The Tarleton Texans may have been slightly nervous heading into their first FCS playoff game in program history. Some nerves were to be expected for a team with national title hopes alive in its first season of eligibility since transitioning to NCAA Division I.

However, the Texans overcame early jitters to score 40 of the final 55 points in the contest to defeat the Drake Bulldogs 43-29 in the first round of the NCAA FCS playoffs. No. 13 seed Tarleton travels to play No. 4 seed South Dakota at 2 p.m. next Saturday, Dec. 7. 

On their first drive of the game, the Texans turned the ball over on downs inside their territory. The Bulldogs needed two plays to cover the 23 yards necessary to take the early lead. Tarleton responded with a field goal before Drake extended its lead to 14-3 with 1:37 remaining in the first quarter.

The following 26 points in the contest were scored by Tarleton, led by the combination of quarterback Victor Gabalis, wide receiver Darius Cooper, and running back Kayvon Britten.

Gabalis completed 26 of 36 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns, with Cooper being on the end of 11 of those completions for 190 yards and a touchdown. Britten added 146 yards and two touchdowns rushing on 29 attempts.

The season began with the program’s first appearance on ESPN2 against McNeese, solidifying the Texans' entering their golden age since transitioning to DI. Tarleton has added its first FCS playoff appearance and victory. The Texans hope to add its first road FCS playoff victory next week.