The Drake Bulldogs were defeated by the North Dakota State Bison with a score of 66-3 this past weekend. This game marked Drake’s first appearance in an FCS playoff game, an accomplishment that came in the wake of their 8-0 conference record and championship title in the Pioneer Football League. 

The playoff matchup resulted in the conclusion of Drake’s eight-game winning streak and was, at large, a bleak outing for the team. At the beginning of the game, Drake linebacker Jacob Thompson forced a Bison fumble that was recovered by the Bulldogs. A few plays later, kicker Shane Dunning capitalized on a 30-yard field goal attempt, putting the Bulldogs up 3-0 just over two minutes into the game. Despite this early success, the Bulldogs would fail to score for the remainder of the game, and the Bison would score 66 unanswered points. 

During that unanswered 66 point run, North Dakota racked up six rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. Through the air, the Bison threw for over 200 passing yards and no interceptions. Overall, the Bison had a purely dominant day offensively. 

The Bulldogs finished the game with just 116 passing yards and two interceptions, failing to throw the ball down field all game long. 

While the game didn’t scream success for the Bulldogs, their simple presence in an FCS playoff game was a historic feat for the program, a program that hopes to carry over their dominant PFL success into 2024.