2018 College Football Team Previews: Butler Bulldogs

Butler Buldogs
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Coach: Jeff Voris (70-65)
Stadium: Butler Bowl (Capacity: 7,500)

CSJ Projections:
7th: Pioneer League
7th: Indiana
114th: FCS
244th: Division I

2017 In A Sentence: A pretty good 6-5 record established Voris’ senior-heavy team, though their 38-26 season-ending loss to in-state rival Valparaiso at home put a damper on the end results.

Biggest Shoes to Fill: You could pick any number of Butler defenders here, but DE Josh Willis‘ 11 tackles for loss, including 6 1/2 sacks, is a pretty good place to start. Only four defensive players return with significant experience.

Key Player: WR Pace Temple was a huge factor in the Bulldog offense, gaining 1,075 yards on the season and averaging 16 yards a reception. He’ll need to continue to be QB Will Marty‘s go-to target for Butler to repeat and expand on their 2017 success.

Fearless Prediction: The continuity on offense gives Butler a chance to take a step towards Pioneer League Football title contention, but their defense will have to pull it together awfully fast for them to have a shot.