The college football season gets off to an early start Thursday night when Drake hosts Quincy University in a rare home opener for the Bulldogs, who are the defending Pioneer Football League champions.

That’s coach Todd Stepsis. Drake is looking to break a recent trend that has seen them open 0-3 in non-conference play in each of the last two seasons.

A key this season will be handling lofty expectations. Drake is the preseason favorite in the PFL.

Out of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Quincy finished last season with a 6-5 record.