GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Drake University football team dropped its final non-conference game Saturday as No. 11 North Dakota won 38-0 at the Alerus Center.
North Dakota (2-1) accumulated 527 total yards and overcame four lost fumbles and one interception forced by the Drake (1-2) defense. The Fighting Sioux’s defense limited the Bulldogs’ offense to just 163 total yards, intercepted three passes and held Drake to just six first downs with just two before the final quarter.
Sophomore quarterback Luke Bailey made his first career start in place of injured Ian Corwin. Bailey threw for 58 yards and had two interceptions. Cross Robinson rushed for 39 yards while Collin Howard had 39 receiving yards on two catches.
Down 17-0 midway through the second quarter, Drake was driving as Robinson rushed twice for 11 total yards and in the middle of those rushes, Bailey hit Howard for a 39-yard gain. However, after Bailey went back to Howard for no gain, Bailey’s next pass was intercepted by Jordan Canady and returned 76 yards to Drake’s one-yard line. The Bulldogs’ defense stepped up as Will Kulick forced a fumble that was received by Jake Hoper.
Drake couldn’t capitalize on its second turnover as North Dakota forced a three-and-out and quickly went downfield and scored to lead 24-0.
Alex Rogers led the team in tackles for the third-straight game recording seven, including six solo stops. Kulick forced two fumbles while Nick Cagnetto nabbed his first career interception and forced a fumble. Jacob Thompson recovered his first career fumble while Ryan Kriceri recovered the other fumble.
Drake starts its Pioneer Football League slate at home as Valparaiso will visit Sept. 25. Kickoff at Drake Stadium is scheduled for noon.
