Bulldogs to host Tennessee State in opening round of FCS playoffs

IMG_9212Coming off its second straight share of a Pioneer Football League title and third in five years, the Butler football team is set to be the first PFL team to play in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

The Bulldogs (9-3, 7-1 PFL) will host the Tennessee State Tigers (9-3, 6-2 Ohio Valley) Saturday Nov. 30

The Tigers earned an at-large bid, and are making their second postseason appearance and first since 1999.

The winner will advance to the second round to face the overall No. 2 seeded Eastern Illinois Panthers.

The Tigers tout a very balanced offense, averaging 174.7 rushing yards per game and 172.8 pass yards. They average 28.3 points per game, while their defense is holding opponents to 16.8 points per game.

The Bulldogs bring a bit of a more explosive offense, averaging 36.1 points per game on 257.7 passing yards and 217.2 rush yards. Their defense will be in for quite the challenge, though, as they allow 26.5 points per game and 420.2 total yards.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. The Tigers are located in Nashville with an enrollment of 6,780.

Butler boasts a 5-1 home record, with the only loss coming against Dartmouth 23-30 on Sept. 21. The Tigers have a 6-1 road record. Their only road loss was 44-0 rout at Eastern Kentucky.

Butler is coming off a 58-27 win at Morehead State after finding out its FCS playoff hopes were still alive with San Diego withdrawing from PFL title and postseason contention due to improper benefits.

Tennessee State ended its season with a 17-10 win against Murray State, their second consecutive win.

Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. in the Butler Bowl.

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