The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Buffalo
Akron Becomes Bowl Eligible with 42-21 Win Over Buffalo
November 21 | Football
Follow Akron Football on Facebook and Twitter | Buy Tickets
BOXSCORE | BOXSCORE (PDF) | VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS | PHOTO GALLERY
POSTGAME NOTES | POSTGAME QUOTES
AKRON, Ohio– During the 10th anniversary season of their only bowl appearance, the Akron Zips posted their sixth win of the 2015 season, becoming bowl eligible for just the second time in school history (as an FBS program), with a 42-21 Mid-American Conference win at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field on Saturday afternoon.
Akron improved to 6-5 overall (4-3 MAC), while the Bulls fell to 5-6 overall (3-4 MAC).
The Zips' first FBS bowl appearance came following the 2005 season. UA went on to play in the Motor City Bowl.
Sophomore QB Thomas Woodson (Monroeville, Pa.) went 17-of-30 for 258 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
Senior RB Donnell Alexander (Kansas City, Mo.) led all rushers with a career-high 143 yards and a career-best two touchdowns as a Zip.
In the air, senior WR Imani Davis (Miami, Fla.) had seven receptions for a career-high 118 yards and a touchdown. It marked the first 100-yard receiving game of Davis' collegiate career.
Defensively, senior LB Jatavis Brown (Belle Glade, Fla.) led all defenders with 12 tackles and two hurries.
For the Bulls, QB Joe Licata finished 32-of-51 for 262 yards and a touchdown while throwing two picks.
The Zips jumped on the scoreboard first as Woodson connected with sophomore WR Jerome Lane (Akron, Ohio) on a 29-yard touchdown reception following a seven-play, 80-yard drive.
On the Bulls' next drive, senior DT Rodney Coe (Fulton, Mo.) had a forced fumble, recovered by junior CB DeAndre Scott's (Frederick, Md.) on the 36-yard line. Akron took advantage of the turnover and scored on the very next play. This time Woodson found sophomore WR Austin Wolf (Lebanon, Ohio) for the 36-yard TD reception to give UA a 14-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Buffalo pulled within seven on a five-yard pass from Licata to Marcus McGill.
The Zips added a third score on 5-play, 36-yadr drive as Woodson hit Davis with an 11-yard pass into the endzone, giving UA a 21-7 edge.
But Buffalo wasn't finished yet. The Bulls utilized a 10-play, 76-yard drive to come within seven, 21-14, as Jordan Johnson rushed for the one-yard touchdown.
On its final drive of the first half, Akron marched down the field, finishing the five-play 74-yard drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Woodson to Lane. The Zips held a 28-14 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, Alexander came off the bench and began his career day. He scored his first touchdown on a seven-yard rush, pushing the Zips to a 35-14 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Alexander added an insurance TD on a 35-yard run as UA put the game out of reach, 42-14, with 8:38 remaining.
UB added a two-yard touchdown by Jordan Johnson to close out the game scoring.
Akron closes out the regular season on Black FryeDay, Nov. 27, against Kent State at Noon at InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field in the annual Wagon Wheel game. The Senior Class will be honored during a pregame ceremony. Former Zips' QB Charlie Frye (2001-04) will be inducted into the Ring of Honor.
