KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The University at Buffalo football team did its best to hang with Western Michigan, but the 14th-ranked Broncos were just too much for the Bulls, winning 38-0 on a snowy and blustery afternoon at Waldo Stadium.
The Bulls were heavy underdogs entering the game, but no one told the UB defense. Buffalo played inspired defense in the first half. The Bulls held the Broncos off the scoreboard in the first quarter – just the second time this season WMU was held scoreless in a quarter. Buffalo only trailed Western Michigan 14-0 at the half.
However, the Broncos’ offense overpowered the Bulls in the second half. Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell was an impressive 29-of-37 for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Corey Davis, closing in on the all-time NCAA record for career receiving yards, finished with 13 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulls did do a good job of stopping the run. UB held Jarvion Franklin, ranked second in the MAC in rushing, to 76 yards.
Though shutout, UB’s offense showed signs of efficiency. The Bulls were able to move the ball into Western Michigan territory six times on 13 possessions, but their drives ultimately stalled.
Grant Rohach got the start at quarterback for the injured Tyree Jackson. Making only his second start for the Bulls, the graduate transfer finished 12-of-22 for 140 yards.
Jordan Johnson rushed for 95 yards in the game and moved past O.D. Underwood (1986-87) for sixth in school history in career rushing. Mason Schreck was the Bulls’ top receiver with five catches for 57 yards.
The UB defense was led by linebacker Ishmael Hargrove who had a career-high 15 tackles and a forced fumble. Safety Tim Roberts had nine tackles and cornerback Cameron Lewis and linebacker Jarrett Franklin each had six.
“Our execution wasn’t where it should be for us to have a chance to beat a team like this,” head coach Lance Leipold said. “I thought our defense played extremely well in the first half. They played their hearts out – played hard. But you could see the talent they have at their skill positions, their explosiveness at multiple spots made it difficult for us.”
Prior to the game, ESPN College Gameday was live from Western Michigan’s campus – just the second time ever the show originated from a MAC school.
The 2-9 Bulls will close the 2016 campaign at Bowling Green on Friday.
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