The Buffalo State football team lost to No. 15 Wisconsin-Whitewater, 55-14, on a rainy afternoon at Coyer Field today.

The Bengals fell behind early and never recovered in the rematch of last season’s game at Whitewater, a 7-6 win for the Bengals over the then nationally top-ranked Warhawks.

Wisconsin-Whitewater took control early, returning the opening kickoff 61 yards to set up a 34-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive.

The Warhawks added a field goal later in the first quarter to make it 10-0. Buffalo State’s Mike Doherty fumbled on the ensuing kickoff return, and Wisconsin-Whitewater recovered with good field position, scoring on a short touchdown pass shortly after.

After the Warhawks scored again with 2:28 to go, the Bengals suddenly found themselves facing a 24-0 deficit after just one quarter of play. It wouldn’t get much better for Buffalo State later on in the game, either.

The Bengals struggled to stop the Warhawks’ offense, allowing 45 points in the first half. They also couldn’t find a way to break through Wisconsin-Whitewater’s defense, posting only 182 yards on offense despite averaging almost 500 yards a game though the first two weeks of the season.

Quarterback Casey Kacz was limited by an injury he suffered two weeks ago against Cortland. He played only intermittently, totaling just 60 yards, one touchdown and an interception, one of five Bengal turnovers.

Kyle Hoppy and Dave Jacobs also saw playing time at quarterback against the Warhawks but were a combined 1 for 11 with four yards.

Buffalo State (2-1) will try to shake off the tough loss before next Saturday’s Homecoming game against Ithaca at noon.

Leif Reigstad can be reached be email [email protected].