Football Can't Slow Down Butler in Homecoming Setback

BOX SCORE

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Sophomore running back Jackson Lanier totaled a career-best 78 rushing yards and receiver Kyle Daly posted his second 100-yard game, but Morehead State football could not slow down Butler in a 49-7 Homecoming game setback at Jayne Stadium Saturday.

Daly hauled in a 68-yard touchdown from QB Carter Cravens for the Eagles' lone score as part of his 104-yard day. Lanier, who only had three total rushing yards all  season, broke out with his 12-carry, 78-yard performance.

Defensively, the Eagles had a plethora of big efforts, including a career-high 18 tackles from linebacker Jahleel Holmes along with 1.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Andre Nolan-White totaled a career-high 16 stops,  while linebacker Keenan Wolf made 13 tackles. Defensive lineman Noah Benza corralled a pair of Butler QBs twice behind the line for sacks. Defensive backs Jihad McCall and Matthew McClelland each collected interceptions.

However, Butler QB Bret Bushka was hard to control. His finished 16-of-17 for 281 yards and five touchdowns and also ran for a sixth TD. 

Cravens finished 11-of-20 for 126 yards and the TD to Daly.

Butler took a 21-0 lead before the Eagles broke onto the scoreboard. Cravens connected with Daly along the MSU sideline. He side stepped a defender and outraced two Butler defensive backs to the goal line. It marked Daly's third TD of 2023. 

Butler led 35-7 at the half and added Buska's rushing score and a pick-off for a touchdown in the second half.

The Eagles close out the home portion of the 2023 schedule Saturday at 1 p.m. ET against Davidson.