The Drake Bulldogs (3-2, 2-0 PFL) return to Des Moines for another Pioneer Football League clash, hosting the Davidson Wildcats (1-5, 0-2 PFL) in a matchup between two programs trending in opposite directions.
Davidson’s first-year head coach Saj Thakkar is still searching for answers after a rough start, while Joe Woodley’s Bulldogs are quietly chasing another league title after a dramatic win at San Diego. The two programs haven’t met since 2022 — when Davidson dominated 48-14 — but the Bulldogs have since reloaded and are determined to reclaim control of this series.
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📺 Where to Watch Drake vs. Davidson Wildcats? (October 18)
| Detail | Info |
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT |
| Location | Drake Stadium — Des Moines, Iowa |
| Broadcast | PFL Network / ESPN+ |
| Radio | Drake Sports Network |
💰 Betting Odds
| Bet Type | Davidson | Drake |
| Spread (Est.) | +10.5 | -10.5 |
| Moneyline (Est.) | +330 | -420 |
| Total (O/U) | 48.0 | |
| Implied Score | Drake 29 – Davidson 19 |
Estimated line based on recent form and PFL trends.
⚔️ Head-to-Head History
| Category | Record |
| All-Time Series | Drake leads 9-3 |
| Last Meeting | 2022 – Davidson 48, Drake 14 |
| Current Streak | Davidson won 2 straight |
| At Des Moines | Drake 5-1 |
| At Davidson | Drake 4-2 |
Drake dominated the early 2000s, winning 9 of the first 10 matchups, but Davidson flipped the script with decisive wins in 2021 and 2022. The Wildcats’ last win in Des Moines came in that 2022 blowout — a game that still lingers in the Bulldogs’ memory.
🐾 Davidson Wildcats Overview (1-5, 0-2 PFL)
The Wildcats are in rebuild mode under first-year head coach Saj Thakkar, who’s reshaping the program after a competitive run in the early 2020s. Davidson’s passing attack remains their offensive heartbeat — 12 of their 18 touchdowns have come through the air, led by the explosive duo of Ivan Hoyt and Brody Reina, who’ve combined for 11 receiving TDs.
| Category | Stat |
| Points Per Game | 18.7 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 31.4 |
| Passing TDs (Road) | 9 (5th most in FCS) |
| Net Punt Avg. | 33.8 yds (4th lowest in FCS) |
| Last Win | 48-0 vs Greensboro College |
| Top 25 Record (since 2001) | 1-4 |
Despite the losing record, Davidson has faced four opponents ranked or receiving votes in the FCS Top-25. Their defense, however, has struggled to hold up on the road, allowing 34+ points per away contest.
The Wildcats’ inability to flip field position has been costly — their 33.8 yards per punt ranks among the lowest in Division I, often forcing the defense into short-field situations.
🐶 Drake Bulldogs Overview (3-2, 2-0 PFL)
The Bulldogs are doing what they always do under Joe Woodley — play disciplined, situational football and win close games. Their 19-16 victory at San Diego came via a 55-yard field goal from Harry Balke, marking the program’s first 50+ yard make since 2024.
Drake has now won 20 of its last 21 PFL games, building on elite execution in critical moments.
| Category | Stat | Rank |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 100% (every trip) | 🥇 PFL |
| 4th Down Conversion (Offense) | 85.7% | 🥇 PFL |
| 4th Down Conversion (Defense) | 14.3% | 🥇 PFL |
| Passing Yards Per Attempt (Aug) | 12.3 | 4th in FCS |
| Scoring Defense | 19.8 PPG | Top 25 FCS |
Drake’s balance at quarterback — alternating between Chase Spellman and Logan Inagawa — gives them flexibility. Spellman has been sharp (67.9% completions), while Inagawa’s dual-threat mobility adds another layer.
True freshman RB Nick Herman has also impressed, rushing for nearly 200 yards on limited touches and showcasing the poise of a veteran.
📊 Team Leaders
| Category | Davidson | Drake |
| Passing Leader | — | Chase Spellman – 489 yds, 2 TD |
| Rushing Leader | — | Nick Herman – 194 yds, 2 TD |
| Receiving Leader | Ivan Hoyt – 7 TDs | Hank Foley – 269 yds, 4 TD |
| Top Defender | — | Sean Allison – 44 tackles, 2.5 TFL |
| Sack Leader | — | Gene Blalock – 3.0 sacks |
📈 Momentum & Trends
| Team | Last 3 Games | Avg Pts For | Avg Pts Against | Trend |
| Davidson | L 31-14 vs St. Thomas, L 27-20 vs Stetson, W 48-0 vs Greensboro | 27.3 | 19.3 | 🔻 Struggling in league play |
| Drake | W 19-16 @ San Diego, W 31-10 vs Stetson, L 24-20 vs Dayton | 23.3 | 16.3 | 🔼 Elite in crunch time |
🔑 Keys to the Game
- Davidson’s Passing Attack Must Hit Early – Hoyt and Reina are lethal in space, but Drake’s DBs allow few deep completions.
- Drake’s Run Balance – If Herman and Inagawa can establish tempo, the Bulldogs can dictate possession.
- Field Position Matters – Davidson’s punt unit has been a liability; Drake’s special teams can swing hidden yardage.
- 4th-Down Battle – Drake leads the FCS in conversion rate; Davidson must disrupt those drives to stay close.
- Red Zone Execution – Drake scores on every trip; Davidson needs takeaways inside the 20 to survive.
🧠 ClutchBuzz Prop Bets
| Prop | Pick | Reason |
| First Team to Score | Drake | 5 straight opening-possession scores at home. |
| Drake Team Total Over 27.5 | ✅ | Perfect RZ rate and big-play receivers. |
| Longest TD Over 39.5 yds | ✅ | Davidson’s pass defense allows 7.5 YPA on road. |
| Hoyt Anytime TD | ✅ | Leads PFL in receiving touchdowns. |
💥 ClutchBuzz Same-Game Parlay
| Leg | Pick | Odds |
| Drake ML | ✅ | -420 |
| Under 50.5 | ✅ | -110 |
| Hank Foley Anytime TD | ✅ | +160 |
| Combined Payout | +365 |
🚑 Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status | Notes |
| Davidson | — | — | No major injuries reported |
| Drake | RB Luke Woodson | Probable | Minor ankle sprain |
| Drake | LB JR Flood | Questionable | Monitoring shoulder issue |
🏆 Final Drakes vs. Davidson Wildcats Prediction
| Pick Type | Prediction |
| Spread Pick | Drake -10.5 |
| Moneyline | Drake -420 |
| Total (O/U) | Under 48.0 |
| Final Score Prediction | Drake 28 – Davidson 14 |
| Confidence Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
Drake’s consistency on key downs, elite special teams, and experience at quarterback should carry the day. Davidson can challenge through the air, but unless the Wildcats hit multiple explosives, it’s hard to see them sustaining drives against a defense that tightens near the red zone.
Expect another disciplined Drake performance — methodical drives, one or two timely turnovers forced, and a double-digit win to stay perfect in league play.
