Box Score The Bulldogs hung tight with host Indiana State Saturday, but couldn't overcome four turnovers as the Sycamores downed Butler, 41-25, in the 2016 opener for both teams. Indiana State got 315 yards through the air and three total touchdowns from quarterback Isaac Harker.
 
Quarterback Malcolm Weaver passed for 202 yards, finding Pace Temple for 94 of those on eight receptions. Running back Anthony Scaccia had 77 yards on the ground and two touchdowns for Butler.
 
Midway through the first quarter, after the teams had traded punts, a 16-yard connection to Temple on fourth down put the Bulldogs in the red zone. Butler drove the ball all the way to the Indiana State 1-yard line. On second down, Weaver attempted a quarterback keeper. Indiana State stripped the ball and Tsali Lough returned the fumble 100 yards for a big swing in momentum and a 7-0 Sycamores lead.
 
On the afternoon, the Sycamores converted four Butler turnovers into 21 points, and that was the deciding factor. Butler won the battle in time of possession (33:42), rushing yards (145-124), and first downs (24-21). The Bulldogs limited ISU to 3-of-13 on third downs.
 
An interception started an ISU drive and led to a Harker one-yard touchdown rush and a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter. The Bulldogs pulled within 17-6 at the half, as Duvante Lane finished off a seven-play, 72-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run. Lane finished the day with 39 yards.
 
A 21-point third quarter by the Sycamores opened up the contest. Tim Vestuto had a one-yard touchdown run as time expired for the final margin.
 
David Starkey had 12 tackles, including seven solo, to lead the Butler defensive effort. He had a sack and forced two fumbles. Connor Andras recovered one of those early in the third quarter but the ensuing Butler drive was halted on fourth and one. Sean Horan added nine tackles.
 
Butler opens the home portion of its 2016 schedule Saturday night (Sept. 10) at the Butler Bowl, hosting Franklin at 6:30 p.m. Youth wearing their football jersey will be admitted free. Kids can enjoy face painting and games, as well as the opportunity to participate in the pre-game tunnel on the field.