter.
Campbell then put the game out of reach for Drake when Kameron Bryant completed 55 yard touchdown pass to Aaron Blockmon with 2:56 remaining in the game.
With a 10-point lead and under three minutes to play, Campbell's defensive line knew Drake had to pass the ball and sacked Rice three times to close out the game, 24-14.
The Bulldogs return to Drake Stadium on Oct. 10 and will welcome Valparaiso for their annual homecoming game.
