Buffalo's "Hail Mary" Advances To Final Four

Play that defeated Temple, 30-28, still in the running for Pontiac's Game-Changing Play of the Year

Naaman Roosevelt makes "The Catch"

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo's dramatic game-winning "Hail Mary" play that defeated Temple has advanced to be one of four finalists vying for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year. A $100,000 general scholarship contribution from Pontiac is on the line for the play voted best of the year by the fans.

That play helped spell the difference as Buffalo won the Mid-American Conference East Division title, advancing to the MAC title game where the Bulls stunned No. 12-ranked and previously unbeaten Ball State, 42-24. Buffalo will play Connecticut on January 3rd in the International Bowl in the school's first-ever bowl game appearance.

Buffalo was voted as the Pontiac Game Changing Performance for the third week of the 2008 NCAA® Football Season. Trailing 28-24 and down to their final play, junior Naaman Roosevelt pulled in a 35-yard "Hail Mary" pass from senior quarterback Drew Willy to propel the Bulls to a 30-28 victory over the Temple Owls. As a result, Buffalo earned a $5,000 general scholarship contribution from Pontiac.

Now it is up to the fans to determine if the Bulls will receive the ultimate $100,000 scholarship contribution by voting at www.pontiac.com/ncaa now through midnight on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the year and winner of the one hundred thousand dollar general scholarship contribution will be announced on FOX during the BCS Championship game on January 8.

“Pontiac has created a successful program that has a positive impact academically and athletically. Teams get deserved recognition for their accomplishments and all students have an opportunity to benefit from the general scholarship fund, so it’s a win-win situation,” said Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN GameDay Analyst.

The Pontiac Game Changing Performance recognizes the most dramatic moments that occur in NCAA games across the country, moments that change the outcome of the game or define a season. The program provides fans the opportunity to vote on the performance they believe is the biggest game changer. The competition began August 31 and will continue for the entire 2008 NCAA® football season.

To vote and get full program details, visit www.pontiac.com/ncaa.