Stony Brook wants more than moral victory

In the past week since Stony Brook nearly upset UTEP for its first win against a FBS opponent, Seawolves coach Chuck Priore has been roundly congratulated for going into overtime before losing, 31-24.

And that upsets him.

"There is no good loss," Priore said. "We legitimately feel we let an opportunity get away from us. Let's not sugarcoat it. I've had too many people call me up and congratulate me, and it ---- me off. It's respectful, but if that was another opponent on our schedule, people wouldn't congratulate me for losing in overtime.

"Moving on, we've got to build on the positives that happened in the game: no turnovers in regulation, only three penalties, held them to 36 yards rushing, had more first downs, outgained them, rushed for 231 yards, young kids playing well."

Stony Brook (0-1) gets one more shot to knock off a FBS team when it visits Buffalo (0-1) for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday at UB Stadium. It's also the first meeting between two SUNY schools in Division I scholarship football. As a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1999, the Bulls already are playing at the higher level to which the FCS Seawolves aspire.

And they're faring pretty well. Three seasons ago, Buffalo earned a berth in Toronto's International Bowl, and although two losing seasons followed, the Bulls were impressive last week in a 35-16 loss at Pittsburgh of the Big East. They controlled the ball for 38:48, running 93 plays and totaling 403 yards of offense. Quarterback Chazz Anderson, a transfer from Cincinnati, passed for 276 yards and ran for a touchdown.

"They're a talented offense, and they're in the second year in the system ," Priore said. "They could have easily scored some more points and just missed some opportunities. The quarterback is talented, and they've got some talented receivers. There's no holiday for Stony Brook, let's put it that way."

Just as he did a week ago, Priore worries about the difference in athleticism at the skill positions against a FBS school, but with an offensive line that averages well over 300 pounds per man and a solid defense, he expects to match up well physically. Running backs Miguel Maysonet (103 yards rushing at UTEP) and Brock Jackolski (99) will test Buffalo's defense, but Priore might add a wrinkle.

He was pleased with the play of backup quarterback Kyle Essington, who scored a touchdown at UTEP, and might expand his role behind starter Michael Coulter. "Essington did exactly what we asked him to do," Priore said. "He had two third-down conversions running the option play, scored a touchdown running the option play and was 1-for-2 on important first-down [passes].

"It's not because Mike's not playing well. We rotate because we think we have two good players. Kyle is more athletic, but he also throws the ball very well."

It's about winning for Priore. If the result is another close loss, please hold the applause.