2009 International Bowl History &
Profile
Buffalo (8-5) vs.
Connecticut (7-5)
Jan. 3rd,
Noon p.m. ET, ESPN2
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International Bowl History
2008 Rutgers, 52, Ball State 30
2007 Cincinnati 27, Western Mich 24 |
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History
By
Richard Cirminiello
Best Bull Bowl
Moment:
All hail, Turner Gill, who’s leading Buffalo to its first-ever bowl
game, a silly notion just a couple of years ago. To put this
accomplishment in context, the Bulls went 12-79 between 1999-2006
before beginning to make some tangible strides in 2007.
Best Husky Bowl Moment: Connecticut’s first bowl
invitation was a stepping stone moment for a young program that
hadn’t been competing in I-A very long. Just three years after
elevating from I-AA, the Huskies pounded Toledo in the 2004 Motor
City Bowl, 39-10, behind the passing of star QB Dan Orlovsky and the
play of an opportunistic and unheralded defense.
The Last Time You'll See ...
Buffalo: QB Drew Willy. Every program that reaches new
heights has a signature player carrying the banner. In Buffalo, that
man has been Willy. A third-year starter who’s made strides every
season, he’s peaked as a senior with 25 touchdown passes, more than
3,000 yards through the air, and just five picks. When this MAC
championship team has a reunion in 25 years, Willy will be the
master of ceremonies.
Connecticut: DE Cody Brown. Brown has spent the past two
seasons in East Hartford being one of the best edge rushers that no
one outside the Big East has heard about. While only 6-2 and 248
pounds, he’s a blur around tackle, who often requires more than one
blocker. After being overlooked as a junior, he was named to the
All-Big East first team after collecting a Husky-high 14 tackles for
loss and nine sacks.
Breakout Player ...
Buffalo: LB Justin Winters. Winters is a well-kept outside
of Upstate New York. That could change if the International Bowl
does the unlikely and attracts any audience outside of the
Northeast. In his first full year of action, the sophomore leads the
Bulls with 118 tackles, while chipping in 7.5 tackles for loss. A
glorified safety at 6-1 and 202 pounds, he makes plays with his
quickness and ability to shed blockers.
Connecticut: CB Jasper Howard. Now that star corner Darius
Butler has played his final games for the Huskies, Howard has taken
over as the team’s stopper in pass defense. While not very big, he’s
a dynamic athlete who’s not afraid to step and support in run
defense. He’s tied for second on the team with 37 solo tackles, has
four interceptions, and leads the Big East in punt returns.
Best Non-Game Event
The Battle of the Marching Bands is the most popular event among the
fans.
Player Gift Package
Players from both teams will receive a souvenir autograph football,
an International Bowl watch, an International Bowl rolling duffel,
and an embroidered computer backpack.
Charitable Component
The chief beneficiary from the efforts and proceeds of the
International Bowl is the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank.
How Success is Measured
The bowl’s success is measured by school feedback regarding the
international experience for the teams, attendance, and sponsor
support.
MVP of the Bowl
Presenting the bowl is a total team effort, so it’s not possible
to nominate just one individual as the MVP.
Impact to the Community
The biggest impact involves Canadians enjoying the U.S. college
football atmosphere and U.S. teams learning about their Canadian
neighbors. For many players, this will be their first trip outside
the boundaries of the United States.
Role of
Volunteers
Volunteers are essential for hosting teams, travel parties, and
fans. They provide both hospitality and cultural sharing throughout
the week’s events.
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Buffalo Bowl History (0-0)
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Connecticut Bowl History (1-1)
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2007 |
Meineke |
Wake
Forest 24, Connecticut
10 |
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2004 |
Motor City |
Connecticut 39, Toledo
10 |
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