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Kent State vs Buffalo Quarter by Quarter Analysis

Buffalo takes on Kent State at 3:30 on the road with the chance to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008

UB running back Branden Oliver
UB running back Branden Oliver
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor

UB KSU
1st Downs 23 19
3rd down efficiency 7-13 3-11
4th down efficiency 0-1 0-1
Total Yards 491 380
Passing 285 260
Comp-Att 20-31 20-33
Yards per pass 9.2 7.9
Rushing 206 120
Rushing Attempts 39 29
Yards per rush 5.3 4.1
Penalties 6-65 8-67
Turnovers 0 2
Fumbles lost 0 0
Interceptions thrown 0 2
Possession 30:03 25:52

1st Quarter - Bulls control the pace

After a drive from each team came up empty to start the game, the Bulls seized the first lead of the game as they drove 80 yards in 6:00 with Joe Licata connecting with Alex Neutz on an 8-yard strike in the corner of the endzone.  The Bulls converted six first downs in the drive.  Fred Lee had 2 catches for 39 yards and Branden Oliver had 18 yards rushing.  The Bulls had 8:41 of possession in the first quarter and led 6-0 after they had their third extra point of the season blocked.

2nd Quarter - Momentum Shift

Just when it looked like Kent State was going to strike and re-gain the lead, KHALIL MACK happened, as he intercepted his third pass of the season and returned it inside opponent territory.  The Bulls took advantage with a 17-yard run by Branden Oliver, his second TD of the day as they took a 20-7 lead into the break.  The Bulls look to have their grasp on the game now with the offense doing what they have to do to control the game, while the defense is making plays to keep Kent off the scoreboard.  DB/LB Adam Redden was spotted on the sideline and will not return to the game with a knee injury.

3rd Quarter - Oliver sets career record

Branden Oliver is having himself a game.  He scored the first two touchdowns of the second half with runs of 38 and 4 yards.  He had rushed for three touchdowns in a game two other times in his career but now has a new career-high.  The Bulls have taken a dominant lead in the game and are controlling all three phases, just like Quinn stresses every week.  Kent will need some big plays, and some help from UB in order to get back in the game if they want to pull off the upset.

4th Quarter - Bulls finish off the Golden Flashes

After allowing three consecutive touchdowns - two in the opening stages of the fourth - Licata hit Devon Hughes for a 30-yard strike to push the lead back to 20.  Licata tied his career high in passing (285) as he threw for two touchdowns in the process.  The Bulls become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008 as they defeat Kent State 41-21.