After their 31-point lead was chopped down to a single score, the pressure was on Buffalo (5-4, 3-2 MAC) as Akron (2-7, 1-4 MAC) were threatening to take the lead as the end of the game approached. But the Bulls were able to hold off their divisional adversaries and secure the win with a late field goal.
The UB Bulls defeated the Akron Zips by a score of 41-30 at InfoCision Stadium, marking their 7th straight win over the program. The victory also put UB back in the win column after two consecutive losses.
Although the Zips were the one to score the first touchdown of the game, Buffalo were the aggressors as they responded with two touchdowns of their own in the opening quarter. Graduate wide receiver J.J. Jenkins opened the scoring for the Bulls with a one-handed reception off a pass from senior quarterback C.J. Ogbonna. Senior running back Jacqez Barksdale scored after capitalizing on a forced fumble which allowed him to rush a single yard for the six.
The defense also dominated early, as they forced the Zips to three turnovers in the first quarter.
Graduate tight end Jake Orlando gave the Bulls a 17-point lead at the break after scoring from a two-yard reception, and the Bulls would continue their offensive onslaught going into the second half. Junior running back Al-Jay Henderson scored off a 45-yard run and Ogbonna would secure another touchdown from an eight yard quarterback sneak.
Akron would turn up the heat in the fourth quarter. They had three consecutive scoring drives, causing Buffalo’s lead to be brought down to 38-30 with 4:39 left to play. Although the Zips managed to force the Bulls to a punt, they botched the return, allowing freshman safety John Keough to return possession to UB. Redshirt sophomore kicker Upton Bellenfant would then secure the win for his team with a 36-yard field-goal.
The Bulls will now return home to host Ball State (3-5, 2-2) on Nov. 12. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Rodrigo Feijão is the senior sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
