UB 42, Ball State 24 - Final
UB was not even supposed to be here, nothing more than charming foil for Ball State’s assault on perfection. But with their defense forcing the Mid-American Conference’s Player of the Year, Nate Davis, into two critical fumbles, UB produced one of the biggest upsets in college football this season, beating previous undefeated and No. 12 ranked Ball State, 42-24, in the MAC Championship Game Friday night at Ford Field.
---Rodney McKissic
As a Buffalo area native and resident, and UB alum, it was an incredible feeling watching a nationally televised game in which a city sports team won a big game so convincingly. As the Niagara County Bureau Chief for The News, it also was great to watch James Starks have another great game. Both the Bulls and the Syracuse University men's basketball team are better off for their Falls' recruits these days. Good luck Bulls in the International Bowl, and thanks for such a memorable season.
Posted by: Scott Scanlon | December 07, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Great job Bulls all of us Husker fan congratulate you and Turner Gill a class act.
Posted by: husker fan in Pa | December 06, 2008 at 09:50 PM
As I posted in another UB Football blog here... God bless Turner Gill!
A man of character... but, as opposed to the other "coaches of character" in the Buffalo pro scene, this man demands his players to get the job done, and done right.
As Snoopy would say in the comics on Vets Day, let's quaff down a few root beers in praise and thanks for Mr. Gill and UB Football, and that they kick butt in TO when the International Bowl comes up.
SKOL!
Posted by: Lloyd Marshall, Jr. | December 06, 2008 at 09:50 PM
In Turner Gill's first season, when I wrote to him as an alumnus an congratulated him, he wrote right back and I've attended every home game since. Let's also look at the whole picture, which shows what the other local schools are doing wrong. John Simpson, President, had Gene Corrigan do an entire review of US intercollegiate athletics. That, and John Simpson's open mind in bring in Ward Manuel showed he was about both quality, and winning, without bias. It starts at the top, ladies and gentlemen. We fans, and students and alums did our bit, and can do a lot more. But the other local schools have middling to little such growth and success because they do not have the committment and tolerate medicority. My degree from UB means even more in national terms today. Thank you John, Ward, and Turner.
Now, get smart, Canisius, St. Bonaventure, and Niagara.
Posted by: David,Amherst | December 06, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Husker fan here in KC saying 'congratulations' to the Bulls on a great win last night! As a kid, Turner Gill was a hero of mine, not only for his exploits on the field, but for his class and integrity off it. The man is a winner in every sense of the word, and it's great to see him bring that winning spirit to Buffalo. Good luck in Toronto! Husker Nation will be rooting you on...
Posted by: DJHusker | December 06, 2008 at 05:52 PM
From all the North Carolina Cornhuskers, CONGRATULATIONS TURNER, COACHING STAFF, AND PLAYERS. Much continued success, you have many fans in North Carolina.
Posted by: NCHUSKER | December 06, 2008 at 03:04 PM
As a two time Alumnus ('96, '03) of UB, I am proud of the team for many reasons. First of all, for doing what no one else thought we could, and winning a game against a strong opponent. More importantly, they showcased UB in a positive way academically with the 30 second blurbs I am accustomed to seeing from schools with a lesser academic reputation. Finally, the proudest part is that the team is comprised oh high-character people, from head coach to players. I don't hear about UB players slapping their girlfriends, doing drugs, or cheating on classes. I am not saying they are all choir boys, but if Turner Gill makes these young men into Alumni that we can all be proud of as people, then that's the greatest reward. Games will come and go, but being an Alum is a lifetime.
Posted by: Rich Quodomine | December 06, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Congrats to the University of Buffalo fans, players, and coaches. Yet another Husker fan excited to see one of our greatest finding success with you guys. Turner Gill is an exceptional man and an exceptional coach. I recently moved to central NY, and would love to catch a game of yours next season. Anyway, Husker Nation has been following your season this year, and we wish you success in your bowl game! Kick some Big East butt!
Posted by: HuskerGirl | December 06, 2008 at 01:42 PM
I just want all of the Buffalo fans to know you have an entire state in the middle of the country who loves your coach and team as much as you! I don't think anyone in Nebraska has EVER had a reason to have 2 teams. Now we have 2 teams to cheer for in bowl games. Congrats to the team, the coaches, the fans, and the entire Buffalo community. You got a good one and I loathe the day where we have to see Coach Gill on the opposite sideline.
GO BULLS!
GO BIG RED!
Posted by: Husker | December 06, 2008 at 01:17 PM
From a Husker fan, congratulations to Coach Gill and his team. There is no one with more integrity and decency than Turner Gill--and he's a heck of a coach, too. We wish he and his team much success!
Posted by: skerfan | December 06, 2008 at 01:09 PM
As a Nebraskan, we know you've got a great one in Coach Gill. He is loved by all in Cornhusker Nation. He's a keeper. Good luck in the future, Bulls.
Posted by: teamster | December 06, 2008 at 12:47 PM
It was also great to see two local high school graduates star in this game. It was also inspiring to hear the ESPN announcers talk about Turner Gill's real mission in life to touch the hearts and minds of young men through the athletic program. Coaching football was his means to this end.
Posted by: Don H | December 06, 2008 at 11:52 AM
JUst awesome, very proud to be from Buffalo.
To Turner and all of the coaches, the players, every one of them, the administration, thank you for an exciting season. Thank you WECK for letting me listen to the net simulcast, for a few hours 12 times, I forgot I live in south Florida, the land of rude!
GO BULLS, GO BULLS!!!!
Posted by: Sniper | December 06, 2008 at 10:31 AM
What a fabulous victory for UB! What a difference those two fumble returns (especially Newton's) made...a definite 14-point swing there and a probable 14-point swing on the other.
Turner Gill and his staff, and above all the players, are to be commended for turning UB football from laughingstock to MAC champions. Their road to this title has been fun to follow. And I'm very happy that they have made the dream of the '58 UB squad a reality -- yes, the Bulls are GOING TO and WILL PLAY in a bowl game, unconditionally!. The proximity to Toronto should result in a large blue-shirted crowd.
It's been a memorable 2008 for WNY football (well, the Bills excepted for their play the last month). Four state high school champions from Section VI, and now a MAC title from UB to boot.
Posted by: Greg | December 06, 2008 at 08:10 AM
YEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
WE ARE UB!!!!
Buffalo was rocking tonight!!!
Can't wait to watch the highlights tomorrow!!!
See you in Toronto!!!!
Posted by: ubbulls08 | December 06, 2008 at 04:21 AM
As a fan of Turner here in Nebraska, we could not be any more proud of anybody than we are of him right now. He has shown this much class and character in his beliefs in his entire playing and coaching career. He may not win, but he should have very high consideration for coach of the year.
Posted by: Husker Fan | December 06, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Wow, what a great job. Congratulations to Turner Gill, Jimmy Williams and the players that played their hearts out!
Posted by: Gman | December 06, 2008 at 01:16 AM
MAJOR kudos to Turner Gill and his band of young men. We watched the end of the game at a local rink and EVERYONE was cheering like it was the Superbowl.
I was told by a colleague earlier in the year about Turner Gill, and tonight, after the game, his classiness and honor showed thru.
Thanks UB!!!!
Posted by: Andy H | December 06, 2008 at 12:57 AM