WMU underwhelming yet, dominant in a 38-0 win over the Bulls

UB looked like it was trying to climb Kilimanjaro while on Ambein, WMU looked like a team ready to play a game of consequence. It wasn’t exciting, but the game confirmed what both school’s seasons have been to this point.

UB started strong on defense, holding WMU scoreless for the game’s first 22 minutes. Down 14-0 just before the half, UB spoiled their best scoring opportunity with poor clock management. In the second half, it was clear that UB’s offense would not show up, and WMU finally broke the defense open for 24 second half points.

Buffalo, starting Grant Rohach for the first time since the season-opening loss to Albany, found more offensive success than usual, moving the ball for 5.9 yards per play. However, Buffalo was unable to string together successful plays. UB was 2 for 12 on third down and was 0 for 8 when they tried to convert a 3rd down through the air. UB had five 3 and outs, including four of their first six drives. UB’s longest drive was 6 plays.

Jordan Johnson ran for 5.9 yards per carry, but only got the ball 16 times for 95 yards. Mason Schreck (5 for 57) and Marcus McGill (4 for 52) led the Bulls in receiving, and Eiland grabbed a 26 yard pass.

WMU beat UB for the first time since 2009. In the previous matchup in 2013, future NFL star Khalil Mack recovered two Zach Terrell fumbles as he led the Bulls to a 33-0 win over the Broncos in Kalamazoo. In 2016, future NFL star Corey Davis torched the Bulls for 13 catches, 173 yards and 2 TDs, as WMU returned the favor with 30+ point shutout victory of their own.

WMU will stay home and play for the MAC West title against Toledo on Friday in the most anticipated MAC game of the season. UB, shutout for the first time since 2011, and posting three 30+ point losses for the first time since 2006, has a chance to ends their season on a relative high note by breaking a 5-game losing streak against Bowling Green on Friday.