Buffalo flexed its muscles against FCS foe Morgan State, dominating on the offensive end. The Bulls ran up and down the field at will, with an aerial assault and a pounding running attack to pummel the Bears.
Two players set new Buffalo FBS records on Saturday. Junior running back Branden Oliver torched the Morgan State defense, running to the tune of 238 yards on 25 carries. He was consistent, without any runs over 34 yards.
Oliver was not to be outdone, as junior wide receiver Alex Neutz also had a career day. The local product out of Grand Island High School snagged four touchdown passes, as he dominated the Bears' secondary.
Although the Bulls gave up 34 points to an FCS team, there were some positives. Junior linebacker Khalil Mack returned and made eight tackles, 3.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. But there will be work to be done as conference play begins.
Player of the Game
There were many players who we could attribute this to, but Neutz simply conquered the Bears on Saturday. He made Morgan State standout cornerback Joe Rankin look terrible, as he was powerless against Neutz when the ball was in the air. Aside from the four touchdowns, Neutz caught eight balls for 154 yards, all-single game records for the junior receiver.
Unsung Hero
The Bulls' offensive play calling was on point Saturday. Offensive coordinator Alex Wood had a masterful game plan and was aggressive with the play calling. The plays called near the end of the first half led the Bulls to muster two scores late to end the half with a 35-13 lead.
Bull Killer
Running back Travis Davidson had a field day against the Buffalo defense, rushing for 136 yards and a score. His running style made fools of the Buffalo defenders at times, as his shifty moves in between the tackles frustrated the Bulls. The home team survived this battle, but against tougher Mid-American Conference foes, this might come back to haunt them.
Turning point of the Game
After a 38-yard touchdown run by Davidson to bring the score to 28-13, the Bulls decided enough was enough. Two quick drives by the Buffalo offense, sandwiched between a three-and-out by the Buffalo defense shut the door on Morgan State near the end of the first half. Neutz caught both touchdown passes while climbing over the top of Bears defenders to snag in two of his four touchdown receptions.
He said what?
"He said: 'Man, if we didn't have all those penalties, we could have had like 300 [yards]!'"
-Oliver on what his dad thought of his record-setting performance against Morgan State
Looking ahead
Buffalo will have a little over a week to prepare for its conference opener against MAC East rival Kent State (1-1). The Golden Flashes come off of a 47-14 drubbing at the hands of Kentucky (1-1). They have a playmaker in Dri Archer, who is featured at running back, wide receiver and can return kicks. Archer has a 98-yard kick return for a touchdown already on his resume this season.
Kickoff for the game on Wednesday, Sept.19 will be at 7 p.m.
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Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
