Checking out the 2007 Bulldogs

Linda and I opened our Drake football season like last year, at the UNI game. Both teams came into the game undefeated, with the mythical state championship on the line. Pregame analysis had Drake needing a flawless game and a little luck to really have a shot against the UNI Panthers, ranked fourth in The Sports Network's FCS Football Rankings.

We were pleased to see the Drake band putting on a pre-game show; being on television makes a difference, I guess. The game started with Drake on offense and they were able to get a first down or two before having to punt. The Panthers used their size and speed well to move the ball and were soon on top. By the half, it was 28-7, UNI's favor. It ended 45-7 and could have been worse. Fortunately, with the game clearly decided, UNI played more to run out the clock than pile on the Bulldogs.

Drake mascot, Spike, did an excellent job of entertaining and engaging the fans. One of the fun dimensions from last year missing this year was the interaction between Spike and the UNI mascot, TC. Last year, TC had a nice big rawhide bone to tempt and torment the big dawg; not this year.

Drake will have a good year. I think they got away without injuries so the experience of playing a team this good may pay dividends later in the season. Linda and I will likely be stopping in again from time to time.