The 2016-17 season featured many thrilling moments and accomplishments for Drake athletics. From conference titles, outstanding team and individual accomplishments, postseason appearances and significant regular season victories, the Bulldogs had plenty to celebrate as they look forward to the upcoming season. Before embarking on 2017-18, www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com will take a look back at the top 10 moments of the 2016-17 throughout the months of June and July.
The No. 10 moment of the 2016-17 season comes from the Drake football team finishing the 2016 season with a 7-4 record, and an impressive four-game winning streak to end the season.
The Bulldogs began their winning streak with a 33-21 win over Campbell University on October 29, 2016. Drake took advantage of two Campbell miscues to help jump out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead. Both the Bulldogs and Camels responded to each other's touchdowns midway through the game. However, Drake's defense was able to hold off the Camel's offense to run out the clock and win the game.
Drake's second-straight win started as a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit against Jacksonville University on November 5, 2016. But, the Bulldogs' defense came up with a huge three-and-out to give the offense the ball back with 2:21 left to play. On fourth-and-16,
Grant Kraemer delivered a 26-yard strike to sophomore
Steven Doran, getting the Bulldogs down to Jacksonville's 30-yard line. Two plays later, Kraemer found Doran again, this time for the go-ahead touchdown, with 16 seconds left to play winning the game, 31-27.
For their final home game of the season, Drake won 28-14 against Butler University, sending 15 seniors out on a high note. For majority of the first half of the game, Drake was able to secure a 14-0 lead until Butler found a touchdown of its own putting the score at 14-7 at intermission. In the fourth-quarter, Drake's defense forced Butler to turn the ball over on downs in Drake territory on back-to-back drives. The Bulldogs' offense sealed the 28-14 victory when
Conley Wilkins converted on fourth-and-one to let the final minute run off the clock.
Finally, to end the season, the Bulldogs rolled past Stetson University, 45-17. The Hatters were only able to register their 17 points during the first half of the game. The second half was all Drake, as the Bulldogs registered 28-straight points. Drake's defense limited the Hatters to 143 total yards and six first downs and held them scoreless, ending in a Bulldog win. During this game,
Conley Wilkins broke off a 72-yard run to become the first Bulldog 1,000-yard rusher since 2007.
Check back on June 29 as the No. 9 moment of 2016-17 is unveiled.
