Butler Bulldogs vs. Montana Grizzlies: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Montana Grizzlies defeated Butler Bulldogs 35–20 in Week 1, 2023. Final score: Butler Bulldogs 20, Montana Grizzlies 35.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Butler Bulldogs	3	3	12	0	20
Montana Grizzlies	9	9	6	6	35

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Bret Bushka (Butler) — 275.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.20 EPA/play +7.18 EPA
• Junior Bergen (Montana) — 26.0 yds · +2.44 EPA/play +2.44 EPA
• Jack Bill (Butler) — 0.0 yds · -1.01 EPA/play -1.01 EPA

Rushing

• Eli Gillman (Montana) — 136.0 yds · 1 TD +0.15 EPA
• Jyran Mitchell (Butler) — 35.0 yds -0.33 EPA
• Clifton McDowell (Montana) — 82.0 yds · 1 TD +0.65 EPA

Receiving

• Junior Bergen (Montana) — 4 rec · 72.0 yds +0.26 EPA
• Keelan White (Montana) — 4 rec · 51.0 yds -0.03 EPA
• Aaron Fontes (Montana) — 4 rec · 45.0 yds +0.57 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Bret Bushka	Butler	36	61.1%	275	2	+0.20	+7.18
Junior Bergen	Montana	1	100.0%	26	0	+2.44	+2.44
Jack Bill	Butler	1	0.0%	0	0	-1.01	-1.01
Clifton McDowell	Montana	3	33.3%	5	0	-1.59	-4.79
Sam Vidlak	Montana	25	60.0%	180	1	-0.25	-6.25

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Butler	Montana
Plays	61	73
EPA / play	-0.028	+0.076
Total EPA	-1.70	+5.54
Success rate	26.2%	47.9%
Pass EPA / play	+0.167	-0.296
Rush EPA / play	-0.328	+0.321
Yards	347	509

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	Montana	3	68	+5.52	Pass TD
Q1	Butler	3	14	-3.37	Fumble
Q1	Montana	3	4	-1.93	Field goal
Q1	Butler	3	7	-2.19	Punt
Q1	Montana	3	2	-5.87	Interception
Q1	Butler	2	31	+1.84	Field goal
Q1	Montana	3	5	-3.66	Ended
Q1	Butler	2	5	-1.24	Ended
Q1	Butler	9	47	-0.07	Missed FG
Q1	Montana	12	69	+3.09	Field goal
Q2	Butler	6	50	+1.83	Field goal
Q2	Montana	7	78	+6.17	Rush TD
Q2	Butler	3	9	-0.67	Punt
Q2	Montana	4	15	-0.80	Punt
Q2	Butler	2	-2	-0.18	Ended
Q3	Butler	6	13	-2.42	Punt

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q3 · Butler Bulldogs · Bret Bushka pass to Ryan Lezon for a touchdown (26 yards) (+5.57 EPA)
2. Q1 · Montana Grizzlies · Sam Vidlak pass to Junior Bergen for a touchdown (54 yards) (+4.34 EPA)
3. Q1 · Montana Grizzlies · Sam Vidlak pass intercepted (-4.29 EPA)
4. Q3 · Montana Grizzlies · Sam Vidlak pass intercepted (-4.09 EPA)
5. Q3 · Butler Bulldogs · Bret Bushka pass to Jyran Mitchell for a touchdown (32 yards) (+3.93 EPA)
6. Q4 · Butler Bulldogs · Penalty (4th & 10) (+3.73 EPA)
7. Q2 · Montana Grizzlies · Kellen Detrick rushes for 19 yards (4th & 2) (+3.73 EPA)
8. Q4 · Montana Grizzlies · Clifton McDowell to Ryan Simpson — Pass Incompletion (no gain) (-3.67 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Montana Grizzlies controlled the final (35–20) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Bret Bushka (Butler) — 275.0 yds, 2 TD.
• EPA edge: Montana at 0.076 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Butler Bulldogs vs Montana Grizzlies?

Butler Bulldogs 20, Montana Grizzlies 35 in Week 1 of the 2023 college football season.

Who won Butler Bulldogs vs Montana Grizzlies?

Montana Grizzlies won with a final score of 20–35.

Where can I find the Butler Bulldogs vs Montana Grizzlies box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401540258.

Who led Butler Bulldogs vs Montana Grizzlies in passing?

Bret Bushka (Butler) led passers with 275.0 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Butler Bulldogs at Montana Grizzlies in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.