Bulls Look to Crash Western Michigan’s Homecoming

Bulls in search of first ever win over the Broncos

Steven Means

BUFFALO, NY - Buffalo is set to travel to Western Michigan in a highly-anticipated MAC matchup Saturday at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo.

“We are excited and ready for the opportunity to play another football game,” said head coach Turner Gill.

The Bulls (3-4, 1-2 MAC) are coming off a 21-17 win over Akron. It is the second straight victory for the Bulls.

“It’s a big positive to get two wins in a row,” said Gill.

UB's win over Akron marked a big improvement from the Bulls' defense. They were able to come away with three big turnovers, two of which were in the red zone.

“Experience plays a huge role in our improvement,” said Gill. “Give credit to Fred Reed and the defensive staff. Their great coaching leads to improvement.”

However, the Bulls defense will have their hands full when they storm into Kalamazoo on Saturday afternoon.

Western Michigan is led by senior quarterback Tim Hiller. Hiller is coming off a record-breaking game where he became the school leader in touchdown passes (89) and completions (879). He completed 40-of-66 passing for 410 yards and two touchdowns. His 66 pass attempts in the game were a school single-game record.

The Bulls will need to find a way to stop Hiller in his tracks.

“Hiller is a good football player,” said Gill. “He understands the game, he uses his weapons effectively, is great making plays out in space, and can take off running as well as throwing the ball extremely well. We will have to have an excellent game to slow them down.”

“After last year, we know we can shut them down,“ said senior defensive end Bruno Lapointe. “The key issue is we need to be consistent and finish the game.”

The Bulls are 0-4 all time against the Broncos. Western Michigan is one of three MAC opponents the Bulls have never beaten. The most recent contest was in 2009 where the Bulls jumped out to an early lead, but were unable to hold on down the stretch as the Broncos prevailed 34-28.

Saturday's game kicks off at 2:00 pm and can be heard on 1230 AM WECK in Buffalo as well as 1280 AM and 107.3 FM in Rochester.

Written by Zach Ruske