The Basics
Drake football is looking to get right this week with its first of two straight home games. The Bulldogs are set to host Marist at noon on Oct. 17 with a chance to upend one of two teams undefeated in PFL play.
 
Bulldog Breakdown
Drake went on the road and suffered a disappointing 21-13 loss to Valparaiso last weekend, marking the Bulldogs' first loss to the Beacons since 2021.
 
Drake turned the ball over six times in last weekend's tilt with Valpo including four interceptions and a pair of lost fumbles. It was Drake's first game with six or more turnovers since a 31-17 loss at Mercer in 2013. Despite their offensive stumble last week, the Bulldogs still lead the PFL in passing offense, averaging nearly 350 yards thorugh the air, mostly on the right arm of Riley Warzynski.
 
Butler and Marist currently lead the Pioneer Football League at 2-0, but Drake is among a collection of four 2-1 teams. The Bulldogs, despite their loss to Valpo, are still well within the hunt for a fourth straight conference title.

Key Players
Riley Warzynski | 172-288, 59.7%, 2010 yds, 12 TD, 9 INT
Willis Nofsinger | 33 rec, 534 yds, 3 TD
Mitchell January | 26 rec, 326 yds, 2 TD
Kavaughn Clark | 29 car, 162 yds, 2 TD
J.R. Flood | 61 tck, 25 solo, 1.5 TFL, 2 QBH
Tyson Shivers | 16 tck, 10 solo, 2.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, QBH, FF, FR

Scouting Marist
Marist is currently undefeated in Pioneer Football League play. The Red Foxes are 2-0 in the conference after wins over Presbyterian and Stetson, but sit at an even 3-3 overall including losses to New Haven, Lafayette, and most recently, Columbia.
 
This weekend's meeting will be the 13th all-time meeting between Drake and Marist. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series by a 10-2 margin and are seeking their fourth straight victory in the rivalry.
 
Marist is led by head coach Mike Willis in his third year as a Red Fox. Willis has led Marist to a 9-20 record during his tenure.
 
Key Players
Sonny Mannino | 106-171, 62%, 1293 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT, 54 car, 227 yds, 6 TD
Isaiah Simmons | 67 car, 279 yds, 2 TD
Reed Shumpert | 17 rec, 292 yds
Zach Garmont | 18 rec, 243 yds, 2 TD
Kade Werner | 38 tck, 26 solo, 4.5 TFL
Braylen Ricks | 13 tck, 10 solo, 7.0 TFL, 2.5 sck, 2 QBH

Up Next
Drake's 2-game homestand will continue next week with another challenge from the other undefeated PFL team. Butler comes to Des Moines on Oct. 24 for another noon kick as the Bulldogs battle inside Drake Stadium.