Bulls Host Northern Illinois on Saturday
10/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
BUFFALO, NY—The UB football team will look to get back on the winning track when it hosts Northern Illinois on Saturday at noon at UB Stadium. Buffalo is looking to rebound from a 34-0 loss at Temple last Saturday.
"We're not going to define our team by this game," head coach Jeff Quinn said of the loss to Temple. "You just have to go back into executing those fundamentals, and take some pressure off of our defense."
The Bulls offense was slowed by a solid Temple defense. Workhorse running back Branden Oliver, ranked second in the MAC in rushing, was held to 62 yards. Quarterback Chazz Anderson, who was coming off a 343 yard passing effort against Ohio, threw for only 87 yards against the Owls.
"We need to get that mentality back like we did against OU (Ohio University)," Quinn said. "I don't think it's one particular guy, I think it's a collective effort out of all the guys."
Buffalo has played well at home this season, with wins against Stony Brook and Ohio.
"We need to demonstrate something for our fans, family and friends to get excited about," Quinn said. "Take care of your home turf."
Northern Illinois is led by quarterback Chandler Harnish. The senior signal caller was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week for the West Division for the second time this season after the Huskies defeated Western Michigan, 55-21, last week. Harnish joined an elite group in Denard Robinson, Vince Young, Brad Smith and Antwaan Randle El as the only quarterbacks to rush and throw for over 200 yards in a single game.
The Huskie quarterback is the MAC's fourth leading rusher, and holds the mark for highest single-game rushing performance this season.
"That's why I hired a quality defensive staff," Quinn said. "When you get your hands on him you better bring him down. He's a big, strong kid—but you've got to be disciplined."
Tickets for Saturday's game are available at the Alumni Arena ticket office or by clicking here.
Saturday's game is the MAC Game of the Week and will air on ESPN Regional as well as ESPN3.com. Fans can also catch the game on 1230 WECK in Buffalo or 1280/107.3 WHTK in Rochester.
