The Drake Bulldogs return to Brookings for the second consecutive year in non-conference action. Last year the Jacks defeated Drake 56-28 but Drake certainly put up a fight. However, that Drake team was loaded with seniors including their tight end, Eric Saubert, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL after being drafted in the 5th round of the 2017 NFL draft. Drake comes in on the season 1-1. They were blown out by USD 77-7 in week one but dominated the NAIA’s Southwestern (Kansas) Moundbuilders 55-14 in week two. We don’t have a lot to go by with this version of the Bulldogs but lets see if we can diagnose who they are and what they do.
Highlights from tonight’s 55-14 win over Southwestern (Kan.) #BuildTheHouse #BeBlue pic.twitter.com/qkDBvOfWHt— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) September 10, 2017
Offense
Last year the Bulldogs scored an average of 28 points per game. Through two weeks they are averaging 31 but the statistical reliability isn’t very good. On offense they graduated their leading running back, wide receiver, and tight end along with a couple linemen.
Their offense is lead by senior quarterback #15 Grant Kraemer who passed for 6 touchdowns and 313 against Southwestern but was held in check against USD passing for just 135 yards to go with 3 interceptions. He was also sacked 3 times against USD.
Grant Kraemer completes his six TD pass of the game to put Drake up 45-14, 11:47 4th pic.twitter.com/aHjrP7uD2n— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) September 10, 2017
At running back, Drake appears to take a committee approach with #24 Taylor Murph, #26 Jacob Clay, and #30 Isaiah Skinner all having over 16 attempts and all averaging about 32.0 yards per game. The longest run on the season is 13 yards so they haven’t shown much of a breakaway threat yet.
At wide receiver #22 Mitch McFarland is a big target at 6’3 and leads the team with 9 receptions for 182 yards and three touchdowns. McFarland scored all three of his touchdowns this past week taking one to the house from 66 yards out. Besides McFarland, the Bulldogs have 11 different receivers who have caught a pass. Sophomore #89 Deonte Calvert registered a pair of catches against USD for 40 yards and 4 more receptions against Southwestern.
Mitch McFarlane with his second TD catch of the game to put Drake up 28-0, 2:40 2nd pic.twitter.com/e3qV6unBM8— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) September 10, 2017
The offensive line features sophomore #77 Jacob Bacon at RT, two year starter and All-Pioneer selection #72 Ryan Lemke at RG, new starters #62 Grant Snow, and #50 Cade Gilbert at center and guard, and returning starter #68 Jordan Lewinsky at right tackle. The line is light, only averaging 289 across the board.
Defense
In 2016 the defense also allowed 28 points per game. This year they have allowed 77 and 14 points so it is hard to judge. They did clearly struggled to contained USD quarterback Chris Strevelar in their opening game.
The strength of the team is on the defensive line with three returning starters who were all pre-season Pioneer League selections. #91 Mack Marrin and #96 Tanner Evans return to their defensive end positions. Marrin leads the team with 2.5 sacks and Evans has 1.5. They are joined by the interior due of #19 Nick Mertes and #56 Peter Read who only weigh 235 and 267 respectively. It looks like the Bulldogs lost returning starter #46 Nathan Clayberg in the USD game. He was also selected as a pre-season All-Pioneer league pick
At linebacker Drake is lead by returning starter #52 Mike Maize. Maize was their fourth leading tackler in 2016 and so far has found the ball carrier 8 times including 1 sack. Senior #34 Kieran Severa and Junior #54 Zac Rujawitz flank Maize and have recorded 8 and 11 tackles so far this season.
In the secondary, the Bulldogs are start senior #3 Austin Dismond at strong safety and junior #12 Cooper Christiano at free safety. Dismond has made 8 tackles and Christiano 7 including one interception. They are joined by cornerbacks #36 Collin Seymour and returning starter #2 Kyrell Newell.
Interception!!! Kyrell Newell gets his first pick of the season. #BeBlue pic.twitter.com/GVzT9z1cYX— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) September 10, 2017
Prediction
The Jacks may have a sour taste in their mouth from their second half woes against Montana State last week. SDSU should dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Jacks will start fast and jump out to an early lead. I would love to see the Jacks pitch a shut out but I’m predicting a score of 55-7 with the second string playing the entire second half. These in game reps will be invaluable for the young players who are currently listed second string as SDSU gets deeper into the season.
About Drake University
Drake was founded in 1881 by a teacher George Carpenter and a Union Civil War General, Francis Drake in Des Moines, Iowa. Dake has a student body of about 3,300 undergrads and 1700 students. Drake is also home to the famous track meet, The Drake Relays, where Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, and LoLo Jones have all competed. Drake is home to 70 majors, minors, and concentrations.
