UNI and Drake get ready for the 12th and final “Bracket Busters” this weekend. For more than a decade the event game teams from non-BCS conferences a chance to play on national television in an attempt to help improve their post-season stock. It is being discontinued after this season.
UNI coach Ben Jacobson he likes it because it has given them some high-profile games on television. He says the event has a plus for the UNI program for the last several years.
“Obviously if you get the really good game in the bracket buster, that game gets returned,” he says. Jacobson says it’s hard to find quality home and home series.
UNI will be at home on Saturday night to take on Denver. The Panthers have won six straight and are 17-11 overall. Drake will be at home on Saturday night against Wisconsin-Green Bay. The Bulldogs snapped a four-game losing skid with an overtime victory against Bradley on Wednesday night.
Drake coach Mark Phelps who says he likes their competitive spirit and feels the Bulldogs have been making progress despite their recent struggles. “On offense when we are taking care of the ball I think we are getting good shots, and I think our defense is actually improving,” Phelps says.
Drake is 12-15 overall.