It's times like this that a fan can look for positives or negatives. I've decided to look for positives.
So I'm not going to focus on the poor game plan, which completely neglected to account for Toledo's strength at the interior line. I'm not going to rail on the coaching staff not getting enough players on the field for one of the Rocket touchdowns.
I'm also not going to rail on the dropped passes, the poor tackling, or the mess of a play the Bulls run near the end of the first half.
I'm going to put all of that to the side and say the Bull's proved they have no quit in them. When you're down 38-0 early in the third quarter generally you don't expect to be within ten points as the game closes out.
Losing is not the end of the world if you learn that your Quarterback can crank out 500 yards in a game.
In terms of decision making Licata played his worst half of football against Toledo. He rushed passes into coverage, completely bypassing a more open receiver several times. It was a very odd half for the Buffalo quarterback.
Licata's hallmark as a passer is his intelligence. He has been a great decision maker, especially for a sophomore. Early in the game Toledo got in his head and forced his poor play. For the first time this season Licata looked like a nervous Sophomore.
In the second half however, aided by a full back, Licata's head cleared and he set an all time UB Passing record.
Losing is not the end of the world when you see the future talent at wide receive that you've been looking for.
Boise Ross caught 5 passes for 54 yards. That's hardly a career day but it's the best this freshman has done so far. He ran clean routes and showed good hands. It's hopefully a modest beginning to what will be a spectacular career.
Losing is not the end of the world when you make great adjustments
In the second half Buffalo outscored Toledo 41-20. When you lose the first 31-0 most teams fold, or at best play even. The team showed a lot of character in last nights game.
Losing is not the end of the world when it does not effect your post season chances
Bowling Greens win means that had Buffalo won last night the season would have still come down to the Black Friday clash at the Ralph. Buffalo needs to shake off that first half
More importantly it's not the end of the world if a team that has been living dangerous for the first 30 minutes of every game gets burned this one time.
If the team gets it into their head that these disturbingly slow starts cost you dearly against good teams then they will be better for it.
It is ok to take the occasional punch in the chin if you come away with the experience with the instinct to duck or block next time.
No matter what happens against Miami next week, and regardless of what happens with Bowling Green and EMU the MAC East Championship will be determined in the final game against Bowling Green. And the Falcons are a team that can make you pay for a slow start.