Bailey leads Drake to OT victory over Eastern Washington, 35-32
- Luke Bailey threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns, leading Drake to a win.
- The game featured critical mistakes from both teams, including fumbles and missed field goals.
- Drake's victory in overtime highlighted their resilience and set a positive tone for the season.
On Saturday night in Cheney, Washington, Drake faced Eastern Washington in a thrilling overtime matchup that ended with a 35-32 victory for the Bulldogs. Luke Bailey played a pivotal role, completing 28 of 48 passes for 380 yards and throwing two touchdown passes, including the decisive 14-yarder to Trey Radocha in overtime. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams experiencing critical mistakes in the final moments. Eastern Washington, after a promising start, struggled to maintain momentum, highlighted by a fumble at the Drake 26-yard line with just over a minute left in regulation. The Eagles also faced a punting mishap that further hindered their chances. Despite these setbacks, they managed to tie the game with a 36-yard field goal from Soren McKee in overtime. Drake's offense capitalized on Eastern's errors, advancing to the EWU 36 after recovering a fumble but missed a long field goal attempt. The Bulldogs then opted to pass instead of attempting another long field goal, ultimately leading to Bailey's game-winning touchdown pass. The game featured six lead changes, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. Mitchell January and Radocha each contributed significantly to Drake's receiving game, both surpassing 100 yards. The victory marked a strong start for Drake, while Eastern Washington fell to 1-1 on the season.