Drake football gets first win
The football team improved to 1-1 Saturday after beating Division II Upper Iowa 40-7 at Drake Stadium. To the right is a photo of running back Scott Phayvadong looking to elude some Upper Iowa defenders.
Out of the four Division I schools in Iowa, Drake arguably had the best showing. Northern Iowa lost to Division II North Dakota 35-31. While the Fighting Sioux are transitioning to Division-IAA status, the Panthers haven't lost to a DII foe since the 1980s.
Iowa and Iowa State both won, but the games were too close for comfort. Iowa took Syracuse into double overtime before clinching a 20-13 win. While the game was in New York at the Carrier Dome, the Orangemen were riding a 10-game losing streak —— now 11 games.
Iowa State beat Nevada-Las Vegas 16-10 at home after a controversial final play. UNLV thought its receiver had made a catch in the end zone with time expiring, but officials reviewed the play and said the Rebel player was out-of-bounds.
Neither Iowa or Iowa State have been spectacular in the first two outings. What do you think is going to happen when the teams meet up at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 16?
Drake also meets stiffer competition at home: Wisconsin-Platteville, a Division III team. The Bulldogs have a 1-2 record vs. the Pioneers.
What game are you going to on Saturday? Or, if you don't have ticket, what games are you going to watch?
posted by Jennifer R. @ 7:05 PM
2 Comments:
The Hawkeyes and Cyclones are very, very lucky. While their games were quite entertaining, they need to do better against low-caliber teams if they're going to compete in their respective conferences.
As far as Drake goes, the Bulldogs are stuck in a league full of horrible teams and a couple good ones. Unfortunately, it seems the Bulldogs will again finish in the runner-up or third place spot again this year. I've been less than impressed with Retherford. Phaydavong might be able to carry the team for a while, but what's going to happen when he gets shut down and we need to pass. We have good receivers (Putnam and Moroni are very experienced), but someone has to throw the ball to them.
The Bulldogs are in a league with non-scholarship teams, not necessarily horrible teams. Drake may have been picked in the coaches’ poll to finish third, but I've never bought into polls- look at No. 2 Notre Dame. Enough said.
Anyway, the Bulldogs have their heart set on winning Conference like they did in 2004, and why not? Is San Diego that much better? Retherford is young, but three games into the season he's no longer the scared little rookie hiding in the backfield.
Shea and Tyler are experienced, and showed it Saturday vs. Wis.-Platteville. Phaydavong, Cashmore and Goodwin will complement with a running game.
Don't underestimate the Bulldogs- San Diego better watch out- on a good day Drake could play with the Raiders...
Post a Comment
<< Home