Buffalo loses another heartbreaker, as Huskies snatch victory at the wire.
Buffalo and UConn had been no stranger to close games in 2025. The Bulls emerged in a back-and-forth thriller at Kent State in Week 3 and subsequently dropped a 21-17 heartbreaker to Troy in Week 4. The Huskies were outlasted in a pair of consecutive overtime games vs. Syracuse and Delaware and escaped Ball State by a 6-point margin last Saturday.
With the two 2-2 opponents squaring off against, this seemed matchup in Amherst, NY was destined to come down to the wire. UConn delivered the first blow and stayed one step ahead the entire contest — never trailing yet never leading by more than seven. When it was time to decide a victor, the Huskies had full control, setting up a 44-yard field goal for Chris Freeman. Freeman’s kick split the uprights with 11 seconds left to lift UConn to a 20-17 triumph, ensuring the Huskies a win over the MAC opponent in back-to-back seasons.
It was supposed to be a revenge game for one individual, but he was unable to take the field. Buffalo seventh-year senior quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson served as UConn’s starter for the 2022 season and likely had this one circled on his calendar. However, Roberson suffered a lower body injury in the third quarter vs. Troy one week prior, denying him the opportunity to face his former school. Instead, Gunnar Gray earned his first career start and finished 17-of-29 for 125 yards with a touchdown in a more defensive-oriented affair.
UConn entered the week with the nation’s sixth leading rusher in Cam Edwards and the FBS receptions leader in Skyler Bell, but the Huskies’ skill position stars couldn’t replicate their normal production against a poised Buffalo defense. Edwards managed 57 rushing yards and Bell snagged six catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. UConn produced just one touchdown in a 7-7 first half, burdened by three three-and-outs. However, a productive third quarter which saw 10 points on two drives greatly assisted the Huskies’ victory effort, and they led 17-10 entering the final frame.
The two teams traded punts for the majority of the fourth quarter, but all Buffalo needed was one promising drive to match the Huskies on the scoreboard. With roughly four minutes to go down seven, Gray started a series with a 27-yard connection to Victor Snow to invade UConn territory. Several Al-Jay Henderson runs later, Buffalo faced a do-or-die 4th and goal from the 5-yard line. UConn sent a heavy blitz at the first-time starting quarterback, but Gray dumped off a screen to an open Henderson for a touchdown, deadlocking the game at 17-17 with 1:04 remaining.
Those 64 remaining seconds proved to be problematic for Buffalo. UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano converted two critical third-and-longs to set Freeman up for a 44-yard game-winning field goal. The senior kick was true on the attempt to improve to 8-of-9 on the season, and his Huskies are now 3-2 as a result. It was an incredibly clean game for UConn which did not commit a single penalty or turnover in the closely-contested finish. UConn hopes those redeemable qualities translate next Saturday when it returns to East Hartford to host FIU.
Buffalo remained turnover-free as well, but the Bulls failed two fourth down attempts in UConn territory — proving to be the difference between the northeastern opponents. Entering the season with lofty expectations after a 9-4 campaign in Pete Lembo’s debut season, Buffalo falls to 2-3 and cements its non-conference record at 1-3. Eastern Michigan visits UB Stadium next Saturday as the Bulls hope to land their first victory on the third leg of a three-game homestretch.
Category: General Sports
