Drake could regain the services of starting quarterback Chase Spellman when the Bulldogs open the Pioneer League Football race at home on Saturday against Valparaiso. Spellman suffered an upper body injury in a season opening win over Upper Iowa but missed road losses at second ranked South Dakota State and number 21 South Dakota. With Spellman sidelined, true freshman Logan Inagawa filled in a passed for 304 yards while rushing for 131.

That’s Drake coach Joe Woodley. The Bulldogs will be in search of a third straight PFL title this season.

Woodley says Inagawa’s ability to run made the ground game more effective against the two Missouri Valley teams.

Woodley says the formula for another title run will be the same. During the past two seasons the Bulldogs have won 10 games decided by 10 points or less.

Valparaiso opens conference play with a record of 1-3.