Slow start dooms Grizzlies in 33-14 loss at No. 2 Iowa Western

The Butler Grizzlies could not get past their early first quarter woes as they were defeated by the second ranked Iowa Western Reivers, 33-14 in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Saturday.

The loss drops Butler's record to 5-3 on the year and 3-1 in conference play. The Grizzlies are now 2-7 all time against Iowa Western, and remain winless in five games at Titan Stadium. The Reivers have also defeated the Grizzlies twice at neutral venues in Iowa. Iowa Western improves their home record all time to 64-10, and they've extended their winning streak at home to 12 consecutive victories. 

It was the first quarter that did the Grizzlies in, as Iowa Western scored 21 points to start the game. The Reivers came into the game with the best defense in the country, holding opponents to just 4.7 points per game. The first quarter momentum was enough to last the entire game.

The Reivers found early success through the air picking up big chunks of yards in the passing game. They punched their first score in from two-yards out on a James Graham rush. A quick three and out forced a Grizzly punt that gave Iowa Western great field position. One play later Niedens connected with Jaden Kroger for a 45-yard touchdown reception. Another three and out forced the second consecutive Grizzly punt, this time it was blocked and scooped up for a touchdown and just like that Butler trailed 21-0.

After the first quarter, the Grizzlies settled in giving up just 12-points through the next three frames, but it wasn't enough as the early woes were too deep to climb out of.

Jaelon Travis ruined the shutout, with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Jacobi Meyers late in the second quarter. Azhauhn Dingle scored the other touchdown from one yard out, set up by Patrick Mooney who intercepted a pass in the third quarter. The Grizzlies finished with 155 yards of offense, and played a balanced game after the stunning first quarter. Iowa Western won the field position battle all game, pinning the Grizzlies within their own five-yard line four separate times. 

Azhuan Dingle led the team on the ground, adding to his touchdown with 90 yards on 23 carries. Jaisean McMillian was next in line with 20 yards on six carries. Jacobi Myers led the three quarterbacks, going 6-16 with a touchdown and 81 yards.

Mason Thrash led defensively for Butler totaling 11 tackles on the day, two and half for a loss of 15-yards. Patrick Mooney had an interception in the third quarter that set up a Grizzlies score. Butler did not record a sack in the game compared to Iowa Western's nine sacks in the contest.

Next up for the Grizzlies is a big one, as their biggest rival Coffeyville Red Ravens come to El Dorado this weekend. It's another top 10 contest as the Ravens come in ranked 9th in the country with the Grizzlies currently sitting in 10th.