The Toledo Rockets entered Saturday’s matchup averaging 42 points per game.
Against Buffalo, the Rockets managed just eight.
Buffalo football (3-3, 1-1 MAC) defeated Toledo (4-2, 1-1) 23-8 at the Glass Bowl, securing its first Mid-American Conference victory of the season after falling to the Western Michigan Broncos the previous week.
Head coach Pete Lembo recognized the challenge his defense faced against one of the conference's most productive offenses.
“They’re averaging 42 points a game, 485 yards a game in total offense, and 200 yards rushing a game,” Lembo said during a press conference on Oct. 6.
Buffalo answered that challenge by holding Toledo scoreless through three quarters. The Rockets finished with 308 total yards, including 105 rushing yards, and converted just three of their 14 third-down attempts.
Sophomore kicker Oliver Hautanen opened the scoring with back-to-back field goals, putting Buffalo in a 6-0 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, sophomore defensive lineman Christopher Climes forced a fumble from Toledo’s quarterback which senior linebacker Zach Bergmann recovered. Sophomore quarterback Jason Wright took it from there in a three-yard rushing touchdown, extending Buffalo’s lead to 13-0 by halftime.
The Bulls forced yet another turnover in the third quarter when senior defensive end Sedrick Vessah recorded a strip sack; recovered by senior nickelback SaVeon Brown. Buffalo would capitalize with another field goal from Hautanen, extending its lead to 16-0.
Brown also led the team with tackles with 11.
Despite Buffalo’s defensive success, the Rockets remained close as they scored a touchdown with 4:45 remaining. A successful two-point conversion cut the Bulls’ lead to 16-8.
The Rockets’ comeback attempt lasted just 15 seconds, however.
On Buffalo’s next offensive play, senior running back Messiah Burch broke free for an 87-yard touchdown, restoring the Bulls’ two-possession lead. After Toledo muffed the ensuing kickoff, the Bulls ran out the clock.
Buffalo’s win snapped Toledo’s nine-game home winning streak and brought the Bulls back to .500.
Burch finished with 137 rushing yards on 17 carries, recording his third straight 100-yard game.
Jason Wright threw for 171 yards and added 20 more with his legs. It was also his second consecutive game without a turnover.
Following the victory, Lembo praised his team’s ability to close out the game — something Buffalo struggled with in its previous matchup.
“Two weeks ago, we didn’t finish in the fourth quarter against Western Michigan,” Lembo said during Tuesday’s press conference. “In this game, we definitely finished.”
The Bulls return to Broadview Stadium this Saturday for a clash with the UMass Minutemen (4-2, 1-2 MAC). Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
Will Meyer is the senior sports editor and can be reached at will.meyer@ubspectrum.com.
Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
