BUFFALO, N.Y. - Western Michigan football dropped a 29-24 decision in its final road contest of the season Saturday, Nov. 10, at Buffalo. Bronco senior quarterback Alex Carder made his first start since Oct. 6 vs. UConn, after missing the last six games with a broken finger.

Western Michigan (4-7, 2-5 MAC) got in an early 17-0 hole but pulled within three points before the half, scoring two touchdowns in the final 3:28 of the second quarter. Carder found senior Eric Monette for both TD's, the first from 17 yards out and the second from 27. Monette's first touchdown grab was a leaping catch in the corner and his second was a strike across the middle in which he twisted his body across the goal line.

The Broncos picked up where they left off after the break, Carder finding Monette for a 20-yard reception to open the third quarter. WMU continued down the field for a six-play, 69 yard drive to take its first lead of the game, 21-17, at 12:30 in the quarter, Carder completing an eight-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Roberts. It was Roberts' first career TD.

Buffalo (3-7, 2-4 MAC) answered in the third quarter with a pair of field goals from Patrick Clark to regain the lead, 23-21.

WMU's Andrew Haldeman split the uprights from 28-yards out at the start of fourth quarter to give Western Michigan its final lead of the night, 24-21.

UB's Alex Nuetz caught a 30-yard pass down the right sideline from Joe Licata with 10:53 remaining to put UB on top for good, 29-24. The Bulls' two-point conversion fell incomplete.

Western Michigan started a drive from its own 20 with 5:51 left in the game, but was unable to come away with any points. Carder had a big third down and one throw for 27 yards to Justin Collins on the drive and UB was hit with a 15-yard penalty on a three-yard Carder rush to bring WMU to UB's 24. Carder found Monette in the corner of the end zone, but the senior wideout had trouble bringing in the catch and WMU turned the ball over on its next snap as Carder fumbled on a sack.

Carder finished with three touchdowns and 275 yards and completed 19 of 37 pass attempts. He was sacked four times however, and had four interceptions as well as the lost fumble. He rushed for 52 yards.

Collins had a career night, setting career highs with six receptions for 122 yards and tied a career-high with a 28-yard reception. His previous career high was three receptions at Toledo and 50 yards receiving at Central Michigan.

For Monette, he had a TD reception for third straight-game, and it was his second multiple touchdown game in last three outings. He ended with four catches for 78 yards.

Defensively, Freddie Bishop, Travonte Boles and Terry Easmon each had sacks for WMU. Desmond Bozeman and Johnnie Simon each registered double-digit tackles, recording 15 and 10, respectively.

Both Western Michigan and Buffalo missed first quarter field goals, wide left.

The Broncos conclude 2012 next Saturday, Nov. 17, hosting Eastern Michigan at 2 p.m.