With a 2-8 record coming into today’s contest against the Akron Zips, the University at Buffalo Bull’s football season had not gone the way the team, or head coach Jeff Quinn would have liked. They were able to put the past ten games behind them today as they played inspired football and played their best game of the season as they were able to pick up an impressive 51-10 win. This was the first time the Bulls put up 50 points in a game since 1992. The game started off fast as Brandon Murie returned the opening kickoff 93 yards down to the Akron one yard line. That was followed by a quick one yard score by Brandon Oliver which made the score 7-0. Quinn said of that kickoff return, “I knew at that point, our kids were ready to play.”
The Bulls were far from done there as they quickly forced an Akron three and out. They then drove down the field in less than four minutes for a 9 play, 77 yard drive which was capped off by a ten yard touchdown pass from Chazz Anderson to Fred Lee. This was a common theme for the Bulls as their average scoring drive of the game was only 2 minutes and 54 seconds.
Brandon Oliver had a big day for UB as he rushed for 71 yards in the first quarter and 131 total in the first half. He added 4 receptions for 38 yards as well in that half. He ended the game with 235 yards on 29 carries, setting a new single game rushing record for the University. He broke the old record set by James Starks in 2007 when he rushed for 231 in a game against Toledo. “When you call his number, you just don’t even know what’s going to happen” said Quinn. “He just inspires you, and creates a positive energy on our sidelines.”
Efficient football was the best way to describe the Bulls today. They were able to score quickly and often all day and added multiple big stops on defense as they allowed 239 total yards, and only 85 in the first half.
Quarterback Chazz Anderson had a solid game for the Bulls throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He was helped by the running game today as it opened up the field for him to complete passes to seven different wide receivers. “When you run the ball effectively, you open it up for quick passes” said Anderson. The offensive line was helpful to Anderson and Oliver as the protection was great all day.
With all of the yards and touchdowns today, the defenses’ play may be overlooked, but it shouldn’t. They were active all day creating havoc as they got to the quarterback three times, had eight tackles for loss, and had one forced fumble. Sophomore standout linebacker, Khalil Mack in specific had a terrific game with two sacks, five total tackles, three of which were for a loss, and a forced fumble. Coach Quinn said of Mack’s performance; “That’s the Khalil I love… and I look forward to seeing him play next week.”
Maybe the most underrated part of today’s performance for Buffalo was the kicking of true freshman Patrick Clarke. Clarke recently replaced Peter Fardon after multiple weeks of heartbreaking losses with missed field goals and extra points. Clarke was 3-3 on field goals today as he made lengths of 26, 41, and 49. He was perfect on extra points as well and he looks like a find for Coach Quinn in the future.
The Bulls will finish their season out next Friday at home when they host Bowling Green at noon. They will look to play the same style of football next week as they will hope to carry this momentum further and into next season.
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