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99 for 99 takes a look at the 99 biggest moments in UB Football history in anticipation of the 99th Season of UB Football which begins on September 1st, 2012. These moments are not in any order, however the top 10 moments have been saved for last.
1978-79 - Jim Rodriguez and Gary Quatrani become UB's most explosive duo.
The 1978 season was the first full slate of games for UB football since canceling the program in 1970. Welcoming Buffalo back, were two dynamic playmakers: Quarterback Jim Rodriguez and Wide Receiver Gary Quatrani.
September 23, 1978: Buffalo 35, Brockport 31 - UB gets first win since Halloween 1970.
On the first play from scrimmage Quatrani lined up at tight end. The defense did not take note of this, until Quatrani was already blazing past them. Rodriguez hit Quatrani for a touchdown. Despite the perfect start, it looked like another game would slip away from the Bulls. Down 31-28 late in the 4th quarter, Rodriguez found Quatrani again for a touchdown and UB secured the 35-31 win.
November 14, 1978
Buffalo 25, Coast Guard 29 - Rodriguez and Quatrani set records
In a losing effort Rodriguez completed a UB record 30 passes, 10 to Quatrani who also broke a UB record with 196 receiving yards. Rodriguez also set a UB record, throwing for 417 passing yards. Quatrani’s record stands as the third best output by a receiver in UB history. Rodriquez's 30 completions and 417 passing yards in this game each stand as the fifth best in UB history.
November 11, 1978 Buffalo 12, Alfred 20 - Quatrani Doesn't Cool Off
After starting 0-2, Buffalo got hot and went 3-1. Unfortunately UB cooled off finishing the season with three straight losses, but Quatrani never cooled off. In the season finale, Quatrani caught 12 more balls for 137 yards. A week after setting the yardage record, Quatrani's 12 grabs set the record for receptions in a game, which currently is tied for the third most in a game in UB history.
9/15/79 Buffalo 9, John Carroll 3 - Rodriguez and Quatrani Go Long
Rodriguez and Quatrani continued the fireworks in 1979. In a low scoring game, the duo scored the games only touchdown in record-setting fashion. Rodriguez and Quatrani hooked up for a 89 yard touchdown pass, making it the longest reception in UB history. The record stood for 17 years, and then stood as the second longest pass play for another 15 years; finally knocked down to #3 last year by Chazz Anderson's 90 yard screen pass to Ed Young versus Ohio.
Jim Rodriguez finished his career second all-time in career touchdowns, (now ninth) and first all-time in passing yards (now eighth). Quatrani finished his career second (now ninth) in career 100-yard games (behind teammate Frank Price), third in kick return average (now seventh) and third (now seventh) in average yards per reception.