Bulls Battle, But Drop Opener to #19 Wisconsin

Saturday, September 2

Madison, WI

3:30 pm (EST)

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#19 Wisconsin

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Buffalo

Wisconsin

Bulls Battle, But Drop Opener to #19 Wisconsin

9/2/2023 8:46:00 PM | Football

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MADISON, WI – The University at Buffalo football team battled valiantly against Wisconsin, but ultimately lost to the 19^th-ranked Badgers, 38-17, at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls only trailed 14-10 at the half, but Wisconsin was able to pull away in the second half for the victory.

For the first half, the Bulls gave the Badgers all they could handle. Wisconsin scored first to take a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. However, the Bulls answered right back, driving 65 yards on only five plays and tied the game on a 7-yard pass from Cole Snyder to Cole Harrity. A key play on the drive was a 51-yard completion from Snyder to Darrell Harding, Jr.

The game remained tied, 7-7, for much of the first half until the Badgers scored on a 29-yard TD pass with just one minute left in the in the second quarter to regain a 14-7 advantage. However, the Bulls were able to drive down the field and, with just seven seconds left, Alex McNulty drilled a 53-yard field goal to cut the Wisconsin lead to 14-10 at the break.

Wisconsin used big plays to pull away in the second half. The Badgers scored two third-quarter touchdowns, including an 89-yard TD run, and led, 28-10, heading to the fourth.

Trailing 31-10 in the fourth quarter, the Bulls got the ball back on a Shaun Dolac interception that the senior linebacker returned 32 yards to the Wisconsin 11-yard line. Three plays later, Snyder connected with Harrity again, this time from 3-yards out, to cut the Badger lead to 31-17.

Snyder had good command of the offense and finished 26-of-41 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He completed passes to 12 different receivers, with his favorite target being Harrity who had five grabs for 47 yards and two scores. Marlyn Johnson and Ron Cook, Jr. each had four receptions.

The Bulls offensive line held up against a massive Badger defensive front. The Bulls didn't allow a sack in the game. UB also didn't commit a turnover, while forcing two Badger miscues. Along with Dolac's pick, Devin Grant had his first career interception in the second quarter.

Mike Washington, Jr and Cook led the Bulls rushing attack. Both backs carried the ball 12 times with Washington finishing with 52 yards and Cook tallying 51.

Marcus Fuqua led the defense with 11 tackles followed by Dolac with eight stops, including a tackle for loss. Max Michel had the game's only sack in the first quarter.

The Bulls will be back home next Saturday to host Fordham at 6 pm.