A new era begins at Drake Thursday night when the Bulldogs open at home against Upper Iowa. After a successful run at Grand View, Joe Woodley took over a Drake program that is coming off back-to-back Pioneer Football League championships and two straight trips to the FCS playoffs.

It will be Chase Spellman’s debut at quarterback. The sophomore spent last season at Tennessee State.

Upper Iowa has an experienced team that is coming off its best season since 1997.

Woodley expects a tough challenge.

Upper Iowa coach Jason Hoskins says they agreed to this game a couple of years ago with the hopes of gaining more exposure in the state.

Hoskins says there are a few alumni events in Des Moines leading up to the game.

With a new coaching staff at Drake, Hoskins says the Peacock staff went a different direction in terms of film study for this game.

Hoskins says in-game adjustments will be crucial and modern technology will have a role.