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Mid American Conference player the week - Mack and Oliver

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Branden Oliver and linebacker Khalil Mack were named the Mid-American Conference East Division Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.

The Bulls 41-21 win at Kent State on Saturday put UB alone atop the MAC East division for the first time since Buffalo beat Bowling Green to clinch the division in 2008.

Date Player Award
Sept. 2 Khalil Mack Defensive
Sept. 30 Adam Redden Defensive
Sept. 30 Patrick Clarke Special Teams
Oct. 7 Branden Oliver Offensive
Oct. 14 Colby Way Defensive
Oct. 21 Adam Redden Defensive
Oct. 28 Branden Oliver Offensive
Oct. 28 Khalil Mack Defensive

In the Kent game Oliver rushed for 185 yards on 31 carries and a career-best four touchdowns against the Golden Flashes. He became just the fourth running back in school history with four or more rushing touchdowns in a game and the first in UB's Division I-A era.

In a tight 7-6 game Oliver would score thye games next four touchdowns to give Buffalo a 34-7 advantage. He had touchdown runs of five, 17, 38 and four yards. Oliver added two receptions for 14 yards to total 199 yards of total offense.

Khalil Mack set up that first touchdown with a one-handed interception at the 10-yard line which he then returned it to the Kent State 45-yard line. He also tied for the game high with 10 tackles (eight solo) and added a sack.

It is the second time in this season as a MAC POW for both Oliver and Mack.