Football Game Notes vs. Mansfield (September 14)

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Mansfield (0-1) at Buffalo State(0-1)- Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 1:00 p.m. - Coyer Field (Buffalo, NY)

Series Record

Buffalo State is 3-1 in four previous meetings with Mansfield, however the Mounties defeated the Bengals in the second week last season. Mansfield took a 22-0 lead late in the third quarter and held on for the 22-12 victory. The Mountaineers ran for 220 yards, including 205 by James Tillman, who also had two touchdowns.

Previous Meetings:

2001 - Mansfield 22, Buffalo State 12

2000 - Buffalo State 39, Mansfield 29

1993 - Buffalo State 23, Mansfield 19

1992 - Buffalo State 21, Mansfield 17

About the Coaches

Buffalo State is led by second-year head coach Bob Swank who became the Bengals' third head coach since the program's inception in 1981. After a late hire last season, Swank brings his first recruiting class into the mix this season as he and his staff will look to return the program to the postseason for the 11th time in 12 years. Swank came to Buffalo State after spending six seasons as the Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator at Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC. Prior to Methodist, Swank was the defensive backs coach at Midwestern State, and played quarterback and defensive back at Widener University.

Mansfield is led by second-year head coach Chris Woods. Woods completed his fast track in collegiate coaching when he was named the 21st head coach in the Mountaineers 110-year history in March of 2000. In his first season at the helm, he led Mansfield to a 2-8 record. Prior to coming to Mansfield, Woods was the defensive coordinator at Wittenberg from 1996-1999. During his time there, the Tigers posted a 40-4 record and earned NCAA playoff berths in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Last Week?

Buffalo State opened its season last weekend at Division I-AA Robert Morris with a 41-12 loss. The Bengals trailed just 7-6 at halftime, but had two interceptions and a blocked punt returned for touchdowns in the third quarter putting the game out of reach. Sterling Anderson and Felix Joyner scored the Bengals touchdowns on runs of 66 and two yards respectively.

Mansfield also saw it first action last Saturday, as it was defeated at home by East Stroudsburg, 31-14. Mountie quarterback Travis Motley threw for 202 yards in the losing effort.

Instant Hit...

Buffalo State return-man Curtis Hathcock made an instant impact in his first game as a Bengal. The junior transfer amassed 213 kick return yards on seven tries, setting a new Buffalo State record for kick return yards in a single game.

Early Accolades...

Buffalo State senior offensive lineman Hans Mann was voted a preseason All-American by D3football.com. A four-year starter, Mann was an ECAC Upstate All-Star in 2001.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Ventura, Sports Information Director | 7168786030 | venturjm@buffalostate.edu