SCENE SETTER
The Drake University football team welcomes Northwestern (Iowa), the top-ranked team and defending champions of the NAIA to Drake Stadium under the lights on Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Saturday night will be Drake's first night game since Sept. 2, 2021, against West Virginia Wesleyan. The last time Drake played an opponent from the NAIA was six years ago on Sept. 9, 2017, when the Bulldogs defeated Southwestern (Kan.) by a score of 55-14. Northwestern (Iowa) will play an NCAA (Division I, II or III) opponent for the first time since playing Buena Vista and Drake in 1997.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Michael Admire (play-by-play) and Jeff Woody (analyst) on the call. Drake football can be heard all season long on 1350/102.1 ESPN Des Moines and on The Varsity Network App with Chuck Reed (play-by-play) and Craig Wederquist (analyst). 

SEASON OPENER AT NO. 17 NORTH DAKOTA
After a scoreless first quarter in the season opener at No. 17 North Dakota, the Bulldogs stayed within striking distance trailing 14-0 at halftime. The Fighting Hawks put up 27 points in the third quarter. Ian Corwin recorded his first career touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter on a five-yard pass from Luke Bailey.

SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN (IOWA)
The Red Raiders are coming off a 12-1 NAIA national title season in 2022 after a 35-25 win in the championship game over Keiser.

The No. 1 rated team in NAIA and defending national champions held off Concordia (Neb.) on the road 48-35 last week to open the season.

Senior running back Konner McQuillan carried the ball 19 times for 252 yards and two touchdowns while the Red Raider running backs accumulated 387 rushing yards. McQuilla earned GPAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Senior wide receiver Michael Storey caught 11 passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns from junior signal caller Jalyn Gramstad. Sophomore defensive lineman Jacob Grabsta wreaked havoc in the backfield last Saturday with 9.0 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and 1.0 QB hurry.

Northwestern alumnus Matt McCarty enters his eighth season in charge with an impressive 68-18 overall record and two NAIA title game appearances under his belt.
 
Northwestern (Iowa) returns integral pieces from the puzzle of their 2022 championship season. The offensive line is younger than last season, but senior Jawan Grant is returns to bring stability to the trenches. Similar to the offensive unit, the defense brings back the majority of their impact players. 
 
The big loss for the Red Raiders from a season ago is linebacker Parker Fryar, who transferred to South Dakota. Fryar was named to the AFCA 2022 First Team All-American. The Waukee, Iowa native recorded 120 total tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and six pass breakups in an impressive 2022 season. 

HOW DO YOU DO, COLIN HOWARD
Fifth-year wide receiver Colin Howard hauled in five receptions for 100 yards at North Dakota, the second 100-yard receiving performance of his career and first since April 12, 2021 against Presbyterian. Howard is the first Drake receiver to rack up 100 yards in a game since Brandon Langdok on Sept. 24, 2022 versus Marist.

UP TO THE CHALLENGE
Drake football will play defending national champions in back-to-back weeks. After hosting the Red Raiders, the Bulldogs will head to Target Field to play 2022 FCS national champ South Dakota State on Sept. 16.

PROTECTING DRAKE STADIUM
Since 1925, Drake football owns a 312-155-11 record in games played at historic Drake Stadium.

RECENT HISTORY IN HOME OPENERS
The Bulldogs are 10-9 in home openers dating back to 2004. In down pouring rain, Drake lost to Missouri S&T, 17-14 in overtime during last year's home opener.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Effective immediately, the Drake University Athletic Department will implement a clear bag policy at all Drake Athletics home games and matches. This policy regulates the size and type of bag that may be carried into all Drake Athletics facilities during the 2023-24 year to create a safer event environment and experience for all fans in attendance. 
 
Drake Athletics season ticket holders will be provided one clear bag per account, and a limited number of bags will be available for sale as the 2023-24 competition season begins.

Additionally, the Bulldog Shop has approved bags available for purchase online.
 
Bags that are approved include:

• Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
• One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags
• Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 5.5″ x 8.5"
• Medical or diaper bags – diaper bags must be accompanied by a child

• Backpacks 
• Printed or tinted plastic bags
• Cinch or drawstring bags
• Camera or binocular cases
• Large purses or bags

A full list of items prohibited in any athletics venue can be found here.