Bulls Lose Nation-Leading 17th Consecutive Game in Blowout

OXFORD, Ohio - The final box score read Miami (OH) 59, Buffalo 3, but the blame cannot be put on just one player.

The Bulls (0-7, 0-3 MAC) can take pride in the fact that they did not get beat by Heisman hopeful Ben Roethlisberger alone, as the RedHawks used a complete team effort to win by the amazing means that they did and extend Buffalo's losing streak to a nation-leading 17.

Nevertheless, the score still reads an ugly, ugly, ugly 59-3.

"UB was thoroughly dominated in the football game by Miami in all phases," said Bulls' head coach Jim Hofher. "Defensively, offensively, and in special teams, clearly in special teams. Miami caused us to play as poorly as we did because they have a terrific football team, and a very complete football team."

A big, loud homecoming crowd of 23,683 left Yager Stadium happy on Saturday. Miami punt returner Ryne Robinson highlighted a record-breaking day as he took back two kicks for touchdowns.

On UB's second punt of the day, Robinson avoided the first two defenders, made his way to the sidelines and sprinted the rest of the way untouched. The 86-yard return put the RedHawks (5-1, 2-0 MAC) up 14-0.

Miami's defense then forced the Bulls to give the ball right back after a three and out. On the ensuing punt, Robinson used patience and great blocks to split the gap where he found himself one on one with punter Dominic Milano. The helpless punter managed to get a hand on Robinson but he sped by him all the way to the end zone. With a total 237 yards on six returns, the freshman receiver broke the MAC record for return yards in a game. He also tied the record for touchdown returns in a game.

"He's a dynamic punt returner and Miami's punt return team which is 11 guys, made it possible for one guy to be so elusive and productive," said Hofher.

When Buffalo's offense finally got the ball back, Miami's front four forced quarterback P.J. Piskorik to pass too early, which resulted in cornerback Darrell Hunter 's first career interception. The turnover put the RedHawks right into scoring position.

Roethlisberger needed just two passes to get to the Bulls five-yard line where kicker Jared Parseghian connected on a 22-yard field goal to give the RedHawks a 24-0 lead to end the first quarter.

The second quarter continued the same way for Miami. Receiver R.J. Corbin caught three passes to set up Miami's two touchdown drives. The first was a six-yard pass from Roethlisberger to Michael Larkin. Martin Nance caught an 11-yard pass for the second.

A Miami block on Milano's punt put the RedHawks in prime scoring position. From Buffalo's five yard line Roethlisberger used no time in hooking with Cal Murray for the score, to go into halftime 38-0.

Roethlisberger would finish the day 18-24 for 234 yards and four touchdowns.

Piskorik did look better in the third quarter as the Bulls took the ball 60 yards before two penalties stalled the offensive spark. On the drive Piskorik hooked up with Ohio native Matt Knueven four times for 44 yards.

"Offensively we just couldn't get it going for whatever reason. That's on us," said Knueven.

Piskorik finished the game completing 11 of 23 passes for 86 yards with one interception.

During the fourth quarter, running back Dave Dawson broke a couple tackles and ended up going 55 yards before being chased down from behind. Dawson's 104 yards on 13 carries marked the second time this season that he has gone over 100 yards.

The run set up UB's only score, when kicker Dallas Pelz capped off the eight-play 74-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal.

The Bulls could have used offensive lineman Tim Schmidt who did not make the road trip due to an injury. The line didn't give Piskorik adequate protection. He was sacked three times and hurried twice on the day. Miami's defense contained the running of Aaron Leeper. The sophomore managed just 45 yards on 18 carries, most of which came on runs where he was forced to run outside of his tackles.

UB's defense didn't get much done up front, which gave Roethlisberger plenty of time to find the open receiver which wore the secondary down. The Bulls' linebackers were plenty busy as well. J.J. Gibson and Bryan Cummings racked up 12 and eight tackles respectively.

Buffalo's offense will try to come back to life when they host Marshall at 1 p.m. on this homecoming Saturday in UB Stadium.