Bulls Open MAC Play at Ball State on Saturday
9/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Buffalo, NY – The UB football team is coming off an impressive win against Stony Brook and hopes to carry that momentum into Saturday's conference opener at Ball State.
Saturday's win over the Seawolves was highlighted by the play of Khalil Mack. The sophomore linebacker had eight tackles, a sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, an interception and three quarterback hurries. Those eye-popping numbers earned Mack National Defensive Performer of the Week honors as well as the Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week.
While the Bulls defensive play was high energy, the offense looked sharp as well. The game opened with a long kickoff return by Terrell Jackson, followed by a first play 57-yard score when quarterback Chazz Anderson connected with Alex Dennison. Sophomore running back Branden Oliver also had his second consecutive 100-yard game, going for 126 yards with three scores.
Ball State (1-1) has split its first two games with a win over Indiana and a loss at South Florida. The Cardinals are meeting a UB team that seems to be meshing together better than they have in recent past.
"We're just a team right now," senior defensive lineman Richie Smith said. "We're a lot closer."
UB head coach Jeff Quinn went on to say they are taking this game just like they would any other opponent.
"I feel our defense is going to continue to play aggressive, consistent and violent football as they've demonstrated and that's why I like the way we match up against this football team this week," Quinn said.
This will be the ninth meeting between UB and Ball State. The Cardinals own a 7-1 advantage over the Bulls, including a 20-3 victory last season in Buffalo. The Bulls only victory was a memorable one - the 2008 MAC Championship game in Detroit.
Saturday's game kicks off at 7:00 pm at Ball State's Scheumann Stadium. Fans can watch a webstream of the game at www.mac-sports.com or listen on 1230 AM WECK in Buffalo or 1280 AM WHTK and 107.3 FM WHTK in Rochester.
