The Bulls (3-3, 2-0 MAC) welcomed the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-5, 0-2 MAC) to UB Stadium for homecoming this past Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Buffalo came into the game as 10 point favorites and looking for a win after a close loss against the University of Connecticut. The Eagles came into this game looking to bounce back after consecutive conference losses.
The game started with back-to-back punts with both teams going 3 and out. Eastern Michigan's second drive of the game started at their own 1 yard line after a 57-yard punt from freshman punter Dylan Drennan. The Eagles then proceeded to go on an eight-play, 99-yard drive that was capped off by a 45-yard touchdown pass to put Eastern Michigan up 7-0. The Bulls responded quickly when sixth year quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson hit redshirt junior wide receiver Victor Snow on a slant for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at seven. The quarter ended with a missed 47-yard field goal from the Eagles and a punt from the Bulls.
The second quarter began with a slow Eastern Michigan touchdown drive ending with a 3-yard run and taking seven minutes off the clock. Buffalo fought back with a touchdown drive of their own that also lasted just under seven minutes. The drive ended when Roberson zipped a ball over the middle of the field to redshirt freshman Patrick Clacks III for six. Both teams failed to score for the rest of the quarter and headed into the second half tied 14-14.
A rough start from both teams saw three straight punts to start the quarter. The Eagles broke the second half scoring drought with a 38-yard touchdown pass that finished a 96- yard drive with three minutes left in the third quarter. Buffalo came right back with a touchdown drive of their own, with Snow making three men miss on his way to a 19-yard touchdown pass from Roberson, tying the game 21-21 just before the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter was sloppy from both teams, only managing one field goal each. The Eagles punted 5 times in the quarter while Buffalo lost a fumble, missed a field goal, and had a punt of their own before redshirt senior kicker Jack Howes drilled a 50-yard field goal with time expiring to force overtime.
Buffalo had the first possession of overtime. The Bulls scored from a Snow jet sweep that was good for nine yards and his third touchdown of the day for the lead. Eastern Michigan answered right back with a touchdown of their own, deciding to go for the 2-point conversion to win the game. The quarterback tried a shovel pass, which slipped out of his hands, allowing redshirt senior edge rusher Kobe Stewart pouncing on the ball, allowing Buffalo to win the game, 31-30.
The Bulls hope to build momentum after their bye when they travel to Amherst, Massachusetts to take on the UMass Minutemen on Saturday, October 18.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
