JACKSONVILLE, FLa. - Jacksonville University football (1-2, 0-1 PFL) opened PFL play on Saturday, duking it out with the Drake University Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0 PFL). The Dolphins battled in the second half where all of their points came, but eventually fell 41-9.
The Dolphins struggled to move the ball on offense in the first half, gaining just 65 yards. All of the 'Phins first half production came via the ground game, with quarterback Calvin Turner Jr. leading the charge with 32 yards. Meanwhile, Drake utilized a steady pass attack that totaled 176 yards and four touchdowns in the game.
After falling behind 17-0, Jacksonville attempted to salvage the first half and went for it on fourth down around mid-field. Jacksonville's Jalen Mason came up a yard short and the Dolphins handed the ball over to Drake. The Bulldogs took advantage of the spot and completed a 43-yard touchdown pass. Jacksonville entered halftime down 31-0.
The Dolphins came out of halftime looking like a new team. With seven minutes remaining in the third quarter Drake was forced to attempt a punt from their own end zone, but Jacksonville's Tyree Clarke blocked it and the play resulted in a safety. The Dolphins' defense made a play of their own in the third quarter when T.J. Coley intercepted a Drake pass that had been deflected.
Two minutes into the fourth quarter Jacksonville pulled out their best play of the day as Turner Jr. weaved through defenders and ripped off a 73-yard touchdown run. It was Turner Jr.'s second rush of over 70 yards this season. Turner would end the day with 137 rushing yards.
Jacksonville did not find the end zone again and the Bulldogs took home the 41-9 decision. The Dolphins would end the day with 209 rushing yards, 144 of which came in the final two quarters.
"We have a good locker room. We have guys that are going to compete. We just need to improve fundamentally," said Head Coach Ian Shields.
Next, Jacksonville travels to Davidson (4-1, 1-1 PFL) to face the Wildcats on Oct. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.
