Scene Setter
The Drake football team aims to end the season on a three-game winning streak with Saturday's finale against Valparaiso at Brown Field set for a noon kickoff on Saturday (Nov. 19).
 
Back-to-Back
Drake's offense erupted for 24 points in the first half as a Luke Williams field goal with only eight seconds left clinched a 27-24 Senior Day victory over PFL title contender Butler for back-to-back wins. A 41-yard touchdown pass just before halftime from Luke Bailey to Colin Howard provided Drake momentum into the locker room.
 
The Drake defense buckled down late including when Tanner Pollock intercepted a pass with only 43 seconds remaining in a tied game. After Williams' clutch field goal, another senior leader Ander Johnson jumped in front for an interception on the game's final play.
 
Coach Stepsis' Postgame Thoughts vs. Butler
"This was the last game for our seniors," head coach Todd Stepsis said. "They will always remember this. Seeing those older guys continue to grind it out and hammer away was special. This season, our team never blinked and never wavered. Win or lose, they have always given their best."
 
PFL Players of the Week
Tanner Pollock recorded a game-high 15 tackles (10 solo) while making a crucial late interception against Butler to earn PFL Defensive Player of the Week honors. Luke Williams took home PFL Special Teams Player of the Week after connecting on 2-of-3 field goals.
 
Much Needed Rest
Drake is 7-4 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
Pollock ranks second in the PFL with his 95 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 73 tackles this season, which is the 12^th most among PFL players.
 
Finn Claypool ranks fourth in the PFL in sacks with 6.0.
 
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 Valparaiso
Valpo is coming off a dominant 45-24 win at Marist last week. Aaron Dawson was a force on the ground carrying the ball 27 times for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He has rushed for 1,154 yards and 10 scores this season. Jake Birmingham led the Beacons with 10 tackles (four solo).
 
Defensively, Ben Hines paces the Beacons with 82 total tackles (30 solo, 7.0 tackles for loss). Sam Hafner (5.0) and Max Franco (5.5) each have five or more sacks so far this season. Defensive back Sherman is at the top of the PFL with four interceptions in addition to his five breakups and 49 tackles.
 
Landon Fox is finishing his fourth season as the head coach of Valparaiso football and owns a 14-25 record.
 
Series History vs. Valparaiso
Drake leads the all-time series, 25-5, but the Beacons have won the last two meetings.