The 2024 NCAA FCS Playoffs are officially here, and in the first round, the Drake Bulldogs will face off against the Tarleton State Texans at Tarleton Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas. This matchup is set to take place at 3:00 PM ET on November 30, 2024, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Game Details
- Date & Time: November 30, 2024, 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Tarleton Memorial Stadium
- Coverage: ESPN+ (for streaming)
- Live stream: Watch here
Drake Bulldogs (8-2) – Strong Finish to the Regular Season
Drake enters the playoffs with an 8-2 record, having finished the regular season with a strong performance. They are coming off a dominant 49-10 victory over Stetson on November 24, 2024, which secured their spot in the playoffs. The Bulldogs are led by quarterback L. Bailey, who has had an impressive season with 2,349 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Bailey will need to continue his solid play if Drake hopes to advance past the first round.
The Bulldogs’ ground game has also been reliable, with D. Cherwin rushing for 424 yards and 6 touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, T. Hughes has been the leading receiver for Drake, totaling 584 yards and 2 touchdowns. The team has been competitive all season, with a notable win over Presbyterian (19-16 in overtime) on October 19, 2024.
Tarleton State Texans (9-3) – Dominant at Home
Tarleton State enters this matchup with a 9-3 record and comes off a convincing 39-14 victory over Cark on November 24, 2024. With an explosive offense and a solid defense, Tarleton will be a tough opponent for Drake to overcome. Quarterback V. Gabalis has thrown for 2,168 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions this season, showcasing his ability to make big plays through the air. Gabalis will be key in leading the Texans’ offense against Drake’s defense.
On the ground, K. Britten has been a workhorse for Tarleton, rushing for 1,745 yards and 16 touchdowns. His ability to gain yards and control the tempo of the game will be crucial in wearing down Drake’s defense. As for the receiving corps, D. Cooper has been a standout, amassing 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Cooper’s big-play ability will keep the Bulldogs’ secondary on high alert throughout the game.
Key Matchup: Drake’s Defense vs. Tarleton State’s Offense
One of the most intriguing aspects of this game is the clash between Drake’s defense and Tarleton State’s high-powered offense. The Bulldogs will need to contain both the passing attack of Gabalis and the ground game of Britten if they hope to pull off an upset. While Drake has had solid performances, including a shutout victory over Missouri State (19-0) on November 3, 2024, Tarleton State has been dominant at home and has shown the ability to put up points quickly.
Game Odds and Prediction
The Texans are favored by 17 points in this matchup, and with the game being played at home, they are in a strong position to advance to the next round. However, Drake’s recent form and competitive play throughout the season should not be underestimated. With both teams having solid leaders on offense and defense, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle.
Prediction: Tarleton State 31, Drake 21
The Texans’ powerful offense and home-field advantage should give them the edge, but expect the Bulldogs to keep it close with their balanced attack. The game will likely come down to whether Drake’s defense can slow down the high-scoring Texans.
Final Thoughts
As the 2024 NCAA FCS Playoffs kick off, the first-round game between Drake and Tarleton State will be a crucial one for both teams. Fans can tune in to ESPN+ for live coverage of the action, and it promises to be an exciting game between two strong teams with a lot to prove.
