Bulls defeat Spartans 36-7 behind a dominant defensive performance

The football team allowed a 68-yard touchdown pass that tied the game at seven with 10:15 remaining in the first quarter.

The next Norfolk State completion was a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Isaac White with 14:01 left in the fourth quarter -

41 minutes later with Buffalo leading 36-7.

The Buffalo defense allowed only three completions, the fewest since joining Division-I in 1999, as the Bulls (2-2) defeated Norfolk State (0-4), 36-7 Saturday at UB Stadium in front 21,139 fans.

“Overall, just a solid performance,” said head coach Jeff Quinn. “There was just that one early play that gave [Norfolk State] seven points. I thought we had a very solid plan and the kids executed extremely well.”

The Bulls’ offense scored quickly when junior quarterback Joe Licata connected on a 92-yard play action touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Devon Hughes less than five minutes into the game.

Hughes split the Spartans’ defense at the Buffalo 27-yard line and went untouched the rest of the way. Hughes’ two touchdowns and 120 yards were both career-highs. It was also the longest touchdown pass in program history, breaking an 18-year-old record of 91 yards.

“I threw [Hughes] a simple post route and he did the rest of the work and took it to the house,” Licata said. “It was fun to throw the ball 15 yards and watch another guy do all of the work.”

The Spartans did not take long to retaliate. Norfolk State’s first play from scrimmage after the Buffalo score was a 68-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Terrance Ervin to White that tied the game. After the score, the Bulls’ defense did not allow a score for the remainder of the game.

“After [the 68-yard touchdown,] the mentality on the sideline wasn’t anger toward each other, but anger toward not doing what we know we can do,” said senior linebacker Jake Stockman. “That kind of lights a little fuel under butt. We got after them after that.”

Licata opened the game 6 of 6 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. It was part of a record-breaking first half for Licata, who, with a 9-yard completion to junior running back Anthone Taylor, passed former quarterback Chad Salisbury for fifth all-time in program history for passing yards. He also moved into a tie with former quarterback Cliff Scott for third place for touchdown passes (43).

“Personally, [the records] don’t mean anything to me,” Licata said. “Maybe years down the road it will mean something to me, but right now there’s only one thing I’m concerned with and that’s getting a ring on my finger.”

Licata did not play the fourth quarter because of Buffalo’s lead and finished 13 of 24 for 229 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also ran for a one-yard touchdown on a third-and-goal play in the third quarter.

Junior wide receiver Ron Willoughby finished with four receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior running back Anthone Taylor totaled 116 yards on 28 carries. Sophomore running back Jordan Johnson finished with 41 yards on nine carries before leaving the game in the second quarter due to an apparent knee injury. Quinn said the team is going to re-examine his knee in the upcoming days.

Buffalo’s defense was dominant throughout the game. The unit was responsible for 10 tackles for losses and three sacks in what was the lowest scoring and yardage output by a Buffalo opponent this season. The defense also caused a season-high five three-and-outs.

Senior safety Adam Redden finished with a team-high six tackles and forced a fumble at the beginning of the third quarter that helped further Buffalo’s lead.

Sophomore defensive lineman Max Perisse and senior linebacker Lee Skinner both added a sack and four tackles each.

After allowing 46 points per game in the first three games, Buffalo allowed just one score Saturday and held the Spartans to 215 yards. The defensive turnaround came down to one factor, according to Stockman.

“Execution,” Stockman said. “Going into [Mid-American Conference] play [next week,] it was huge being able to go out there with a game plan and being able to execute it very well.”

Despite the Bulls’ 29-point victory, Quinn said there is room for his team to improve.

“You’re never where you want to be being 2-2,” Quinn said. “You want to be 4-0. Period. End of story. At this point, we’re not going to live in the past. We’re going to learn and get better.”

The Bulls begin MAC play next week when they host Miami Ohio (0-4) Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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