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 | 6-1 | 7-2 |
| Butler | 5-2 | 9-2 |
| San Diego | 5-2 | 7-3 |
| Morehead State | 5-2 | 7-4 |
| Dayton | 4-3 | 6-4 |
| Davidson | 4-3 | 6-4 |
| St. Thomas-Minnesota | 4-3 | 5-6 |
| Presbyterian | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| Valparaiso | 1-5 | 3-7 |
| Marist | 1-7 | 1-10 |
| Stetson | 0-6 | 2-8 |
2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 7-0 | 10-1 |
| South Dakota State | 6-1 | 9-2 |
| South Dakota | 6-1 | 8-2 |
| Missouri State | 6-1 | 8-3 |
| Illinois State | 5-2 | 8-3 |
| Indiana State | 3-4 | 4-7 |
| Youngstown State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| North Dakota | 2-5 | 5-6 |
| Southern Illinois | 1-6 | 3-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 0-7 | 2-9 |
| Murray State | 0-7 | 1-10 |
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