Bulls Take Down Connecticut In Dominant Victory

Total Domination.

That's about the only way to describe the Buffalo Bulls 41-12 victory over Connecticut on Saturday afternoon.

Jeff Quinn's squad had it going from the very beginning as the Bulls earned their first win over the Huskies since both school became full-fledged division one members.

Adam Redden got things started for the Bulls, forcing and recovering a fumble on a strip-sack of Huskies quarterback Chandler Whitmer, giving Buffalo the ball on the Connecticut eight yard line.

Joe Licata made sure the Bulls would convert, connecting with Mason Shreck on a five-yard touchdown pass to put Buffalo up 7-0 after their first possession.

Buffalo went up 14-3 late in the first when Najja Johnson recorded the first touchdown of his career, returning a pick-six interception 33-yards to give the Bulls a double-digit lead.

The Bulls defense had a field day against the Huskies. Connecticut was limited to only 220 total yards, only 27 rushing yards and had four turnovers during the game.

In the second quarter, Buffalo continued to add to their shocking lead.

After Alex Neutz brought down a 54-yard reception to get another Bulls drive going, Branden Oliver capped it off in his first action in three weeks, scoring from five-yards out to give Buffalo a 21-6 lead.

Quinn's squad extended their lead up to 28-6 late in the second when Licata once again connected with Neutz, this time a 22-yard touchdown reception to the surprise of everyone in UB Stadium.

Before you knew it, the game was completely out of control for Connecticut as Buffalo put a firm grasp on their lead.

The Bulls dominated in every facet of the game, offense, defense, and special teams.

Buffalo never gave the Huskies an opportunity to attempt a comeback, shutting out Connecticut in the second half to earn their most complete victory of the Jeff Quinn era.

Licata finished passing for a career high three touchdown on 10 of 19 passing for 177 yards and an interception.

In his return back after sitting out against Stony Brook, Branden Oliver ran for a game high 90 yards and a touchdown.

Fred Lee and Alex Neutz made the most of there few receptions, both getting in the end zone while combining for 127 yards.

Defensively, the Bulls received great play by their entire unit but standing out were Adam Redden and Beau Bachtelle.

Redden and Bachtelle both had two sacks apiece and did a tremendous job of pressuring Whitmer.

Whitmer had a very poor day for the Huskies, throwing for only 182 yards on 10 of 24 passing with two interceptions.

It’s hard to say anything positive about the Connecticut offense. They struggled blocking, were turnover prone, and had absolutely no running attack.

Buffalo was the better team out on the field and earned the win, breaking an eight game winless streak against the Huskies.

The victory is the Bulls first win over a BCS conference opponent since September 7th, 2002 when Buffalo defeated Rutgers 34-11.

Buffalo has now won four straight home games at UB Stadium dating back to last year, a new Bulls record since moving up to division one.

With their record now at 2-2, Quinn and his squad are feeling good entering the beginning of MAC play next week.

It's clear after this afternoon that the Bulls have a talented team that should be one of the better teams in the conference.

Buffalo returns to action next Saturday at UB Stadium when they take on Eastern Michigan in their MAC opener.