The Bulldogs have faced a Missouri Valley Conference opponent in four of the last five seasons. Photo courtesy of Butler Athletics.
JAMIE HEALY | STAFF REPORTER | jdhealy1@butler.edu
In the first-ever meeting between the Butler Bulldogs and Northern Iowa Panthers at the newly renovated UNI Dome, it was the Panthers who converted on third downs and capitalized on multiple Bulldog turnovers en route to a 38-14 victory on Saturday.
After trading punts on the opening drives, Butler redshirt junior quarterback Reagan Andrew lost a fumble. The Panthers then opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown pass from redshirt junior quarterback Matthew Schecklman to redshirt senior tight end Derek Anderson.
The scoring continued as Butler responded with a four-yard passing touchdown from Andrew to redshirt junior wide receiver Nick Munson.
On their next possession, the Panthers added a 36-yard field goal from junior kicker Max Bartachek to put Northern Iowa on top 10-7.
Butler took the lead on a nine-yard rushing touchdown from Andrew. However, the Panthers stormed down the field to go back in front on a one-yard touchdown from redshirt senior running back Harrison Bey-Buie.
Sophomore kicker Beck Janki missed a 29-yard field goal that would have evened the score entering halftime. In the third quarter, Schecklman threw a 16-yard touchdown to redshirt senior wide receiver Tysen Kershaw. The following Bulldog possession ended with a tipped-ball interception caught by redshirt junior cornerback Joe Hall III.
Northern Iowa tacked on another score in the third quarter with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Schecklman to redshirt sophomore wide receiver JC Roque Jr.
The fourth quarter featured only one score, a 26-yard toss from Schecklman to redshirt sophomore Ayden Price to cap the scoring at 38-14 in favor of the Panthers.
Butler had three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble. The Panthers scored 14 points off turnovers, while the Bulldogs did not force a turnover. Northern Iowa outgained Butler 423-336 in total yards. Notably, both head coaches were in their first game at their respective schools: Kevin Lynch for Butler and former Drake head coach Todd Stepsis for Northern Iowa.
The Bulldogs will look to get back on track when they host Truman State next Saturday at 1 p.m.
