Bulls overmatched in season-opening loss to Maryland

Coming into the season with a re-vamped roster and coaching staff, one could say the odds were stacked against UB (0-1) heading into Saturday’s season-opener against Maryland (1-0). It certainly looked that way on Saturday, as the Bulls fell 31-10 at Capital One Field in College Park, MD.

UB was clearly at a disadvantage against a Big Ten opponent and struggled to move the ball on offense. Rutgers transfer Cole Snyder, who was named starting quarterback last week, completed 18 of 35 passes for 160 yards. The junior also rushed for 51 yards but was unable to create any explosive plays for the Bulls. Louisville transfer Justin Marshall and graduate receiver Quian Williams were also unable to break loose against the Terps, as the duo combined for just seven catches and 80 yards.

Maryland, led by redshirt junior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, gained a reputation as one of the more pass-happy teams in the nation last season. But it was the Terrapins rushing attack that hurt the Bulls on Saturday. 

Tagovailoa completed 24 of 34 passes for 290 yards while redshirt freshman Roman Hemby exploded for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Hemby ran rampant against UB, with one of his touchdowns being a 70-yard bolt that gave Maryland a 17-point lead in the third quarter. Redshirt freshman Antwain Littleton II also hit pay dirt twice for the Terps as UMD rushed for 149 yards on the ground.

Senior running back Ron Cook Jr. received the bulk of work in the backfield, carrying the ball 15 times for 38 yards. Redshirt freshman Mike Washington rushed for 34 yards on eight attempts while Al-Jay Henderson scored his first career touchdown — which was UB’s only touchdown — on a 19-yard run in the second quarter.

UB’s O-line failed to provide Snyder with a consistent pocket on Saturday as multiple plays broke down due to pressure; this resulted in Snyder not having enough time to make a play and being sacked four times.

Defensively, junior safety Keyshawn Cobb and junior cornerback Logic Hudgens led UB with eight tackles each. Junior safety Marcus Fuqua intercepted a pass from Tagovailoa in the third quarter, but the Bulls could not capitalize on the offensive end. Senior defensive Daymond Williams, an All-MAC selection last season, recorded UB’s only sack of the game.

Senior kicker Alex McNulty went one for two, but could have been one for three if it weren’t for an offsides penalty against Maryland.

The Bulls will face off against Holy Cross next Saturday night at UB Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN +.