Indianapolis, Indiana — The Drake University football team cruised to a 33-7 win at Butler Saturday afternoon behind 431 total yards of offense and another dominant showing from the defense.
Drake’s defense, which allowed just 218 total yards of offense and a meager 28 rushing yards, nearly recorded a shutout at Butler finally scored with 1:31 left in the game.
Linden Howe, Jackson Williams and Danny Morales led the defense with five tackles each while Howe recovered a fumble that Williams forced. Morales successfully broke up three passes.
Ian Corwin made the most of his return under center for Drake (2-2, 2-2 PFL) as he completed 7-of-8 passes for 75 yards and three touchdowns after taking over signal-caller duties in the second quarter.
All three of Corwin’s TD passes came in the second quarter as he connected with Colin Howard for a 32-yard strike, Caden Meis for a 6-yard score and Brandon Langdok for a 5-yard catch and score. Corwin also carried the ball six times for 67 yards.
Drake also tacked on a safety to lead 23-0 at halftime.
At the end of the third quarter, Nathan De Bruin converted on a 45-yard field goal to extend the lead and early in the fourth quarter, Cross Robinson scored on a 12-yard run. Robinson finished the day with 74 yards on 16 carries.
Butler avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter’s final minutes with a 38-yard touchdown reception by Luka Popovic from Bret Bushka with 1:31 left on the clock. Ninety-six of Butler’s 218 total yards came on its final two drives after the game had already been decided.
Drake returns home next weekend to host Pioneer Football League newcomer Presbyterian in the regular-season finale at Drake Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
