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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
1-6 , 0-0
Buffalo
4-3 , 3-0
Massachusetts Football downed by Buffalo, 34-7
October 15, 2022 | Football
Ellis Merriweather scored his first touchdown of the season
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts football team fell 34-7 to the University at Buffalo on Saturday afternoon at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (13,378).
Garret Dzuro passed for 99 yards, while Ellis Merriweather scored his first touchdown of the season after missing the previous two games. Kay'Ron Adams led the Massachusetts offense with 67 rushing yards.
The Minutemen defense came up with another two interceptions on the afternoon, including Josh Wallace's second of the season and Jordan Mahoney's third of the year. Jalen Mackie led the team with nine tackles (six solo).
How It Happened
A third down tackle by Noah Boykin held Buffalo to a field goal in their opening drive. With 7:15 remaining in the first quarter, Tyler Rudolph broke up a pass to force a Buffalo punt, this ultimately leading to a UMass first down.
On Buffalo's next possession, a fourth-and-four touchdown catch created a 10-0 lead just four seconds into the second quarter. Al-Jay Henderson then posted an 84-yard run for Buffalo's second touchdown of the afternoon.
With 7:42 remaining in the first half, Merriweather's efforts were rewarded as he punched in a five-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-7. Buffalo quickly answered back with a third-and-10, 49-yard touchdown completion. In the waning seconds of the second quarter, Mahoney intercepted his third pass of the season.
Buffalo opened the second half's scoring with a 39-yard field goal. With 3:54 remaining in the third quarter, George Johnson III's 27-yard catch ultimately catalyzed the Minutemen to their 16th first down of the game. On the Bulls' following drive, Wallace forced an interception at the UMass 35-yard line to give the Minutemen possession entering the fourth quarter.
The Bulls' responded with a six play, 62-yard scoring drive to mark the game's final score, 34-7.
Notes
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Ellis Merriweather collected his first touchdown of the season and the sixth of his career
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Isaac Ross tied his career-high with a 25-yard catch in the first half
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Kay'Ron Adams tallied a career best 65 yards rushing
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Javon Batten added his second fumble recovery of the season
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Massachusetts now has eight interceptions on the season
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George Johnson III finished with 52 receiving yards
Coach Brown Quotes
Defense
Thoughts on defense...
"You can see the development in specific guys … [I was] disappointed in our consistency in run defense but at the same time we took a couple high-risk plays because we had no choice. Had to try to generate something to help this football team but it came back to bite me."
Thoughts on Tanner Davis...
"Think he played up to his ability for his first time in my opinion. Tackled well, gave him a?couple extra responsibilities and thought he handled all those jobs really well.
Thoughts on Josh Wallace...
"I thought he had a really good game today. He got his hands on four balls, could've intercepted three, did intercept one."
Offense
Thoughts on offense...
"George Johnson was a positive sign today and for Ellis, it was nice to have him out there and at our disposable."
Thoughts on Garrett Dzuro…
"Our quarterback was an animal today. What that kid did to get himself back on the field today, we don't take any shortcuts. He did everything necessary to get himself on the field today. I thought he competed at a high, high level. When someone like Garrett Dzuro does what you were just talking about almost brings tears to my eyes. That's what you love about football. Here's a guy that just wants to play football."?
Next Up
The Minutemen have an open week and then stay home to play host to New Mexico State at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29 as part of Homecoming.
Team Stats
BUF 3, UMA 0
BUF - McNulty,Alex 39 yd field goal 7 plays, 28 yards, TOP 02:56
BUF 10, UMA 0
BUF - Williams,Quian 4 yd pass from Snyder,Cole (McNulty,Alex kick) 7 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:00
BUF 17, UMA 0
BUF - Henderson,Al-Jay 84 yd run (McNulty,Alex kick), 2 plays, 84 yards, TOP 00:18
BUF 17, UMA 7
UMA - Merriweather,Ellis 5 yd run (Carson,Cameron kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:39
BUF 24, UMA 7
BUF - Marshall,Justin 49 yd pass from Snyder,Cole (McNulty,Alex kick) 5 plays, 91 yards, TOP 02:27
BUF 27, UMA 7
BUF - McNulty,Alex 39 yd field goal 10 plays, 44 yards, TOP 04:00
BUF 34, UMA 7
BUF - Harrity,Cole 27 yd pass from Snyder,Cole (McNulty,Alex kick) 6 plays, 62 yards, TOP 02:43
