110. Buffalo

(3-9, 2-6) Mid-American Conference East

(December 5, 2008 - Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

Rankings:-

Offense	Avg	Defense	Avg
Rushing	155.00	Rushing	181.17
Passing	210.17	Passing	203.67
Total	365.17	Total	384.83
Points	22.17	Total	29.42

Overview

The Bulls may have only won more game in Jeff Quinn’s second season at the helm than in his first, but the team was far more competitive and lost a few close games that could have gone their way with better QB play. They were particularly strong at home, beating Ohio and losing by a point to Northern Illinois, and fans have every right to be confident in the team taking another step towards respectability. They still need to resolve the issue at QB, but with a strong running attack and a defense that should get better with 8 starters back, they should edge closer to par.

Offense

As long as the Bulls can run the ball, they’ll be competitive. With Branden Oliver (1395 yds, 13 TDs) returning, that shouldn’t be a problem. The only concern is a backup. He’s not the biggest back around, yet he carried the ball 306 times last season and caught 38 passes. He’s tough (the NFL is now watching), but he needs a breather. Brandon Murie looks to be the primary backup going into fall camp, but it’s still anyone’s job to win. Paving the way will be four returning starting linemen with Delaware transfer, C Trevor Sales, the only new starter. Andre Davis will switch from RG to LT this season, while Graham Whinery moves to RG to make way for Sales. The QB battle wasn’t decided in spring, so Alex Zordich, who started 4 games last season, and redshirt freshman Joe Licata will carry on into the fall. Zordich is a good runner, while Licata is the better passer. Zordich will probably get the nod based on experience alone, but Licata is one to watch. He’s got a nice receiver to throw to in Alex Neutz (43 rec, 641 yds, 4 TDs), but they’re pretty green after that. Fred Lee played a lot over the second half of the season, but gained just 139 yards on 20 receptions (2 TDs). Even so, he looks like he should take one starting spot. Cordero Dixon and Devon Hughes (18-123-1) will battle for the final spot. This is still an area of concern, especially if Neutz misses time again. The TE spot will be either Jimmy Gordon (5-44-0), who started 6 games last season, and former QB Alex Dennison (5-75-1), who started 5.

Defense

A new DC, Lou Tepper, brings a new attitude to the defense, and Tepper has some nice pieces to play with. On the line, DE Steven Means slipped a bit from his previous production, but he’s a decent pass rusher who hopes increased size will lead to increased production. His fellow end, Colby Way, is a high-motor hustler who gets the job done. The new starter at NG, Wyatt Cahill is a good-sized players who saw action in every game last season. The LBs are the strength of this unit, especially 1st team all-MAC choice Khalil Mack. Last season he racked up 20.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 13 QBHs and 5 forced fumbles. Also back are ILBs Lee Skinner (80 tkls) and Jaleel Verser (6 TFLs), but they need to play better against the run. Better play up front should help. Opposite Mack will be either Imani Chatman or Dalonte Wallace. Both are seniors who have some starting experience, but may be a weak point. The secondary went with a youth movement last season and the results, as one would imagine, were mixed. Corner Najja Johnson had a solid season with 15 PBUs, although just 1 pick, and was voted 2nd team MAC for his troubles. Cortney Lester played as a freshman and was a willing player in the run game, making 54 tackles, but was picked on by opposing QBs. He showed some ball skills with 2 interceptions, and he could make a few QBs pay in 2012. SS Isaac Baugh is a tough customer, but will be pushed by Okoye Houston who played well when given the chance. Sophomore Witney Sherry looks to have won the FS job already. He played mostly special teams last year, but showed good range and ball skills in camp.

Special Teams

The Bulls kicking game was reliable under Peter Fardon last season, but Patrick Clarke stepped in the last 3 games, making all of his 10 PATs and 6 FGs. He may have to take over the punting duties too, but the hope is incoming freshman Tyler Grassman can show enough to earn the job in the fall. The return game was below average under Terrell Jackson last season, but he’s graduated, so the hope is Brandon Murie and Cordero Dixon gan add some pep to kick and punt returns respectively. The coverage units were mediocre on a good day.

5 Players to watch out for

1. RB Branden Oliver - he won’t be flying under the radar next season, but make no mistake, the Bulls go as far as he can take them. He’s NFL good, and he’s got the line to pave the way for him.
2. QB Jerry Licata - Zordich will most likely start at QB, but expect to see Licata frequently, especially if Zordich struggles. The local boy is easily the better passer of the two and could still conceivably win the starting job. On a side note, watch for newcomer Collin Michael who could be the future of the team but needs the right coaching.
3. WR Cordero Dixon - he may be currently locked in a battle for a spot with Devon Hughes, but he has the potential to be an explosive playmaker and deep threat opposite reliable Alex Neutz. If he comes good, his play could go a long to opening up the Bulls offense.
4. DE Steven Means - the Bulls had a respectable 26 sacks last season, no thanks to Means, but if the defense is going to get better, they need him to flash the pass rush skills he certainly possesses. It doesn’t help that he’s playing in a 3-4, but it hasn’t stopped him before.
5. FS Witney Sherry - the secondary managed only 4 interceptions (6 for the whole team), and the hope is that Sherry’s ability to patrol the deep zones will not only put him in a position to make plays in the ball, but also free up other defenders to be more aggressive, comfortable in the knowledge he holds the fort back there.

Prediction

Having Georgia, Pitt and (I guess) UConn on the OOC makes it an uphill battle for the Bulls to go bowling, but it’s not completely out of the question. The MAC is notoriously inconsistent with almost any team (except maybe Akron) capable of winning in any given year. The Bulls improved nicely in their second year under Quinn, and should continue to do so in 2012, but their biggest issue, QB, hasn’t been resolved. Add in some uncertainty at receiver and the likelihood is the Bulls will be competitive in a division stripped of some stars, but manage only a 5-7 record and falling just short of their goal.