UPDATE: Butler University has stunned Dayton, defeating the Flyers 23-17 and ending their five-game winning streak. This thrilling matchup unfolded on October 21, 2023, in Dayton, Ohio, and showcased a remarkable performance by Bulldogs quarterback Reagan Andrew.
Andrew threw two touchdown passes and played a pivotal role in securing Butler’s victory. His impressive 67-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Loss opened the scoring in the first quarter, setting the tone for the game. In the second quarter, Andrew connected with Archie Cox for a 16-yard touchdown, while kicker Ryan Short added the first of his three field goals, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 17-7 lead at halftime.
Dayton, which had not lost since their season opener, fought back in the third quarter when Drew VanVleet threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Weatherly, narrowing the score to 17-14. However, the Flyers struggled to maintain momentum and did not reach midfield again until the late stages of the fourth quarter. Trevor Henkle managed to cap that drive with a 34-yard field goal, but Butler’s crucial recovery of the ensuing onside kick sealed the game.
Reagan Andrew completed an impressive 18 of 23 passes for 256 yards and added 78 yards rushing, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Ethan Loss and Archie Cox were standout receivers, with Loss recording three receptions for 93 yards and Cox catching three passes for 89 yards. On the other side, Dayton’s Luke Hansen rushed for 108 yards, contributing to the Flyers’ efforts.
This unexpected defeat not only highlights Butler’s resilience but also raises questions about Dayton’s ability to rebound in the coming weeks as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Pioneer Football League. Both teams are currently at 5-3, 3-1 in the league standings.
As fans reflect on this game-changing upset, all eyes will be on how Dayton responds in their next matchups. Will they bounce back, or has this loss shifted the momentum in the league? Stay tuned for updates.