Saturday, September 21
DeKalb, IL
3:30 pm
23
at
20
#23 Northern Illinois
Bulls win OT Thriller over #23 Northern Illinois
9/21/2024 8:53:00 PM | Football
DEKALB, IL – The University at Buffalo football team went on the road and upset 23rd-ranked Northern Illinois, 23-20, at Huskie Stadium on a scorching Saturday afternoon to open Mid-American Conference play. It was the Bulls second win over a ranked opponent in program history.
Led by linebacker Shaun Dolac, the defense kept the Bulls in the game early until the offense got its footing. The Western New York native had one of the greatest games in program history, finishing with a career-high 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a game-changing interception.
The Bulls trailed 14-3 at the half but quickly got back in the game early in the third quarter when C.J. Ogbonna connected with Victor Snow on a 46-yard touchdown pass that Snow miraculously caught between two defenders.
Following a field goal that extended the NIU lead to 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, Al-Jay Henderson busted a run up the middle for a 36-yard touchdown to tie the game, 17-17.
The Huskies marched down the field looking to regain the lead when Dolac flipped the script by intercepting an Ethan Hampton pass and returning it 53 yards to the NIU 20.
Upton Bellenfant gave the Bulls their first lead of the game, 20-17, on a 42-yard field goal with 3:28 left.
Northern Illinois took the ensuing kickoff and drove all the way down to the UB 10-yard line in the closing seconds, but the UB defense didn't break and held the Huskies to a field goal and the game went to overtime.
NIU got the ball first in OT and had to settle for a field goal attempt. Marquis Cooper sprinted off the edge and was able to block the attempt, giving the ball back to the Bulls with a chance to win.
After three run plays, Bellenfant drilled a 37-yard field goal, his third of the game, to secure the walk-off win for the Bulls.
The win was just the second ever for the Bulls at Huskie Stadium and it was the first time UB defeated a ranked opponent on the road.
It was another standout performance by the defense as they totaled 10 tackles for loss. Red Murdock tied his career high with 12 tackles and added 1.5 tackles for loss. Jalen McNair had a career-best eight tackles in the game.
Offensively, Ogbonna threw for 107 yards and a touchdown. His top target was Snow who finished with three catches for 72 yards and a score. Henderson was UB's top rusher with 56 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
The Bulls improved to 3-1 for the first time since 2020 and just the third time in their FBS era.
UB will next play at UConn next Saturday before returning home to host Toledo on October 12. Click here for ticket information.
Click here to see how you can contribute to the Blue and White Fund.
Led by linebacker Shaun Dolac, the defense kept the Bulls in the game early until the offense got its footing. The Western New York native had one of the greatest games in program history, finishing with a career-high 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a game-changing interception.
The Bulls trailed 14-3 at the half but quickly got back in the game early in the third quarter when C.J. Ogbonna connected with Victor Snow on a 46-yard touchdown pass that Snow miraculously caught between two defenders.
Following a field goal that extended the NIU lead to 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, Al-Jay Henderson busted a run up the middle for a 36-yard touchdown to tie the game, 17-17.
The Huskies marched down the field looking to regain the lead when Dolac flipped the script by intercepting an Ethan Hampton pass and returning it 53 yards to the NIU 20.
Upton Bellenfant gave the Bulls their first lead of the game, 20-17, on a 42-yard field goal with 3:28 left.
Northern Illinois took the ensuing kickoff and drove all the way down to the UB 10-yard line in the closing seconds, but the UB defense didn't break and held the Huskies to a field goal and the game went to overtime.
NIU got the ball first in OT and had to settle for a field goal attempt. Marquis Cooper sprinted off the edge and was able to block the attempt, giving the ball back to the Bulls with a chance to win.
After three run plays, Bellenfant drilled a 37-yard field goal, his third of the game, to secure the walk-off win for the Bulls.
The win was just the second ever for the Bulls at Huskie Stadium and it was the first time UB defeated a ranked opponent on the road.
It was another standout performance by the defense as they totaled 10 tackles for loss. Red Murdock tied his career high with 12 tackles and added 1.5 tackles for loss. Jalen McNair had a career-best eight tackles in the game.
Offensively, Ogbonna threw for 107 yards and a touchdown. His top target was Snow who finished with three catches for 72 yards and a score. Henderson was UB's top rusher with 56 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
The Bulls improved to 3-1 for the first time since 2020 and just the third time in their FBS era.
UB will next play at UConn next Saturday before returning home to host Toledo on October 12. Click here for ticket information.
Click here to see how you can contribute to the Blue and White Fund.
Players Mentioned
K
/ Football
CB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
NICK
/ Football
LB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
Offensive Lineman Henry Tabansi talks close games and the icons of his hometown Staten Island
Tuesday, October 28
Coach Lembo Week 9 Press Conference (vs. Bowling Green)
Tuesday, October 28
Week 8 Recap | Buffalo vs. Akron
Monday, October 27
UB Football Postgame Press Conference (vs. Akron)
Saturday, October 25
