The Bulls (0-1, 0-0 MAC) held their season opening game against Big Ten’s Minnesota last Thursday. Entering the game as 16.5 point underdogs, the odds were stacked against UBs defense. Despite giving an inspired performance, the offense wasn't able to keep up with Minnesota down the stretch, leading to the Bulls dropping 23-10 in their first game of the year.
The first quarter was all about defense, as Buffalo was able to keep Minnesota scoreless. The Golden Gophers were stifled by the Bulls strong run defense, causing them to punt or turnover on downs several times throughout the first. The Bulls offense was unable to capitalize off these situations, gaining a net total of -1 yards the entire first quarter as Minnesota seemed ready for every play.
At the very start of the second quarter, Minnesota was able to cross the goal line when their quarterback floated a pass to their tight end's hands for the score. Buffalo’s first drive of the second ended in another punt, but their defense was about to gift them with excellent field position. After another long drive by Minnesota’s offense, they were looking to extend their lead to double digits. Minnesota had possession when their tight end slipped on the turf and fell. In the scramble to get up off the ground, the ball bounced off of his leg, right into the outstretched arms of graduate linebacker Mitchell Gonser. Gonser ran the interception to Minnesota’s 23 yard line, a return of 54 yards. This set Buffalo up for an easy field goal that Minnesota matched to end the half with a score of 10-3.
Minnesota opened the second half with another long drive down the field, leaning on their pass game to march down the field. They were held to a field goal, making the score 13-3. Buffalo’s offense finally came alive, pulling off a nine play, 75 yard drive on the back of a string of excellent passes by senior Ta’Quan Roberson. The drive was capped off by a 40 yard dime to redshirt junior receiver Victor Snow, making the score 13-10 early in the 3rd quarter.
The teams exchanged punts for the next two drives of the game, with neither team able to get much going on offense. At 11:31 in the fourth quarter, Minnesota tacked on a field goal to extend their lead to 16-10. Buffalo were unable to respond, not gaining a single yard after three straight incompletions. Minnesota only took one play to crush any hope that the Bulls had of a comeback. Their quarterback slid out of the pressure caused by Buffalo’s blitz, and found his wide receiver for a 60 yard pass where he walked into the end zone untouched. After this long touchdown Buffalo’s offense stalled again. Minnesota got the ball back and went on a 16 play drive to bleed the clock down to triple zeroes and end the game with a score of 23-10.
Buffalo (0-1, 0-0 MAC) will look to rebound this Saturday when they face off against Saint Francis (0-1, 0-0 NEC) at 3:30 pm in the home opener at UB Stadium.
Drew Heckman is an assistant sports editor and can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
