Backup QB Howard leads Butler's rally in 19-17 win over Murray State
MURRAY, Ky. -- — Ryan Short made a 22-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining and Butler rallied to beat Murray State 19-17 on Saturday night.
The Racers entered the fourth quarter with a 14-10 lead before Bulldogs reserve quarterback Nick Howard led a nine-play, 82-yard drive that ended with Howard crashing in from the 2. The extra-point attempt was blocked and Butler led 16-14 lead with 9:08 remaining.
James London put Murray State ahead with a 51-yard field with 2:41 left. Under Howard, Butler again marched down the field with a 10-play, 70-yard drive to set up Short's game winner for the Bulldogs (2-0).
The big play of the drive occurred when Howard completed a 34-yard pass to William Enneking that put the ball on the Racers 10.
Butler starter Reagan Andrew completed 18 of 25 passes for 193 yards and Howard went 5 for 8 for 90 yards. Howard also rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries and reached the end zone twice. His 1-yard run to end the half finished an 11-play, 91-yard drive.
Running backs Kywon Morgan and Jawaun Northington each scored touchdowns for the Racers (0-2) who have lost nine straight games dating to last season.
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Game Information
2024 Pioneer Football League Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Drake | 6-0 | 7-1 |
Butler | 4-2 | 8-2 |
Morehead State | 4-2 | 6-4 |
St. Thomas-Minnesota | 4-2 | 5-5 |
San Diego | 4-2 | 6-3 |
Davidson | 4-3 | 6-4 |
Dayton | 3-3 | 5-4 |
Presbyterian | 2-4 | 4-6 |
Valparaiso | 1-4 | 3-6 |
Marist | 1-6 | 1-9 |
Stetson | 0-5 | 2-7 |
2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
North Dakota State | 6-0 | 9-1 |
Missouri State | 6-0 | 8-2 |
South Dakota State | 5-1 | 8-2 |
South Dakota | 5-1 | 7-2 |
Illinois State | 4-2 | 7-3 |
Indiana State | 3-3 | 4-6 |
North Dakota | 2-4 | 5-5 |
Youngstown State | 2-5 | 3-8 |
Southern Illinois | 1-5 | 3-7 |
Northern Iowa | 0-6 | 2-8 |
Murray State | 0-7 | 1-9 |