99 for 99 takes a look at the 99 biggest moments in UB Football history during this season, the 99th Season of UB Football. These moments are not in any order, however the top 10 moments have been saved for last.
September 2, 1995 - Buffalo 49, Fordham 13 - Anthony Swan Runs for 204 Yards and 5 Touchdowns.
The career of Anthony Swan parallels that of current UB running back Branden Oliver. BO has led the team in rushing his first two years, and looks to lead the team in rushing the next two years. The only other Bull to lead the team in rushing for all four years of their career was Anthony Swan.
via www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu
Neither Swan nor Oliver were exactly freshmen sensations. Swan ran 106 times for 363 yards and a touchdown his first year, which was the lowest output to lead the Bulls in rushing since 1979. In 2010, BO lead the Bulls in rushing with an even lower amount: 102 carries for 298 yards and 0 TDs. This results in bringing back a sophomore running back with experience but not enough demonstrated success to be confident in the running game.
BO silenced critics with 3 straight 100 yard games and 5 Touchdowns to start the 2011 season, (or if you were really hesitant to praise BO, the 179-yard effort that led UB to a victory over Ohio). Swan doubters only had about a half to question the back; in the first play of the second half of Swan's sophomore year, he proved he was the real deal.
Buffalo hosted Fordham in the debut game for coach Cirbus. Buffalo had not won their opener since 1988 when they were led by Coach Dando; Cirbus would be the 3rd coach since then to try and start the season 1-0. Buffalo took an early lead and looked to be much better than Fordham in every facet except Special Teams. A blocked punt and bad punt coverage led to 10 Fordham points. Swan scored his first TD of the game to put the Bulls up 14-10. A good defensive effort to this point, Fordham was able to pick the defense apart as their 2-minute drill moved over 60 yards in a minute and a field goal brought the Rams within 1 point at the half.
In football, you cannot let off the gas, if you let an inferior team build confidence, you might lose a winnable game. Buffalo needed to regain momentum. Anthony Swan, for the first of many times in his career, provided that momentum. Starting at their own 26 yard line, Swan broke a 74-yard touchdown run to put UB up 21-13. From there, Swan continued to pile on the yards and points.
Later in the game, UB found themselves up 35-13 and back in the red zone at the 6-yard line. At this point Swan had already compiled 198 rushing yards and 4 TDs. The rookie coach called Swan's number, and Swan did what he would do more than all but two UB running backs in history, find the end zone. Swan's fifth score put the Bulls up 42-13 and put the back into UB's record books with the second most rushing Touchdowns in one game, behind Lockport Lou's 6 Touchdown game. The only thing that prevented Swan from tying the record was mercy. After his fifth Touchdown, Swan rested while his backup David Hinson scored the final Touchdown of the game.
Sixteen years from last Friday, Swan surpassed his effort in this game with a career high 215 yard game against Lehigh. Swan became only the second UB back to run for 200 yards twice in a career. The double-200 club consists of O.D. Underwood, Anthony Swan and Branden Oliver.
Swan finished his career tied for most touchdown runs with Lee Jones with 29, (now T2nd behind Starks) and is still the running back with the most career 100-yard games. Swan is UB's second leading rusher and is probably the most complete runner in UB history: Swan had consistency, a nose for the end-zone and explosive homerun ability, all of which were on display in the Fordham game.