INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler knocked off Stetson, 28-18, Saturday afternoon in Florida, picking up the victory in the Pioneer Football League (PFL) opener for both teams. With the result, the Bulldogs improve to 3-1 on the young season, while the Hatters fall to 2-2.
 
All four of Butler's touchdowns came on the ground as the Bulldogs' rushing attack proved to be the difference.
 
Jyran Mitchell provided all the offense the Bulldogs would need in the second half to keep the Hatters at bay as his 58-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Bulldogs a 21-7 lead and his 43-yard breakaway run for a touchdown in the final minutes put the game on ice after Stetson had climbed within 21-18 in the final quarter.
 
Mitchell carried the ball 26 times to gain 209 yards for the Bulldogs. He scored two touchdowns to lead BU to victory. Bret Bushka added 50 rushing yards and the first score of the game for BU. Ershod Jasey II also scored a first half rushing touchdown for Butler.

Through the air, Bushka completed nine passes to six different receivers. Ethan Loss was the primary target with three catches resulting in 15 yards.
 
Butler held a 14-0 halftime lead after rushing touchdowns by Bushka (two yards) and Jasey II (28 yards) in the second quarter. The Bulldogs had a 148-18 advantage in rushing yards over the first 30 minutes and ended the game on top 322-91. 12 of Butler's 15 first downs at Stetson came on the ground.
 
On the other side of the ball, Butler freshman Devaon Holman recorded two interceptions to stop Hatter drives. The Bulldogs finished with three total, all in the second half, as Brayton Spetter also picked off a Stetson pass.
 
BU slowed down Stetson by shooting the gaps and recording nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Jeremiah Jackson led BU with six total tackles and tackle for loss. Danny Orgler had four stops, including 1.5 behind the line.
 
The Bulldogs return to the Sellick Bowl Saturday (Sept. 30), hosting Presbyterian in a PFL contest. The kick-off is set for 1 p.m. It will be Family Weekend on the Butler campus and Saturday's game will promote breast cancer awareness. The 2013 PFL champion Butler team will also be recognized on the 10-year anniversary of their championship.