Looking back on my preview of the game, I highlighted three key comparisons that could have turned the MAC Championship Game.

Quarterbacks: Drew Willy: 19-of-28, 206 yards, 3 TDs. Nate Davis: 31-of-48, 351 yards, 1 TD, 4 fumbles lost, 1 INT. Edge: Buffalo                                           

Running Backs: James Starks: 19 carries for 82 yards and 1 TD. MiQuale Lewis: 30 carries for 131 yards and 3 TDs. Edge: Ball State

Wide Receivers: Naaman Roosevelt: 10 receptions for 116 yards and 3 TDs. Brooks Orsbon: 13 receptions for 141 yards. Edge: Buffalo

In the end, Buffalo won the game by being better defensively, as shown by Davis' stats. 

Willy outplayed Davis, which gave the Bulls the confidence the offense would be able to score points. That is the reason why Buffalo won, 42-24.