Akron 22, Buffalo 14

Published Nov. 26, 2010 5:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

Patrick Nicely threw for three touchdowns to lead Akron past Buffalo 22-14 on Friday, giving the Zips their first victory of the season.

Akron (1-11, 1-7) avoided its first winless season since moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1987. However, the 11 losses are the most for the Zips in the 23 years since making the transition into the FBS.

Nicely got the scoring started in the second quarter with an 8-yard touchdown throw to Jalil Carter and a 31-yard scoring pass to Jeremy LaFrance, giving Akron a 12-0 lead after consecutive missed extra point attempts.

The Bulls (2-10, 1-7) got on the board late in the third after a 12-play, 83-yard drive ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jerry Davis to Alex Neutz, making the score 12-7.

A 15-yard touchdown pass from Nicely to Gary Pride with 1:30 left in the third gave the Zips a 19-7 lead.