DELAND, Fla. – The Drake University football team visits Stetson Saturday for the second of two consecutive Pioneer Football League road games. Kickoff at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and on the radio on 1350 ESPN Des Moines.
Drake (1-1 PFL) heads to the Sunshine State after a 17-6 win at Valparaiso (1-1 PFL) last weekend. The Bulldogs won their 17
th-straight game over Valpo with the combination of a strong rushing attack, their usual stout defense and strong special teams play.
Caden Meis and
Cross Robinson delivered a 1-2 punch on the ground helping Drake rush for 164 yards. Meis, who made his spring debut after missing the opener, quickly made an impact. He rushed for all 63 yards on the Bulldogs' second drive, including a career-long 42-yard touchdown run. Robinson had 57 rushing yards in the game and scored the clinching touchdown in the final quarter.
Junior linebacker
Declan Carr helped the defense hold Valparaiso to 216 offensive yards and 135 passing yards. Carr had a team-leading seven tackles, his first career interception and two pass breakups. His interception came in Valpo territory and his 15-yard return put Drake at the Valparaiso 18-yard line late in the third quarter. Five plays later, Robinson's touchdown sealed the road victory. Carr was recognized for his great performance by the PFL with his first-ever PFL Defensive Player of the Week award. Sophomore kicker
Nathan De Bruin delivered the other three points with a 20-yard, second-quarter field goal.
Stetson (0-2 PFL) dropped its first two contests of the spring, to Davidson in the opener and at Morehead State last weekend. The Hatters' offense is third in the PFL in total yards per game (347.0) while the Bulldogs' defense ranks third in total yards allowed per game (255.0).
The two teams are meeting for just the fifth time and first matchup since 2018. The 2018 game at Drake Stadium ended with a scoop and score by Stetson on the game's final play for a 23-21 comeback victory, the Hatters first win in the series.
Drake returns to Drake Stadium April 3 for a rematch with Valparaiso scheduled for 1 p.m.
