UB 51, Akron 10
Game Analysis: Whew. Bulls continue to elevate their play at home. They controlled both lines of scrimmage. They got big plays from RB Branden Oliver and QB Chazz Anderson. LB Khalil Mack cast a menacing, disruptive presence. The Zips? They're a shambles. Akron's been outscored 121-16 the last three games.
Turning Point: Brandon Murie (Iroquois) set the rout in motion when he returned the opening kickoff 93 yards to the Akron 1. Branden Oliver plunged into the end zone on the next play.
Player of the Game: Oliver was electric as UB offensive line shredded the Zips. He set the UB single-game Division I-A record with 235 yards. He had another 38 yards in receptions. He found the end zone twice. He carried just once in the fourth quarter. Oh, and he picked up a blitzer to enable Anderson's second touchdown pass.
Stat of the Game I: Bulls reeled off 28 first down, giving them 61 in their last two home games.
Stat of the Game II: Oliver produced more yards from scrimmage (273) than Akron players combined (239).
He Said It: “The way he played today he might be one of the best running back we’ve played against because we’re still looking for ways to tackle him.”” – Akron coach Rob Ianello on Oliver.
What Was He Thinking?: Ianello used two timeouts to “ice” Buffalo kicker Patrick Clarke before a 26-yard FG attempt on the final play of the first half with UB already leading, 27-3.
In the House: 14,059 paid.
What It Means: Progress. Bulls are 3-8 overall, 2-5 in conference, a one-game improvement over last year on both counts with one game remaining.
Next Up: UB concludes regular season at noon on Black Friday when Lew-Port grad and former UB assistant Dave Clawson brings his Bowling Green Falcons to UB Stadium.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
College football | Mid-American Conference | University at Buffalo
