On Wednesday night, Bulls football (5-5, 4-2 MAC) fell to in-conference opponent Central Michigan University (6-4, 4-2 MAC). This puts the Bulls standing in fifth place on the Mid Athletic Conference (MAC) table, sharing the same in-conference record as four other MAC opponents.
Buffalo began the scoring early in the first, after sixth-year nickel cornerback Solomon Brown reached over a Central Michigan receiver for an interception and returned it 43 yards. Redshirt senior kicker Jack Howes slotted a 29-yard field goal to put the Bulls up 3-0. Momentum quickly shifted when sixth-year quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson threw a pick-six that was returned 48 yards to put Central Michigan ahead.
In the second quarter, Roberson briefly redeemed himself with a 55-yard touchdown pass to redshirt junior wide receiver Nik McMillan, briefly giving UB a 10-7 lead. Right before halftime the Chippewas answered with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to put the Chippewas up 14–10 going into the break.
The third quarter saw both teams swap field goals before the Chippewas scored on a 75-yard dime that stretched their lead to 24-13. Buffalo’s offense continued to move the ball, but turnovers and missed chances ended drives.
The fourth quarter put the nail in the coffin after a fumble by the Bulls was returned 85 yards for a touchdown, and the Chippewas added another passing score to go up 38-13. Redshirt senior quarterback Gunnar Gray, who replaced Roberson late, led a 13-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 26-yard touchdown to McMillan with under two minutes left.
Despite the 38-19 final, Buffalo outgained the Chippewas 398 to 358 and had more first downs — 19 to 17. McMillan was a bright spot on offense with 122 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced two interceptions and held the Chippewas to just two third down conversions. Five total turnovers ultimately sealed the fate of the bulls.
You can catch the bulls back in action on Nov. 19th against the University of Miami (OH) at home. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. at the UB Stadium.
Ciah Courtney is the assistant sports editor and can be reached ciah.courtney@ubspectrum.com
