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The year was 1999 and Buffalo has just moved up from being a Division I-AA Independent team to a full fledged member of the Mid American Conference. And, in what became a tradition, the conference gave Buffalo a cross divisional game against the best team from the Western Division.
In those days it was Western Michigan, led by standout Quarterback Tim Lester. In four years lester threw for more than ten thousand yards and eighty touchdown. More than 400 of those yards came when the Bronco's welcomed UB to Kalamazoo. He also put up three touchdowns.
The Bulls struck first in the game when Scott Keller booted a 29-yard field goal with 2:00 left in the first quarter. Lester, however, led WMU to three straight second quarter scores as the Broncos captured a 21-3 lead before Buffalo responded.
Buffalo's Quarterback Joe Freedy finished 18-of-35 passing for 191 yards with an interception and a touchdown. Meanwhile future Buffalo Bill Drew Haddad, meanwhile, nine catches for 87 yards, going over 200 career receptions in his UB Career.
Western Michigan would go on to win the West and nearly upset undefeated Marshall in the MAC Championship. Unfortunately back in those days 8 wins, and a division title, were not enough to get a MAC team into a bowl game. The Bronco's surrendered a 23-0 lead over Marshall and with that their season ended.