The Bulls (3-4, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) lost 37-27 to Eastern Michigan (2-4, 1-1 MAC) Saturday. Buffalo is now 0-3 on the road this season.
Stat rundown:
-Buffalo produced just 13 points on six red zone trips, courtesy of a fourth quarter touchdown and two field goals. The Bulls ended their other three red zone trips with a 27-yard field goal miss, an interception and a failed fourth and goal attempt.
-Eagles freshman quarterback Reggie Bell ran for more yards than Buffalo junior running back Anthone Taylor – who was coming off two games with more than 200 rushing yards. Bell ran for 202 yards and three scores despite not entering the game until the end of the first half.
-Buffalo outgained the Eagles 537 to 484 in total yards and held the ball for 34:29, but cost itself a victory with three red zone trips that failed to produce points and three turnovers.
-Junior wide receiver Ron Willoughby had his first 100-yard receiving game since Week One. Willoughby caught four passes for 103 yards, including a season long of 49 yards.
Turning point:
The Eagles took control of the game when Bell replaced Rob Bolden at quarterback. The Eagles outscored Buffalo 37-17 after Bell entered the game on Eastern Michigan’s final drive of the second half. The Bulls looked completely unprepared for the read option that Bell executed perfectly. Two of Bell’s rushing touchdowns went for more than 70 yards.
Another critical moment came with Buffalo on the Eagles’ 13-yard line trailing 16-13 in the third quarter. Junior quarterback Joe Licata could have given Buffalo the lead but he threw an interception. Eastern Michigan then continued with its 21 straight unanswered points.
When the game was lost:
Bell threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver David Gibson to give Eastern Michigan a 30-13 lead with a little over a 11 minutes remaining in the game. The play was set up by Bulls’ junior running back Devin Campbell’s fumble on the previous kickoff.
Buffalo Player of the Game:
Taylor again carried the load for Buffalo on offense. He failed produce his third consecutive 200-yard rushing performance, but it was his four straight game with more than 100 rushing yards. Taylor’s 109 first half rushing yards helped Buffalo gain a 10-0 lead.
Eastern Michigan Player of the Game:
Bell completely dominated the Bulls’ defense after he entered the game, producing 446 yards and four total touchdowns.
Quote of the game:
“Here is my overall thoughts: wasn’t good enough,” said head coach Jeff Quinn. “It was unacceptable.”
Next game:
The Bulls are on a much needed bye week next weekend. They host Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1 MAC) Oct. 25 at UB Stadium. Kickoff has yet to be determined.
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Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
