Drake coach Todd Stepsis says the Bulldogs will focus on the run game during their bye week. Drake has ridden the arm of quarterback Luke Bailey to a 5-1 overall record and 4-0 start in the Pioneer Football League race, but the Bulldogs are only averaging 88 yards on the ground and only ran the ball 20 times in last week’s 19-16 overtime win at Presbyterian.

Drake blocked a potential walk off field goal to send the game to overtime and survived despite several redzone turnovers.

Drake continues to excel in close games. The Bulldogs have won 15 straight PFL games dating back to 2022 and 10 of them have been by a touchdown or less.

Stepsis says they are using the bye week to get the starters some rest and prepare for the stretch run.

The Bulldogs return to action at home on November second against Marist.