Bowling Green Puts End to Bulls MAC Championship Hopes

There was a plethora of storylines going into UB’s regular season finale against Bowling Green at Ralph Wilson Stadium Friday afternoon.

Unfortunately for Bulls fans, the only headline to result from the contest was the one they didn't want to hear.

Bowling Green dominated in the trenches as they put an end to UB’s MAC Championship hopes, defeating the Bulls 24-7 in front of 26,226 at the Ralph.

After a Tyler Tate field goal put the Falcons on the board first, the Bulls responded to take their only lead of the day midway through the second quarter.

A Devin Campbell 30-yard reception from Joe Licata got UB down to the Bowling Green five-yard line, setting the Bulls up for a Branden Oliver two-yard touchdown run to put UB up 7-3.

The Bulls took the lead into halftime riding the backs of their defense but couldn’t keep the momentum going into the third quarter.

Bowling Green completely dominated the second half, establishing their passing game as they onto outscore the Bulls 21-0 during the final two quarters.

Matt Johnson gave the Falcons the lead for good when he connected with Shaun Joplin on a terrific 23-yard touchdown connection midway through the third quarter to put Bowling Green up 10-7.

Later in the third, Bowling Green extended their lead to 17-7 when Travis Greene scored from 14-yards out to cap a seven play, 93-yard drive.

Greene had a huge game for the Falcons, running for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Trailing by 10, UB still had their chances but couldn't capitalize at all on offense. To say the Bulls struggled offensively would be an understatement.

Joe Licata finished 21 of 45 for 221 yards and an interception. It was the first game all season in which Licata didn't throw a touchdown pass.

Oliver finished with 18 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown, UB’s lone score of the day.

But despite the Bulls porous numbers, UB still had a chance to cut down the lead late but couldn't.

Bowling Green finally put the game away for good when Johnson scored on a seven-yard quarterback keeper with late in the fourth to put the Falcons up 24-7.

As expected, the game was a defensive battle that came down to both team's lines. The Falcons offensive/defensive lines played much better than UB’s, giving them the advantage.

Bowling Green outgained UB 490-236 for the contest and the numbers really make it closer than it was as the Bulls gained a bunch of that total in garbage time.

In the losing effort, Khalil Mack made some NCAA history, tying Jason Babin for the most tackles for loss in NCAA history after he recording 2.5 tackles for loss on the afternoon.

Buffalo concludes their regular season 8-4 (6-2) with the loss and fall just short of their goal of reaching Detroit.

The Bulls will most likely be bowling but will have to wait as they don’t qualify for any the MAC’s three primary bowl tie ins.

Keep up to date on Bull Run as we’ll update you on the most likely destinations you’ll see your Bulls go bowling during the upcoming holiday season.