Three Heroes - The UMass Game

The premise is simple: when we win, I praise our heroes, when we lose I criticize our goats. Take any praise in stride, lest we get a big head. Take any criticism with a grain of salt, this is how we learn.

3)The Special Teams guys: Well the Mayans were right. We might have lost this game if it wasn't for Special Teams. The blocked punt returned 33 yards by Kyndal Minniefield gave UB their first points of the game. I'll give them a pass for the almost muffed safety/TD play late in the game.

2) Brandon Murie: A lot of attention went to Jean after his surprising performance, but I want to recognize Murie. Murie carried 16 times for 90 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. It was against UMass, so you wonder what BO or Campbell would have done against that defense. That thought aside, Murie put in a solid effort and did not turn the ball over, putting Buffalo in the position to win.

1) Khalil Mack: The feature back finally had a disruptive game. His 15 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks kept Buffalo in the game as they struggled to find offensive rhythm. Then when Buffalo took the lead, the defense turned up the pressure, giving UMass the sense of desperate panic that makes a 3 point deficit feel like a 30-point deficit.