BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo football program was recognized nationally for its graduation rate by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in its yearly rankings.

Duke University won the Academic Achievement Award for its 100 percent graduation rate among members of its freshman class from the 1997-98 year.

The Bulls earned honorable mention status for the second time in three years for having a graduation rate above 70 percent. They were joined by 30 other schools in that category, including four other Mid-American Conference schools. The MAC tied with the Big Ten and the Big 12 for the national lead with five schools earning honorable mention status.

"This award is reflective of the terrific job our student-athletes have done in balancing their academic work with their football endeavors," said head coach Jim Hofher. "It also speaks volumes for the kind of job our academic advising and support staff does for our student-athletes. We are proud to be recognized with many of the great academic and football-playing institutions in America."

Duke won the award for the second time in the past five years, while Northwestern, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Syracuse have also claimed the honor in recent years.