A three-point favorite going into the game, the Buffalo Bulls proved that they are suddenly a force to be reckoned with in the Mid-American Conference.
Taking advantage of great field position in the first quarter, the Bulls took a large first quarter lead and did not look back, defeating the Toledo Rockets 43-33 at UB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win improved the Bulls' record in the MAC to 3-1 and to 3-4 overall, the first time the program has won three games since 2001. It also marked the first time the Bulls had ever beaten Toledo in Division I-A play.
The Bulls got off and running early as sophomore wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt returned the opening kick for 35 yards. Two plays later, sophomore running back James Starks took an option pitch from junior quarterback Drew Willy for a 45-yard touchdown run. Buffalo's first score was just 23 seconds into the game.
Starks finished the game with a career-high 231 yards rushing on 34 carries. The rushing total was the third highest in school history and the first time a Buffalo running back has gone over 200 yards since 1996.
"The offense wanted to start out fast," said junior wide receiver Ernest Jackson. "We came out fast and we finished and were able to execute."
The defense also was very effective early in the game. Toledo (2-5, 0-3 MAC) lost three yards on their first possession and was forced to punt deep in their own zone. On the punt attempt, the Rockets punter Brett Kern fumbled the snap and senior wide receiver Simon Manka tackled Kern at the Toledo nine-yard line.
On the next play, Starks rushed into the end zone, putting Buffalo ahead 14-0 just 2:10 into the game.
Toledo responded with a 26-yard field goal, but the Bulls were not finished yet. With 4:18 remaining in the quarter, Willy would connect on a 75-yard touchdown pass with Jackson. The play was a career-best for both Bulls and was the longest play from the line of scrimmage for Buffalo this season.
Buffalo would continue to add to their lead before the quarter ended. Will found Roosevelt for a 34-yard pass with 17 seconds remaining. Roosevelt fumbled in the end zone but recovered to put the Bulls up 28-3. The touchdown grab was Roosevelt's first of the season. The 28 points scored by the Bulls in the quarter was the most by the team since moving up to Division I-A in 1999.
"Coach (Turner) Gill did a good job of mixing pass with run," Willy said. "We took some deep shots and attacked the secondary and our receivers made some great plays."
The defense also wanted to contribute to all the scoring in the game. Senior linebacker Larry Hutchinson sacked the Rockets quarterback in the end zone for a safety, giving Buffalo a 30-10 lead early in the second quarter.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
