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Earlier in the year I picked UB to beat Ohio, and go 7-5 (6-2). The leaps of faith of last December seem modest today. Later in the year, I wrote about my distaste for the nameless wonders of Northeast West Virginia, The Ohio Bobcats. Today I talk about my favorite Bobcats, any Bobcats squat AT UB Stadium.
On a dreary Saturday I check the UB score from Lockwood. 14-7 Ohio. I saw UB lose to FCS Colgate and the previous week I was one of a handful in the stands for a competitive loss to Marshall. However for a team that failed to win for 18 consecutive games, 14-7 at the half was a death sentence...but this was the Nameless Wonders and they were at UB Stadium.
UB won, and a few spectators celebrated the win with a field drizzle (wasn't nearly big enough to be a storm) I believe they were arrested. They should have been given medals for loyalty.
The following year I was on the sidelines of my first road game in Athens, Ohio. A 34-0 shutout loss. Everything reeked of desperation. The overly aggressive and in your face Marching 101*. The Ohio chant. The fans who I would respect for their awfulness if it wasn't for their blind arrogance. The visitors locker room with 4 ft ceilings and barely functioning bathroom. I hated that place and I still do.
*I know, I do that out of disrespect.
Side note: We used to do t-shirt exchanges with the schools we faced. I have an awesome dry-fit Miami U shirt and some red shorts that I still wear. People ask me if I went to the U when I wear it to the gym must suck to be a Miami fan. Ohio gave me a 3XL t-shirt and some XS shorts. Real useful thanks for that cats.
I suffered through two more losses, one at home and another at Peden in my days at UB. Since 2007 UB is 3-3 against Ohio. Both teams 2-1 at home.
In 2007 Ohio at 2-3 came to 1-4 Buffalo, Buffalo left 31-10 victors.
In 2008 Buffalo at 3-4 came to 2-6 Ohio and won 32-19.
In 2009 6-3 Ohio ended 3-6 Buffalo's chance for bowl eligibility with a 27-24 win.
In 20XX 2-6 Buffalo lost 34-17 to 6-3 Ohio.
In 2011 Ohio at 4-1 was shocked by 1-4 Buffalo 38-37.
In 2012 1-3 Buffalo went to 5-0 Ohio but couldn't upset Ohio, losing 38-31.
For the first time, this football game that used to be a MAC East Pillowfight, is being played by MAC East heavyweights with Detroit implications. 6-2 Ohio facing 6-2 Buffalo. As it is a big game, Ohio fans think "being there" gives them the edge. But the game is in Buffalo, and I think "being there" gives UB the edge. Peden is my nightmare, but UB Stadium should be theirs.
There is just something special that happens when Ohio comes to the Stadium, I can't wait to see this years edition.
STAT TIME:
MAC Play Comparison:
Run Game
Ohio: 149 attempts for 631 yards (4.23 ypc) and 9 TDs.
Buffalo: 188 attempts for 939 yards (4.99 ypc) and 10 TDs.
Advantage Buffalo.
Run Defense
Ohio: 162 attempts for 664 yards (4.10 ypc) and 2 TDs
Buffalo: 118 attempts for 373 yards (3.16 ypc) and 3 TDs.
Advantage Buffalo.
Pass Game
Ohio: 90 of 128 (70%), 1,252 yards 11 TDs, 4 INTs
Buffalo: 65 of 105 (62%), 808 yards 7 TDs 0 INTs.
Advantage: Ohio
Pass Defense
Ohio: 60 of 117 (51%) 642 yards 6 TDs 5 INTs
Buffalo: 66 of 121 (55%) 768 yards, 2 TDs 7 INTs
Advantage Buffalo
Receivers
Team | WR | Rec | Yards | Yards/Rec | TDs |
Ohio | Foster | 32 | 459 | 14.3 | 5 |
Buffalo | Lee | 20 | 263 | 13.2 | 2 |
Buffalo | Neutz | 12 | 214 | 17.8 | 3 |
Ohio | Waters | 11 | 170 | 15.5 | 1 |
Ohio | Cochran | 9 | 284 | 31.6 | 2 |
Buffalo | Campbell | 8 | 66 | 8.3 | 0 |
Advantage Ohio
Red Zone
Ohio Offense: 24 Attempts, 83% Score, 67%TD
Buffalo Offense: 16 Attempts, 94% Score, 75% TD
Ohio Defense: 13 Attempts, 69% Score, 46% TD
Buffalo Defense: 9 Attempts, 44% Score, 44% TD
Advantage Buffalo
3rd Down
Ohio Offense: 51%
Ohio Defense: 42%
Buffalo Offense: 41%
Buffalo Defense: 28%
Advantage Push
Penalties
Ohio 9 less than opponents, +77 in penalty yards.
Buffalo: 3 more than opponents, -98 in penalty yards.
Advantage Ohio
MISC Defense
Team | Passes Defended | QB Pressure | TFL | Fumbles | blocked kicks |
Buffalo | 19 | 19 | 25 | 3 | 0 |
Ohio | 14 | 22 | 30 | 1 | 1 |
Advantage Ohio
Kicking
Ohio 5-5 Field Goals, 36.8 yards per punt.
Buffalo 5-8 Field Goals, 40.6 yards per punt.
Advantage Push
Time of Death (Average time when the team scores the winning points)
Ohio: 35:23
Buffalo: 17:49
Advantage Buffalo
MAC Play Stats Advantage Buffalo 5-4-2