Indianapolis, Ind. – Truman State put together an inspired second-half rally but couldn't finish the job, falling 37–27 at Butler on Saturday afternoon at the Sellick Bowl.

The Bulldogs trailed 21–7 at halftime after Butler's Reagan Andrew accounted for three touchdowns — two on the ground and one through the air. Truman's lone first-half score came midway through the second quarter when quarterback Dylan Hair found Jack Butchko down the seam for a 43-yard touchdown strike.

Out of the break, Butler extended its lead to 28–7 with another scoring drive, but Truman answered with its best stretch of football this season. Hair sparked the offense with a 40-yard touchdown connection to Nathan Ryan, and moments later Denim Cook powered in from 13 yards out before a successful two-point conversion made it 28–21. Truman kept its momentum rolling when Hair went back to Ryan for a 22-yard score just before the end of the third quarter. A blocked PAT left the Bulldogs trailing by a single point, 28–27, with 15 minutes to play.

Butler regained control in the fourth quarter, piecing together an 11-play, 75-yard drive capped by another Bulldog touchdown that pushed the margin to double digits. Meanwhile, Truman's final possessions were not enough to finish closing the gap.

Hair finished the day with multiple long completions that kept Truman within striking distance, while Ryan emerged as his top target with two touchdown receptions. Cook's physical running provided balance, and the Bulldogs' defense produced timely stops during the rally, but the early hole proved too large a deficit to overcome.

The loss drops Truman to 0–2 on the year heading into their home opener, while Butler evens its record at 1–1.

Key Factors

• Explosive passing plays: All three Truman touchdowns in the second half came on big gains through the air, showcasing the offense's ability to stretch the field.

• Momentum shift: The Bulldogs' 20 unanswered points in the third quarter brought them within one, but they never managed to take the lead.

• Decisive drive: Butler's fourth-quarter touchdown march put the game away.

• Special teams swing: A blocked Truman PAT prevented the game from being tied entering the final quarter.

• Turnovers: Neither side recorded an interception or fumble, making red-zone efficiency and execution the difference.

Up Next: Davenport

The Bulldogs will look to regroup as they return home for the first time this season for Student and Community Appreciation Day. The brand new tailgate avenue is set to begin at 9:00 AM with giveaways, free food (while supplies last), and yard games to get the Bulldog supporters ratcheted up for the 12:00 PM kickoff. Truman will be taking on the Davenport Panthers, with the all-time series being tied one game a piece. The last matchup between these two teams occurred on Sep. 3, 2022 when the Panthers came away with a 20-19 nail biter win. Watch Here