Hardrocker Football Makes History with First-Ever Division I Win over Drake

DES MOINES, Iowa – South Dakota Mines Football opened the 2026 season with a historic 38-35 upset victory over Drake on Thursday night. Drake held the Hardrockers in check early, kicking a field goal on its opening drive and forcing a South Dakota Mines punt before taking a 10-0 lead with 6:41 remaining in the first quarter. As the Hardrockers drove late in the quarter, Drake recovered a fumble to regain possession. The Bulldogs drove to the South Dakota Mines 31-yard line, but an incomplete deep pass on fourth down gave the Rockers the ball back. With 10:01 remaining in…