On Saturday, the Buffalo State offense came to life with 474 total yards in a 40-24 homecoming win over Morrisville State. After putting up a paltry 196 yards of offense last week against Alfred University (3-0), the Bengals (2-1) found their offensive stride against the winless Mustangs (0-3).
“This game was a big step forward, because now the next team we play is gonna have to watch out not only for the run, but for the pass,” senior quarterback Aaron Ertel said. “We really are almost 50-50, run and passing. Today we showed that; we ran the ball really well and threw the ball really well thanks to the rest of team.”
Bengals offense explodes

• After going three of eight for 32 yards last week, Ertel took a deep shot to junior receiver Stephen Johnson for a gain of 57 yards on the first play of the game.
• Ertel went 15 of 28 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
• Johnson led the Bengals with four catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.
• Johnson’s touchdown was the first scored by a player other than junion running back Dale Stewart.
• Stewart and senior running back Tre Jones formed a committee. Stewart had 13 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown. Jones gained 91 yards on eight carries.
• Senior tight end Nick Jones and junior running back Antoine Holloman each scored for Buffalo State.

Buff State forces two key turnovers

• Senior defensive back Ish height took his first interception of the season 46 yards for a pick six in the third quarter.
• Defensive back Brett Ellers added an interception in the fourth quarter that led to a Bengals touchdown.

Defensive prowess

• Defensive end Cliff Brown recorded 1.5 sacks. The defense combined for five sacks.
• Freshman cornerback Darren Thompson led the Bengals defense with 14 tackles.

Morrisville State’s comeback efforts fall short

• The Mustangs scored 21 points in the second half to pull within 3 after being down by 24.
• Junior receiver Marcus Jackson-Conner led all players with 14 catches for 172 yards, including a one-handed circus catch in the second quarter.
• Morrisville State quarterback Cory Benedetto was benched in the third quarter; sophomore Brandon Gwinner replaced him.
• Sophomore running back Nick Edmond led the Mustangs with 12 carries, 57 yards and two touchdowns.

Morrisville State lost 28-21 last week versus Utica. The Bengals avenged last season’s 37-23 loss at Morrisville State. Buffalo State has won back-to-back homecoming games. They defeated St. John Fisher last season, 30-7.
The Bengals will go on the road for the first time this season to take on St. John Fisher Saturday at 1 p.m.
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