Scene Setter
The Drake football team will play at home for the first time since Oct. 22 in its Senior Day game against Butler on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. Drake has defeated Butler six straight times, but Butler enters Drake Stadium on a five-game win streak this season. DU is coming off a late bye week.
Senior Recognition
Nick Cagnetto,
Nathan De Bruin,
Zach Drummond,
Joe Coit,
Jack Ierulli,
Andrew Stafford,
Sean Cooney,
Kieran Kohorst,
Matt Hartlieb,
Danny Morales, Luke Williams,
Evan Maples,
Ander Johnson and sixth-year
Ryan Kriceri will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
Victory
Drake picked up its first win of the season as the Bulldogs held off Stetson, 24-17 on Oct. 29 in DeLand, Fla.
Dorian Boyland ran for 115 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. Christian Galvan scored the go-ahead touchdown to cap a 91-yard drive with 1:35 left in regulation.
Luke Bailey made his first start under center this season and passed for 236 yards.
The Bulldog defense limited the Hatters to 67 rushing yards.
Finn Claypool made his presence known with 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and four QB hurries.
Coach Stepsis' Postgame Thoughts at Stetson
"This is not an easy place to play. We had a lot of players in a lot of different spots today. Our team kept coming back and hammering like they have all season long. I've always been proud of this group, and they deserve the win today."
Much Needed Rest
Drake is 6-4 in games following a bye week dating back to 2009. Drake did not have a bye week on its schedule in 2010 and 2011.
Defensive Difference Makers
Senior linebacker
Tanner Pollock ranks second in the PFL with his 80 total tackles. That mark also has him tied for 41
st in all of the FCS in total tackles.
Fellow veteran linebacker
Ander Johnson has totaled 62 tackles this season, which is the 12
th most among PFL players.
Finn Claypool ranks sixth in the PFL in sacks with 5.0.
Disciplined
Drake ranks 10th in all of the FCS in fewest penalty yards per game (38.00) and 19th in fewest penalties per game (4.78).
Scouting Butler
Butler is enjoying one of its best seasons in recent memory under first-year head coach Mike Uremovich. Redshirt junior quarterback Bret Bushka has thrown for 2006 yards this season and 15 touchdowns while rushing 508 yards and five more scores. Receivers Luke Wooten (46 receptions, 564 yards, 3 TD) and Tyler Adams (33 receptions, 607 yards, 4 touchdowns)are the top two targets.
Defensive backs Connor Reid (57 tackles, 35 solo) and Nick Bafla (51 tackles, 36 solo) both have over 50 total tackles so far this year. Linebacker Jeremiah Jackson has snuck into the backfield for 4.5 tackles for loss including a sack.
Butler outscored San Diego 13-3 in the fourth quarter to erase a 20-14 deficit and complete a 26-23 comeback victory at San Diego on Nov. 5. Wooten hauled in 14 passes and Bafla led the team with 10 tackles.
Series History vs. Butler
Drake leads the all-time series, 22-8-1, including six consecutive victories. Butler's last win the series occurred on Nov. 14, 2015. DU squeaked out a 6-3 victory in less-than-ideal conditions on the road last season.
Todd Stepsis owns a 3-0 head-to-head record against Butler.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Indiana for a Saturday matinee at Valparaiso to close out the 2022 season.
