Record-setting day for University at Buffalo’s Oliver during loss to Bowling Green

Strong winds proved unpredictable for the quarterbacks Saturday at UB Stadium. The elements had little effect on University at Buffalo Bulls running back Branden Oliver, however, who set a number of rushing records in a 42-28 season-finale loss to the Bowling Green Falcons.

Oliver burst up the middle for an eight-yard gain in the second quarter, giving him 71 of his game-high 127 yards – moving him past James Starks as Buffalo’s all-time, single-season rushing leader. Oliver finished the season with 1,395 yards and 13 touchdowns, one of which occurred Saturday.

With 1,760 all-purpose yards on the year, Oliver also topped Starks’ previous program-best of 1,694.

“I am not thinking too much about the record[s],” said Oliver after the game. “I just wanted to get the seniors a win and not concentrate on the record.”

In addition, Oliver became the first running back in program history to top 100 yards eight times in a season. Coming into the contest, he was tied with Starks for most carries in a season with 272. With 34 carries Saturday, Oliver now sits alone in that category, too, with 306.

“We knew Bo’s strengths,” said Buffalo head coach Jeff Quinn. “What you saw this year is a guy that understands the blocking schemes and understands how to make the proper cuts and how to setup blocks. …We are excited about this young man. When you get a guy like James Starks, who set the bar, and Bo comes in here and says, ‘I’d like to achieve something that James has set the bar for.’”

Bowling Green quarterback Matt Schilz overcame a pair of early interceptions – one of which Buffalo’s Steven Means returned for a touchdown – to finish with 236 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Schilz’s third touchdown – a 19-yard strike across the middle to Eugene Cooper – helped Bowling Green to its first lead, 21-20, with 23 seconds remaining in the first half. From there, Bowling Green maintained the lead for the duration – adding three third-quarter touchdowns.

Buffalo quarterback Chazz Anderson scored his seventh rushing touchdown of the season – the team’s only second-half points – late in the fourth quarter.

“We took advantage of the wind in the third quarter,” said Bowling Green head coach Dave Clawson. “We made the decision to take the wind and we told the offense, ‘We’ve got to keep the momentum going. We’ve got to strike and take advantage of this.’

“And they did a great job with that.”

Buffalo finished the season with an overall record of 3-9, going 2-6 in the Mid-American Conference East.

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