Buffalo vs. UConn 2012 final score: Huskies hang on for 24-17 win

One week after losing to Western Michigan, UConn avoided a second straight upset by a MAC opponent when it edged out Buffalo, 24-17. The Huskies offense was plagued by turnovers and sloppy play last week against the Broncos, but Chandler Whitmer and Lyle McCombs combined on the ground and through the air to clinch the win.

Whitmer was 15 of 22 for 227 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Ryan Griffin for a 36-yard score in the second quarter. It was the first touchdown of the game for UConn, pushing them to a three-point lead they would not relinquish. McCombs punched one in from two yards out for UConn's only second-half touchdown. He finished the game with 97 yards on 29 carries. The Huskies pounded it on the ground with McCombs in the second half, killing clock and avoiding turnovers through the air.

The Bulls certainly made things interesting down the stretch, scoring the game's final 10 points to cut the deficit to a touchdown. Alex Zordich marched Buffalo down the field for a touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter, but it was UConn's defense that rose up in the final 15 minutes to hold on for the win.

With the win, the Huskies wrap up their non-conference slate at 3-2.

Box Score Hero: UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer avoided any costly interceptions, and completed 15 of 22 attempts for 227 yards and a touchdown.

Rankings Ramifications: The game will have no implications on the polls.

But Did They Cover? UConn was not able to cover the 17-point spread against the Bulls.

For More On This Game: Visit UConn blog The UConn Blog, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias. For more on Bulls football, visit Buffalo blog Bull Run, plus MAC blog Hustle Belt.

Next Week's Schedule: UConn opens their conference schedule with a game at Rutgers while Buffalo heads to Athens to face MAC preseason favorite Ohio.

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