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Gotkowski Sparks Miami RedHawks To Bowl Eligibility With 37-20 Win At Buffalo

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Football

(BCSNN) -- Backup quarterback Thomas Gotkowski came off the bench to throw for 185 yards and account for two touchdowns, lifting Miami (Ohio) to a 37–20 road win over Buffalo on Wednesday night. The victory made the RedHawks bowl-eligible for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons and kept their MAC title hopes alive entering the final week.

“You always want your opportunity in life,” said head coach Chuck Martin. “[Gotkowski] got an opportunity tonight and obviously not only took advantage of it but he helped us win a huge, huge football game.”

Gotkowski threw a 32-yard touchdown to Kam Perry and scrambled for a three-yard score late in the first half to give Miami a 14–3 lead. The RedHawks added a field goal after a Silas Walters interception, but Buffalo responded with 17 straight points to take a 20–17 lead early in the third quarter.

Miami answered quickly. Jordan Brunson broke off a 60-yard run to set up D’Shawntae Jones’ seven-yard touchdown, and Lynel Billups-Williams followed with a 42-yard punt return to set up another Jones score. The RedHawks closed the game with 20 unanswered points.

Brunson finished with 123 rushing yards, while Jones recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career. “Both of those runs could have been no gain… both very physical runs,” Martin said. “I was proud of how they finished.”

Gotkowski credited the offensive line and his preparation. “It felt amazing coming out and being able to kind of prove what I’ve done in practice,” he said. “I’ve been taking mental reps. Being able to come out here and execute our game plan… felt amazing.”

Miami’s defense forced two interceptions and held Buffalo to just 44 yards on 22 fourth-quarter plays. Walters notched his third pick of the season, while Adrian Walker Jr. grabbed his first career interception.

The RedHawks also hit on three passes of 30+ yards in the first half — a first in MAC play this season — and kicker Dom Dzioban added field goals of 42, 37, and 49 yards to help seal the win.

Miami (6–5, 5–2 MAC) hosts Ball State on Nov. 29 in its regular-season finale. A win, plus help elsewhere, could send the RedHawks to the MAC Championship Game.