AKRON, Ohio (AP) -A.J. Principe kicked a 40-yard field goal, his second in overtime, to give Buffalo a 43-40 victory over Akron Thursday night in a game that went into a fourth overtime and lasted more than four hours.
James Sparks rushed 37 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns for the Bulls (6-4, 4-2 Mid-American Conference), who captured sole possession of first place in the MAC East division with the win. Drew Willy was 27-of-39 for 252 yards and a touchdown, and also scored on a 1-yard run.
It was the final game for Akron (5-5, 3-3) in the Rubber Bowl, where they have played since 1940. A new stadium is expected to be ready for the start of the 2009 season.
The score was tied at 24-24 at the end of regulation after the Zips' Dennis Kennedy ran 1 yard for a touchdown with 23 seconds left. Kennedy had 25 carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns, and five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Chris Jacquemain was 20-of-38 for 295 yards and two touchdowns for Akron.
Buffalo and Akron matched touchdown, field goal, touchdown in overtime until Buffalo took advantage of a fumble on the Zips' final possession.
