Monday, October 16, 2023
by Drake Athletics Media Relations

CHICAGO – Drake senior quarterback Luke Bailey was recognized as the FedEx Ground FCS National Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 16 for his efforts last Saturday in a signature 52-21 win over St. Thomas. 

Bailey set career-highs in passing yards (411) and passing touchdowns (five) while commanding the offense going 24-of-32 through the air. His five touchdown passes were one shy of tying the program record for most thrown in a single game. Bailey's 411 passing yards are the most yards thrown by a Drake quarterback and the first time a Drake signal caller has tossed over 400 yards since Grant Kraemer's 445-yard day on Sept. 23, 2017 against Valparaiso.

The 52-point effort is the most points Drake has scored in a game since Sept. 15, 2018 in a 52-12 win against Missouri S&T. 52 points are also the most points scored by Drake in a conference game since a 52-7 victory over Jacksonville on Nov. 18, 2017. St. Thomas hadn't allowed that many points in one game since a 54-28 loss to St. Olaf on Nov. 10, 2007. 

It is the second time this season a Pioneer Football League athlete has earned FedEx Ground FCS National Offensive Player of the Week recognition. Marist's Amin Woods picked up the Week 5 honor on Oct. 2.