RedHawks Drop MAC Opener at Buffalo, 24-20

Saturday, October 1

Buffalo, NY

3:30 p.m.

Miami University

Buffalo

RedHawks Drop MAC Opener at Buffalo, 24-20

10/1/2022 7:27:00 PM | Football

Box Score

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Despite a career day from Aveon Smith, the Miami University football (2-3, 0-1 MAC) team dropped a 24-20 decision to the University at Buffalo (2-3, 2-0 MAC) on Saturday afternoon. Smith finished with 119 yards passing and a career-best 142 yards rushing to go along with two touchdowns in the loss.

Miami dominated the stat sheet, out-gaining the Bulls 359-278. Led by Smith's day on the ground, the RedHawks out-rushed the Bulls 240-90 and won the turnover battle (2-1) as well, but 11 RedHawk penalties for 96 yards deemed crucial down the stretch for the Red and White.

How it Happened:

Buffalo got on the board first, finishing off a nine-play drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run on UB's opening drive.
Miami answered quickly as Smith weaved through the Buffalo defense for a 73-yard touchdown run, knotting the score at 7-7 with 6:07 to play in the first quarter.
Buffalo nearly returned an interception for a score and eventually converted on a fourth-and-goal rush to claim a 14-7 advantage midway through the second quarter.
Graham Nicholson's 34-yard field goal with 3:28 to play in the first half cut UB's lead to 14-10.
After a UB 43-yard field goal, Smith and Mac Hippenhammer connected on back-to-back completions for 53 combined yards. Three plays later, Smith scored from three yards out for his second rushing touchdown of the contest to tied the score at 17-17 late in the third quarter.
On UB's ensuing drive, Ty Wise knocked the ball away from the UB quarterback and Kobe Hilton recovered the fumble, setting up Miami's offense with a short field. Six plays later, Nicholson converted a 22-yard field goal to give Miami its first lead of the game with 58 seconds left in the third.
Buffalo's 15-yard touchdown with 31 seconds remaining gave the Bulls the 24-20 victory.

Game Notes:

Kolby Borders made his first start of the season at right guard.
Smith's 73-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was a career long. Smith finished the contest with 142 yards on 12 carries, his first 100-yard rushing game of his career.
Dominic Nardone, making his first start of the season, had a career-high 10 tackles
Yahsyn McKee had his first career interception as a RedHawk.

Up Next:
Miami returns to action Saturday, Oct. 8 at home versus Kent State. Opening kick is set for 3:30 p.m.