Spring Break
Buffalo defeats Miami for 1st time in school history on ESPN2
Adam Hainsfurther
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Sports
In a battle between red and blue on one of the most important nights in American history, the Miami RedHawks fell to the Buffalo Bulls for the first time ever.
Now at 2-7 on the season, Miami football is suffering one of its worst seasons under head coach Shane Montgomery.
The team has one conference win and lost its last two games by a combined margin of 53 points.
Miami's losing effort in Buffalo highlighted many of Miami's woes. The RedHawks gave up 216 yards on the ground and another 260 yards through the air. Coming into this season, Miami's defense was considered the best in the MAC and one of the best among non-BCS schools across the nation. But, as the adage goes, saying it doesn't make it true.
The Red and White hasn't been able to stop any big plays this year. Miami's rushing defense, led by preseason Butkus award watch list members Clayton Mullins and Joey Hudson, hasn't played to the level expected. Instead, it has given up an average of 173.2 yards per game and is ranked seventh in the MAC. The defense has gotten just 10 sacks all season and is ranked 10th in scoring defense.
The defense isn't the only place where Red and White has underperformed. The RedHawks' offense is one of the worst in the MAC. It is ranked 12th in the conference for scoring, rushing and overall offense. It is ranked 9th in the conference for passing, 10th in first downs and last in turnover margin, averaging a -1 margin this season.
Freshman quarterback Clay Belton lost his first two starts for the RedHawks and left Tuesday's game early after suffering a minor injury. Before leaving the game in the fourth quarter, Belton completed 17 of 30 passes for 178 yards and ran for a touchdown.
Belton's performance, though, didn't compare to Buffalo's Drew Willy's game on Tuesday. The senior went 18 for 25 through the air and ended up throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Willy's two touchdowns brought his career total up to 44, a feat that has only been accomplished by one other Bull, Marty Barrett, who finished his career at that mark.
Now at 2-7 on the season, Miami football is suffering one of its worst seasons under head coach Shane Montgomery.
The team has one conference win and lost its last two games by a combined margin of 53 points.
Miami's losing effort in Buffalo highlighted many of Miami's woes. The RedHawks gave up 216 yards on the ground and another 260 yards through the air. Coming into this season, Miami's defense was considered the best in the MAC and one of the best among non-BCS schools across the nation. But, as the adage goes, saying it doesn't make it true.
The Red and White hasn't been able to stop any big plays this year. Miami's rushing defense, led by preseason Butkus award watch list members Clayton Mullins and Joey Hudson, hasn't played to the level expected. Instead, it has given up an average of 173.2 yards per game and is ranked seventh in the MAC. The defense has gotten just 10 sacks all season and is ranked 10th in scoring defense.
The defense isn't the only place where Red and White has underperformed. The RedHawks' offense is one of the worst in the MAC. It is ranked 12th in the conference for scoring, rushing and overall offense. It is ranked 9th in the conference for passing, 10th in first downs and last in turnover margin, averaging a -1 margin this season.
Freshman quarterback Clay Belton lost his first two starts for the RedHawks and left Tuesday's game early after suffering a minor injury. Before leaving the game in the fourth quarter, Belton completed 17 of 30 passes for 178 yards and ran for a touchdown.
Belton's performance, though, didn't compare to Buffalo's Drew Willy's game on Tuesday. The senior went 18 for 25 through the air and ended up throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Willy's two touchdowns brought his career total up to 44, a feat that has only been accomplished by one other Bull, Marty Barrett, who finished his career at that mark.
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