Last year, UB riding the momentum of wins, UB fell 13-0 before outscoring the Minutemen 29-6 in the second half to secure a 29-19 win. This year UB outscored UMass 19-0 in the second half, but the game was in hand 20 minutes into the game, when Khalil Mack took his second interception of the year back for a touchdown.
The stormy weather was perfect for Brandon Oliver who became UB's all-time and finished with 41 carries for 216 yards and a touchdown. Licata had an efficient Licata day, 66.6% completion, 167 yards and 1 touchdown pass. The offense however struggled to get going, only scoring 3 field goals in the first 3 quarters.
The defense was strong yet again. The UB shutout streak ended at 91 minutes 22 seconds when UMass' kicker squeaked one over the crossbar late in the first half. That said, UB has not trailed in a game since going down 23-20 to Stony Brook after their triple overtime possession. In UB's 5 wins, they have never trailed in regulation.
This week the defense played double duty, scoring 9 points, including a Khalil Mack pick-6. Buffalo's defense recorded 3 more takeaways, the Mack interception and 2 more fumbles recovered, and they added 3 sacks to their already gaudy sack numbers on the year.
UB's focus now turns to the difficult part of the season. UB's four FBS victories came over opponents who are a combined 2-26. UB's next three opponents are a combined 11-11. In addition, UB suffered injures to Jasen Carlson, Alex Neutz and Colby Way, that may alter UB's season depending on the severity of those injuries.
The Bulls next travel down the 90 to Kent to take on the 2-6 Kent State Golden Flashes who are coming home after a 38-21 loss to South Alabama.