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Ohio Stays In MAC East Race With Win Over Bulls |
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Written by Mike Smith
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 Naaman Roosevelt had a career-high 165 yards and also three TDs in his final home game. (File Photo)
One year ago, the Buffalo Bulls were using turnovers to help propel them to a MAC East title. Turnovers again played a key role Tuesday as Buffalo met Ohio, but it was the Bulls who lost the turnover battle – and the game.
Ohio, meanwhile, raised its MAC record to 5-1 (7-3 overall) with a 27-24 win over the Bulls. With key home games against Northern Illinois and MAC East leader Temple remaining on their schedule, the Bobcats kept alive their hopes for a MAC East title.
Senior quarterback Theo Scott’s strong first half performance allowed the Bobcats to build an early 21-7 lead by the start of the second quarter. The Bulls, however, chipped away and finally forged a tie at 24-all on A.J. Principe’s 26-yard field goal with 7:04 left in the game.
Ohio responded with what turned out to be the winning drive. Chris Garrett’s fourth-down run for 10 yards to the Buffalo 28-yard line was a key play and set up Matt Weller for a 47-yard field goal attempt four plays later. Weller converted the opportunity with 1:25 remaining.
Zach Maynard, who sat out the first quarter due to a disciplinary issue, completed three passes as the Bulls worked their way back down the field. Brett Hamblin’s 20-yard reception gave Buffalo a first down at the Ohio 33, but that would be the Bull’s last gain. Two plays later, Maynard's pass went off a receiver and into the hands of Ohio cornerback Shannon Ballard, who returned it 40 yards to end Buffalo’s last ditch challenge.
Ballard’s pick was the 13th interception and 21st turnover by the Bulls this season. Buffalo is now minus-6 in turnover margin after fishing 2008 with a whopping plus-20 mark.
Ohio had its share of turnovers (2) Tuesday, as well, and an early fumble cost the Bobcats a touchdown. With running back Chris Garrett gashing the Bulls’ middle, Ohio moved to Buffalo’s seven-yard line. But on second-and-goal, Scott fumbled just short of the goal line. Josh Thomas recovered in the end zone, and the Bulls took over at the 20.
Buffalo was unable to sustain a drive and punted. Ohio cashed in on its second drive, going 69 yards in seven plays for the score. Tyler Tettleton took it in from nine yards out and Weller added the PAT.
That 7-0 lead was short-lived as Jerry Davis – filling in for Maynard in the first quarter – hit Naaman Roosevelt with a 76-yard bomb on the Bulls first play from scrimmage after the kickoff. Roosevelt finished with eight catches for a career-best 165 yards and three touchdowns in his final home game.
As quickly as Buffalo had scored, Ohio found the end zone again almost as quickly. Scott found Taylor Price for a 48-yard gain on the first play after the kickoff and Vince Davidson burst through the middle for a 10-yard TD run on the next play.
Ohio added another touchdown less than three minutes later by employing a little razzle-dazzle. Tettleton took the snap and gave the ball to Lavon Brazill, who threw a long pass to Terrence McCrae. The junior made the catch and fumbled as he was going into the end zone. The ball bounced his way, however, and he recovered to complete the score.
Down 21-7, Buffalo mounted a late drive. The Bulls went 93 yards (14 plays) in 1:56 with Maynard hitting Roosevelt on a 21-yard TD pass with three seconds left in the half. Principe’s kick made it 21-14 in favor of Ohio.
Buffalo’s defense, which had given up three TDs in slightly more than one quarter, tightened up after that point. The Bulls allowed just two field goals in the second half, with Weller’s last boot providing the final margin.
A key point in the final quarter came when Ohio’s defense forced Buffalo to kick its final field goal. The Bulls had a first down at the Ohio 13 and made it to the eight-yard line on two rushes. Maynard’s third down pass fell incomplete, however, and the Buffalo coach Turner Gill turned to Principe, who kicked a game-tying field goal with 7:04 remaining.
NOTES:
- Buffalo outgained the visitors 441-384 overall.
- Both teams were perfect on fourth down conversions (Ohio, 1-1; Buffalo, 2-2)
- Davis was three for five for 86 yards (no interceptions) and a touchdown (the 76-yarder to Roosevelt) during his first quarter stint at the Bulls helm.
- Ohio had the ball for 35:33. Buffalo’s possession time was 24:27. However, Buffalo had 23 first downs to the Bobcats’ 17.
- Tuesday's game marked the first time in Buffalo Division 1-A history that the Bulls started a freshman at quarterback and tailback.
- Buffalo plays at Miami Wednesday (6 p.m.). Ohio entertains Northern Illinois Nov. 21.
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