Buffalo Edges Out Eagles In OT
Homecoming fireworks lit up the sky as the UB Bulls won in OT heading into the second half of their 25-26 season.
UB (2-3, 1-0 MAC) looked to turn around a disappointing home record of 1-2 and gain important MAC ground against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-4, 0-1 MAC). The back-and-forth battle was riddled with penalties and questionable calls by the officials, but ultimately UB was able to overcome the obstacles to take the game in OT 31-30.
The opening drives were defensive battles, where UB initially held EMU’s run game to a standstill, and the Bulls’ offense was stymied on a few aggressive pass attempts.
The Eagles recalibrated and opened the score by leaning on their rush game, scoring on a 45yd pass to Senior wide receiver Nick Devereux. UB responded by scoring on a 75yd deep strike to Victor Snow. The Red Shirt Junior wide receiver was wide open on the left side of the field thanks to a tricky fake handoff behind the line of scrimmage.
After several other misses and bloopers, some from the officials, Bulls’ Senior safety Jalen McNair was disqualified from the game for Targeting Defenseless Receiver – the Eagles’ top wide receiver, Junior Benson Prosper.
Defensive woes continued in the second quarter, as UB gave up costly yardage on pass interference calls and powerful rush plays. EMU scored to cap off several minutes of uninterrupted possession.
Freshman backup QB Jason Wright entered the game looking to run the ball forward. A few deep balls from the starting QB Ta’Quan Robinson drew game-changing pass interference penalties from a confused EMU defense. A bullet down-the-middle pass to red shirt Freshman wide receiver Patrick Clacks III tied the game up going into the half.
The back-and-forth and defensive errors continued in the second half for both teams. EMU capitalized on an early 4th down conversion and the scrambling legs of their QB on a closely officiated play that saw the receiver reestablish and run in for a TD. UB answered by forcing a pass interference call to open up another Victor Snow touchdown drive and close the 3rd quarter.
Excitement became the name of the game after EMU forced a UB fumble, recovered by Junior nose tackle Warren-Stevens Tayou in the red zone. Then it was their turn to lose the ball in a crucial play and settle for a field goal to take the lead. UB was unable to tie on a missed field goal attempt, but kept hope alive for one final drive. A missed deep ball opportunity was rescued by a scramble from UB’s 6th-year QB, and a monster 50-yard Field Goal from red shirt Senior Jack Howes.
Overtime at UB Stadium saw the lights come on and Victor Snow score his 3rd TD of the game. EMU QB Noah Kim extended the overtime drive with a scramble out of bounds. A strong run by Senior running back Tavierre Dunlap had him dragging two UB defenders down to the 4 yard line. One more scramble from EMU’s Graduate QB carried the Eagles into the end zone and within 1 point of the home team. UB Stadium held its breath in the fading light as EMU attempted a 2-point conversion. Red shirt Senior edge Kobe Stewart recovered EMU’s fumbled ball to hold them to no additional points and seal the victory.
UB will enjoy a bye next week, then hit the road to take on UMass (0-6, 0-2 MAC) on October 18th. They return home on October 25th to host Akron (2-4, 1-1 MAC). Next month they will open MACtion on November 19th at Miami (OH) (3-3, 2-0 MAC).
