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Bahamas Bowl 2019: 3 reasons to watch Charlotte vs. Buffalo

By Steven Hamner

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 19: Benny LeMay #32 of the Charlotte 49ers runs with the ball against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first quarter of the game on October 19, 2019 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 19: Benny LeMay #32 of the Charlotte 49ers runs with the ball against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first quarter of the game on October 19, 2019 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaret Patterson #26 of the Buffalo Bulls in the end zone during the second quarter in the game against the Miami of Ohio RedHawks at Yager Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
OXFORD, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaret Patterson #26 of the Buffalo Bulls in the end zone during the second quarter in the game against the Miami of Ohio RedHawks at Yager Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson

Jaret Patterson is one of the best running backs in college football and carried Buffalo the entire season. I would venture to say that most people have not even heard of him, mainly because he plays at Buffalo, and because he’s only a sophomore.

Patterson rushed for over 1,600 yards on the year to go along with 18 total touchdowns and 209 yards receiving. As if that isn’t impressive enough, he led the entire MAC in rushing yards and was fifth in all of FBS in rushing yards.

The only four players in the FBS to rush for more yards than Patterson were AJ Dillon from Boston College, J.K. Dobbins from Ohio State, Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin and Chuba Hubbard from Oklahoma State. Each of those guys will be playing on Sunday’s.

However, while Patterson did have a huge season, he didn’t just burst onto the scene. His freshman year, he had over 1,000 yards on the ground along with 14 rushing touchdowns.

Buffalo had a great season last year and Patterson played a big role in that, but was overshadowed by quarterback Tryee Jackson. He left after last year as a junior and entered the NFL draft and signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills, but was eventually waived and picked up by an XFL team.

Buffalo will rely heavily on Patterson in the Bahamas Bowl.

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