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The Leathernecks (8-1) were limited to 85 yards of total offense in the first half, but took control of the game with two long scoring drives to start the second half. Erik Rogers completed an 11-play, 65-yard drive with an 11-yard burst to make it 17-0 and All-American tailback Aaron Stecker (118 yards on 21 carries) scored on a one-yard leap with 3:33 left in the third quarter to give WIU a commanding, 24-0 lead.

The Bulls (4-5) only score of the game came on a three-yard run by David Schmidli (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) with 9:35 left in the game. The Buffalo rushing offense - which ranked 14th in I-AA football entering the game, was limited to 114 yards on 32 carries in the game. The Bulls also were hurt by three turnovers - including two in the first half.

Western Illinois seized control early when Donnie Caldwell returned a punt 62 yards the first time the Leathernecks touched the ball. WIU led 10-0 at the half after a 36-yard Joe Lopez field goal.

Buffalo split end Drew Haddad (Westlake, OH/St. Ignatius) became the school's all-time leader in receptions with five catches for 50 yards to lead the Bulls' offense. Fullback Josh Roth (Conewango Valley, NY/Pine Valley) had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. A pair of true freshmen led the UB defense as linebacker Brandon Jordan (Huntington Beach, CA/Edison) had 10 tackles (six solos) while Craig Rohlfs (Cincinnati, OH/Moeller) had nine stops.

The Bulls have a bye next week before playing at Villanova on Nov. 14.