The UB football team will get their MAC schedule underplay tomorrow as they welcome Western Michigan to UB Stadium for Homecoming. The Bulls finished non-conference play with a 2-2 record while WMU was able to finish 3-1 including a win over Pittsburgh. Both teams have aspirations to win their divisions and clinch a trip to Detroit, so this should be a very exciting game.
Back on the Sidelines
“On an average day during COVID in my basement, I walk about 1,500 to 2,000 steps, which is not a lot because I’m virtually on the couch most of the day in meetings. Saturday, I had 12,000 steps from one side of my basement to the other side of my basement.”
Western Michigan football head coach Tim Lester on watching last week’s win from home
Western Michigan was without their head coach Tim Lester for their 23-3 win over San Jose State after he tested positive for COVID. Lester has since cleared protocols and rejoined the Broncos yesterday. That means Lester will be back on the sidelines this Saturday at UB Stadium.
Last Time Out
The UB football team got out to a great start in the first half with a 35-7 lead. The defense returned a fumble for a touchdown while the special teams blocked an Old Dominion field goal that the returned for a touchdown as well. The second half was a completely different story as the Monarchs outscored the Bulls 27-0. A late missed extra point by ODU secured the Bulls the win as fans were bewildered by the second half.
WMU earned their second straight victory with a 23-3 win over 2020 MWC Champions San Jose State. The Broncos’ defense stymied SJSU all day long as the passing game could not get started due to allowing eight sacks. Offensively, quarterback Kaleb Elerby was efficient, but the unit lacked the big plays the team has gotten used to early in the 2021 season.
Last Meeting
The last meeting between UB and Western Michigan was one of the most exciting games in collegiate football history. The two teams tied the record for longest game as WMU took seven overtimes to secure the 71-68 victory. UB quarterback Drew Anderson lit the skies of Amherst up for 597 yards and seven(!!!) touchdowns in the losing effort.
WMU leads the all-time series 7-2
Best on Best
The UB offensive line has been a powerhouse over the last few seasons. The running game has been one of the best in the nation and quarterback Kyle Vantrease has only been sacked once in his last 276 passing attempts. In fact, UB is one of two teams left that have yet to allow a sack during the 2021 season.
Western Michigan leads the MAC with 16 sacks(Buffalo is 2nd with 14). The Broncos defense relies on consistent disruption at the line of scrimmage to make up for the holes in their secondary. WMU has one of their starting cornerbacks out for the season while two more are questionable for Saturday’s contest.
If Ralph Holley, Ali Fayad, and company can’t get home, then it could be a long day for WMU’s defense as they have been prone to the big play. Last season when Miami(OH) tried a similar strategy, Vantrease carved up the Redhawks going 17/27 for 353 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
Rankings
| Team Statistics | UB | WMU |
| Points per game | 31.5 (56th) | 27.2 (81st) |
| Points allowed per game | 24.25 (73rd) | 30.67 (103rd) |
| Rushing yards per game | 203.8 (32nd) | 164.8 (64th) |
| Passing yards per game | 204.5 (89th) | 230.5 (66th) |
| Total offense | 408.2 (63rd) | 395.2 (71st) |
| 3rd down pct | 53.0% (15th) | 41.3% (62nd) |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 167.5 (88th) | 122.0 (49th) |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 207.8 (52nd) | 179.8 (32nd) |
| Total defense | 375.2 (74th) | 301.8 (31st) |
| Opposing 3rd down pct | 38.5% (71st) | 25.5% (7th) |
Preview
Degenerate Danger Zone
WMU -7
Over/Under 59.5
Tune In
When:
Saturday at 12 P.M.
UB Stadium
Amherst, NY
TV:
CBS Sports Network
Radio:
WNY: ESPN 1520 (1520 AM)
Be sure to follow @BulletPoints716 for more UB coverage including our LIVE preview tonight(Friday) at 5 P.M.!
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