Neutz once again a part of UB's offense in defeat

The University at Buffalo hasn't heard much from Alex Neutz since his sparkling season-opening debut against Rhode Island, but he made a statement on Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

Neutz (Grand Island) established personal highs in receptions and receiving yards in the Bulls' 21-17 loss to the Eagles at UB Stadium. He finished with seven receptions for 112 yards, the first 100-yard receiving game of his career.

Neutz had five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in the Bulls' 31-0 romp over Rhode Island but going into Saturday's game had only nine receptions for 214 yards and a touchdown.

"Being senior night and everything, I wanted to put it on the line for the seniors," he said. "Jerry put the ball in position where I could get to it and I just made the plays."

His highlight came on a 33-yard catch in which Neutz made the grab with cornerback Arrington Hicks hanging from his arm. Hicks was called for pass interference -- which was declined -- on the play.

"I just saw the ball in the air and I knew I was in position to make a play," Neutz said. "The DB was pulling me back a little bit. Pass interference is only like 10 yards so you might as well catch it and get 30."

...

EMU's Hicks was taken off the field in an ambulance as he made a tackle on UB's Ed Young on the Bulls' final drive.

Young ran a slant pattern and Hicks hit his head awkwardly while tackling Young and his head slammed on the turf. As trainers attended Hicks, some of the Bulls gathered near midfield and prayed for him. Hicks was able to move his arms and legs and as he was loaded into the ambulance, he gave the crowd a thumbs up. He was taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital as a precautionary measure.

...

Davonte Shannon ended his time in UB Stadium on a high note with a game-high 15 tackles, seven solo, and an interception. He now has 19 career double-digit tackle games and needs just three tackles this at Akron for the school record in career tackles.

His pick in the first quarter was the fourth of the season and the 10th of his career. He is now tied for ninth on the career interception list with Craig Rohlfs and his four interceptions this season is a career high for the senior free safety. His previous career best in interceptions was three in 2007 as a true freshman.

...

UB coach Jeff Quinn hasn't been happy with the performance of Marcus Rivers (Lackawanna) of late, but the junior receiver responded with five receptions for 55 yards on Saturday, including a 28-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Davis tossed a high lob for the 6-foot-3 Rivers with Eastern Michigan corner Marcell Rose covering him and Rivers won the jump ball.

...

Seniors Anel Montanez, Peter Bittner, Domonic Cook and Shannon served as captains for Saturday's game. ... Wide receiver Ed Young caught his fifth touchdown pass of the season and finished with five receptions overall. He now has 17 catches this season, five for touchdowns. ... Redshirt freshman linebacker Khalil Mack had two more tackles for loss, giving him 13 for the season, one shy of 10th place in a single season in school history. Senior defensive end Jerry Housey's seven tackles matched a career high for him.