Buffalao blew their chance to remain up in the top tier of Group of Five contenders for the New Year’s Six this year, when they fell 52-17 in Athens to Ohio on Wednesday night for their second loss of the season. Instead of getting to 10 wins, the Bulls fell to 10th in the latest Group of Five Power Rankings. They are clinging on to a spot in this week’s rankings mainly because they still have the best shot of winning the MAC and putting themselves into the running.
Tyree Jackson struggled against the Bobcats, throwing two interceptions and managing only 116 yards on 9-of-21 passing. Jackson did run for 70 yards on three carries, capped by a 55-yard burst and a four-yard touchdown run. But the Bulls gave up 437 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground to the Bobcats, as their defense was overwhelmed at the point of attack throughout the midweek road trip.
Buffalo thought they would already be locked into the MAC championship game. But the Ohio loss put them on notice, and now the Bulls must beat Bowling Green on Black Friday or else the door will be open for the Bobcats to steal away the trip to Detroit. If they want to maintain any chance of reaching the New Year’s Six this season, Buffalo needs not just to make that title game but to win against the MAC West champ.