OxfordPress.com

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Miami University football team is assured of a third consecutive losing season following a 37-17 loss at Buffalo's UB Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The loss, Miami's first ever against the Bulls, drops the RedHawks to 2-7 overall and 1-4 in the Mid-American Conference East Division.

Buffalo (5-4) moves into sole possession of first place in the MAC East at 3-2.

The Bulls never trailed in the game, leading 14-3 after one quarter and 21-10 at the half.

The RedHawks had two chances to get back within one score in the fourth quarter. Trailing 30-17 early in the quarter, Miami had a first down at the Buffalo 12. But a J.R. Taylor fumble gave the ball back to the Bulls.

After a defensive stop, Miami drove for a first down at the Buffalo 17. But the RedHawks failed to convert on fourth down, and three plays later the Bulls' James Starks ripped off a game-sealing 62-yard touchdown run.

Starks finished with 178 yards and two touchdowns to lead Buffalo's 477-yard attack.

UB quarterback Drew Willy was 18-of-29 for 245 yards and two touchdowns, with Naaman Roosevelt hauling in eight of those passes for 148 yards and a score.

Miami starting quarterback Clay Belton was 17-of-30 passing for 178 yards and was replaced in the second half by Daniel Raudabaugh, who finished 8-of-14 for 63 yards.

Belton scored one of the RedHawks' touchdowns on a 7-yard run, while Taylor ran for the other one.

Taylor finished with 69 rushing yards on 16 carries, and Dustin Woods led the RedHawks in receiving with nine catches for 82 yards.

Miami returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 11, at home against unbeaten Ball State.