BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — University at Buffalo's football team affirmed its bowl game bonafides and remained on the fringe of contention for the Mid-American Conference title with its third consecutive victory, 37-20 on the road at Eastern Michigan on Wednesday night.
Locally-grown linebacker Shaun Dolac played a starring role in the victory that boosted UB's record to 7-4. Along with nine tackles to raise his national-best total to 146, Dolac made two interceptions, including one that he returned 60 yards for his first collegiate touchdown, a zig-zagged, hurdling highlight the sealed the win.
Dolac, an All-Western New York running back for West Seneca East in 2018, was this week named as a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy awarded to most outstanding former walk-on. He's also a semifinalst for the Butkus Award given to the country's best linebacker.
C.J. Ogbonna accounted for 302 yards (260 passing, 42 rushing) and three touchdowns as the Bulls beat former quarterback Cole Snyder (350 yards, three touchdowns) to improve to 5-2 in the MAC. Al-Jay Henderson totaled 161 yards (86 rushing, 75 receiving) with two touchdowns. J.J. Jenkins had 120 yards receiving, including a 90-yard touchdown after Dolac's first interception.
After going winless in weeknight November games under previous coach Maurice Linguist, the Bulls have now won two in row in the MACtion spotlight with new coach Pete Lembo, who became the first UB coach with seven victories in his debut season since C.W. Dibble in 1897.
The Bulls conclude the regular season against winless Kent State on Tuesday night at UB Stadium with a chance to reach eight regular season wins for just the third time since returning to Division I FBS.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
