Bahamas-bound Bulls sent off in style

Monday was a great day for football fans in Buffalo.

First came news that the Bills clinched a playoff spot with a late-night victory in Pittsburgh. It was followed by the Buffalo Bulls, who were cheered on by dozens of well-wishers as they left Amherst for the Bahamas in search of the program’s first bowl victory.

UB head coach Lance Leipold addressed the forward momentum of both the Bulls and Bills outside UB Stadium.

“I think there’s a lot of things that parallel our program and the Bills organization. We want to continue to build on the pride of Western New York, build consistent winning football programs that everybody can be proud of and rally behind,” he said.

While the Bills had the national spotlight Sunday, it’s the Bulls who will be in the limelight Friday, with a matchup against the University of North Carolina Charlotte in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.

“It’s really awesome for the city of Buffalo and football fans in and around the city. From our standpoint, we get a great opportunity like this, and the Bills getting that win last night, securing that playoff spot, it’s awesome for them and the city,” said UB quarterback Kyle Vantrease, a sophomore from Ohio.

That celebratory mood was evident inside the Murchie Family Football Center, where UB student-athletes, including members of the men’s basketball team and head coach Jim Whitesell, as well staff members and fans, lined the hall while clapping, hugging and fist-bumping the football players as they boarded buses bound for the airport.

The Bulls, who notched seven victories this season and claimed second place in the Mid-American Conference East Division, are playing in their second consecutive bowl game and fourth overall.

Ledarius Mack, a senior defensive end from Florida, was a member of last year’s squad that lost a heartbreaker to Troy in the Dollar General Bowl. He said the team is ready for Friday’s game.

“Everybody is excited. Everybody is also focused. We know what our jobs are: it’s to get this bowl ring, to get this win,” he said. “A lot of people doubted us this year. We definitely want to make a statement and finish strong.”

Leipold, now in his fifth season as UB’s head football coach, echoed those thoughts.

“We’re excited. It’s been a good preparation here in Buffalo to get ready for this game. Our guys are anxious for this opportunity. I’m excited for them to experience the Bahamas, the resort and everything. But also, we’re excited to get a chance to get on the field,” he said.

He said the team, which last played the day after Thanksgiving, is well-rested and prepared to take on Charlotte, which also finished with seven wins.

“It’s been a few weeks now since we’ve been on the field, and we look forward to try to play our best game of the year so far,” Leipold said.