Akron Zips vs Buffalo Bulls football recap: Bulls fall to Zips 42-21

Needing just a single win to become bowl eligible, UB dug a 14-0 hole early, faltered against the pass time and time again, and couldn't develop a consistent offensive attack against a strong Akron defense in Saturday's 42-21 loss.

Both Boise Ross and Brandon Crawford returned to the lineup after injuries ten days ago against NIU, but the Bulls defense struggled considerably, allowing four touchdown passes in the first half, three of which went longer than 25 yards. When a Joe Licata threw an interception on the first drive out of the half, ending a promising drive, the result felt set and the second half moot.

Licata would finish 32-51 for 262 yards, a touchdown, and  2 interceptions as once again for much of the game the Buffalo offense averaged more yards per snap on the ground than through the air. Akron QB Thomas Woodson built on his strong first half to finish 17-30 for 259 and four touchdowns.

Now back below .500, the Bulls have a single remaining chance for bowl eligibility in a Black Friday home game against UMass next week. The Minutemen lost to Miami earlier this afternoon and will have a chance to play spoiler.