After suffering their toughest loss of the season so far two weeks ago against the UConn Huskies (4-2, 0-0, FBS I), UB Football (4-2, 2-0 MAC) bounced back by defeating the Toledo Rockets (4-2, 1-1 MAC) 30-15 at UB Stadium.
The win keeps their home winning streak intact, earning them their first 3-0 at-home start since 2020. It also moves Buffalo into the No. 2 spot in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) standings and marks the third straight season UB has started MAC play 2-0.
The match also marked the debut of two state-of-the-art mobile video boards at UB stadium, which were installed as part of the university’s efforts to “elevate game day excitement and engagement” for fans.
Buffalo set a dominant defensive tone in the first quarter, preventing Toledo from reaching the first down marker; keeping their offense stagnant. The Bulls were able to score in their second drive of the game after a 23-yard run by junior running back Al-Jay Henderson put the hometown heroes in scoring position. The drive culminated in graduate tight-end Jake Orlando scoring his first touchdown for UB with a one-yard rush after recovering a fumble.
After a scoreless second quarter, UB came alive in the second half. The Bulls scored two touchdowns in three possessions, with senior quarterback C.J. Ogbonna proving to be a catalyst for the offense. He scored two touchdowns, the first with a quick pass to Orlando and another with a two-yard rush, giving Buffalo a comfortable lead.
Although Toledo would respond with a touchdown of their own, UB surprised Toledo with an onside kick recovery. This gutsy play would lead to another scoring drive, with Ogbonna scoring once again. Redshirt sophomore kicker Upton Bellenfant would later add another three points for the Bulls with a 33-yard field goal conversion, improving his season record to seven-for-seven. The field goal solidified UB’s commanding lead and remained until the final whistle.
Graduate linebacker Shaun Dolac once again led Buffalo’s defense. Recording 15 total tackles in this game, bringing his career total to over 300. He is the 13th player in UB program history to achieve this feat. Henderson also performed well as he finished as the game leader in rushing yards with 142, a season high for him. He also earned player of the game honors for his performance.
The Bulls will look to keep their MAC and home winning streak alive when they take on Western Michigan (3-3, 2-0 MAC) at UB Stadium next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and the first 5,000 fans will receive a rally towel, courtesy of Basic Supplements.
Rodrigo Feijão is the senior sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
