During the first half of the game, Harrison Butker twice missed field goals from well within his range that would have changed the complexion of the game entirely. The Jackets' third drive went for 9 plays and 26 yards, but ended with a missed field goal attempt of only 30 yards that would've made the score 7-3. Shortly before halftime, the Jackets again were in scoring position, and Butker missed on a 43-yard attempt that would have made it a 14-10 game. Instead of a 14-13 score at halftime, the Jackets trailed 14-7.
Not only did it change the score of the game, but a lack of trust in his kicker also affected Coach Johnson's decision later in the game on a fourth down and long from the Notre Dame 32-yard line.