Davis throws for 3 TDs, Buffalo barely beats Bowling Green 28-26 despite big statistical edge

Buffalo holds off Bowling Green rally 28-26

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Jerry Davis threw for three touchdowns and Buffalo withstood a late comeback to edge Bowling Green 28-26 on Saturday in both teams’ Mid-American Conference opener.

Davis hit Marcus Rivers with a 7-yard TD pass and Terrell Jackson for a 9-yarder to give the Bulls (2-3, 1-0) a 28-13 third-quarter lead.

The Falcons (1-4, 0-1), who were dominated statistically, nearly pulled it out in the fourth quarter. After Robert Lorenzi returned an interception 82 yards for a touchdown, Bowling Green partially blocked a punt. Aaron Pankratz’s 48-yard scoring pass to Willie Geter made it 28-26.

Bowling Green had a chance to win after Keith Morgan recovered an Ike Nduka fumble at the Bulls’ 24 with 1:16 left, but Bryan Wright missed a 40-yard field goal try on the final play.

Buffalo outgained Bowling Green 441 yards to 176 and converted on 12 of 19 third downs to the Falcons’ 3 of 16.