The annual tradition of homecoming will be in full swing this Saturday, Sept. 24 as the Panthers will kickoff with Northwood at 2:00 PM at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex in Caledonia. 

OPENING DRIVE
● A bye week did not stop the momentum that Davenport gained after a week one victory on the road at Truman State. The Panthers home opener was a 31-21 win over Northern Michigan in a non-conference matchup to improve to 2-0 this season. 
● This week's opponent is former GLIAC and current G-MAC member Northwood University in DU's homecoming contest. The Timberwolves are 2-1 overall and come off an Axe Bowl defeat against nationally-ranked Saginaw Valley State (35-14). NU yielded 536 total yards to a potent Cardinals team. The Timberwolves gained 280 total yards, but just 25 yards on the ground. SVSU meanwhile ran for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
● Davenport has tasted success in their homecoming games over the years. Dating back to the first season in 2016, the Panthers are 5-0. Those wins include Arizona Christian (20-7), McKendree (27-24, 2 OT), Northern Michigan (31-30, OT), Lindenwood (35-24), and Northern Michigan again (18-13).
● Davenport and Northwood have split four games in the all-time series with the Panthers claiming the last two wins both by scores of 21-14 in 2021 and 2019. In last year's game at Northwood, Caleef Jenkins rushed for two touchdowns and Isaac Van Dyke also had a rushing score. DU gained 348 total yards including 189 on the ground and 159 through the air. Elysee Mbem-Bosse led the defense with 13 tackles and Jalen Robinson added eight tackles. The last meeting in Caledonia occurred in 2019 on Nov. 9 as Haiden Majewski passed for three touchdowns and 131 yards. He found Keion Powers twice in the end zone and Nate Couturier once. Abe Thompson led the defense with seven tackles and Jeremy Kelly and Jalen Robinson each recorded six tackles. The big difference was time of possession with DU holding the ball 37:04 compared to 22:56 for the Timberwolves.

DAVENPORT NOTEBOOK
● Caleef Jenkins rushed for a career-high 104 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Michigan. Jenkins needed just 12 carries to reach the century mark for the first time in his career. The Panthers were able to score on the ground during their first two drives as Jenkins carried in from two yards at the 8:07 mark and eight yards into the end zone at the 1:08 mark. DU gained 123 yards on those two drives in 14 plays.
● Shaq Floyd had a key play in the contest last week with Davenport holding a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. Floyd read the eyes of quarterback Drake Davis and jumped a route for a pick-six which covered 40 yards for a 21-7 lead at the 7:05 mark. Floyd was the last Panther to also have a pick-six which came during the spring of 2021 against Gannon. He finished the game with four tackles.
● Through two games, if you had to pinpoint one stat that has propelled the offense it would have to be third down success. A year ago, DU ranked 148th nationally at 27.8 percent. This season so far, the Panthers are fifth nationally at 57.7 percent.
● The special teams component has been a unsung hero when it comes to team success and this season Davenport is currently fourth nationally in punting at 42 yards per boot. Sy Barnett is averaging 47.2 yards on five attempts and has a school record 75-yarder at Truman State and a 68-yarder against Northern Michigan. Brandon Gielow connected from 41 yards out on his only field goal attempt this season which came against the Wildcats. He has also been 6-of-7 on extra points and made six straight after missing the first one this season.
● The Panthers have cashed in with touchdowns entering the red zone this season. They are 6-of-7 inside the 20-yard line getting the ball across the goal line and not settling for field goals.

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