The University at Buffalo claimed its first ever Mid American Conference ever Friday night with a shocking 42-24 win over previously undefeated Ball State.
Former Pembroke lineman Chris Lauzze is the starting center on that team.
The Bulls took advantage of four Cardinals turnovers and knocked off the 12th ranked team in Division I in convincing fashion. It is the first time UB has ever beaten a ranked opponent and this is the first time the squad has won the MAC title since joining NCAA Division I.
The biggest plays of the game were a pair of fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, one for 92 yards and the other for 74, late in the third quarter. Lauzze and the other lineman did a nice job protecting quarterback Drew Willy, who passed for 206 yards with three touchdowns, making him the first UB quarterback to ever throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season.
Ball State falls to 12-1 while Buffalo improves to 8-5 and accepts a spot in the International Bowl on January 3 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Tickets can be ordered here.
"To have the game an hour and a half away is a reward for our fans," coach Turner Gill said.
The Bulls will be inviting members of Buffalo's 1958 team to enjoy the experience. Members of that team refused to play in the Tangerine Bowl because the black players on the team would not be allowed to play in the game.
