The Buffalo Bulls are just two years removed from winning the MAC title under Turner Gill. A disappointing 5-7 season followed in 2009, but Gill was still coveted in the college football coaching circle and left for Kansas. With 14 returning starters, 1st year head coach Jeff Quinn gets the privilege of coaching a veteran team. The Bulls hope to challenge for the East division title in the MAC this year. View the full conference breakdown in our 2010 MAC football predictions article.
Offensive output was not an issue last year as the Bulls averaged over 400 yards of total offense. Buffalo used a balanced attack, rushing for 164 yards/game and throwing for 242 yards per game. QB Zach Maynard decided the East coast wasn't for him and transferred to Cal after throwing for over 2600 yards and 18 touchdowns in his sophomore season. It was a big blow to the team, but Quinn believes true freshman Rudy Johnson could be ready to start from day one. Johnson was recruited specifically for the spread offense that the Bulls will now run and has a leg up on Jerry Davis with the familiarity of the system. Buffalo used a running back by committee last year following the season ending injury that star RB James Starks suffered prior to the start of the season. Ike Nduka and Brandon Thermilus combined to rush for more than 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns. Both return and will add depth in the backfield once again. Replacing three talented receivers will not be an easy task. Naaman Roosevelt departed after catching 70 passes for close to 1000 yards and a team high nine touchdowns. Terrell Jackson is the likely candidate to move into the top receiving role. The big boys up front return four of five starters giving the new coaching staff a firm foundation on the offensive side of the ball.
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The Buffalo defense could end up being one of the best units in the MAC if they play up to standards. Eight starters are back and the Bulls move to a 3-4 scheme. LB Justin Winters is highly regarded around the conference and should thrive with the new defense that allows linebackers to play freely. His numbers dropped from the 125 tackle performance as a sophomore in 2008, but he still managed to make 79 tackles in 10 games. Raphael Akobundu started 13 games at middle linebacker and returns along with converted DE Steven Means. Means was a 1st team freshman All-American after racking up 5 sacks in just seven games during his first year. The defensive line has three players back with starting experience, but have to replace Means and adjust to a three man front. FS Davonte Shannon has been named to 1st team All-Conference three years in a row and recorded a team high 97 tackles last year. Defensive coordinator William Inge will expect a lot out of both Shannon and Winters i n 2010. K AJ Principe is already Buffalo's all time scoring leader with one year left. John Rachuna could possibly handle the punting duties this season.
Gaining bowl eligibility is the main goal for the Bulls, but their non-conference schedule includes three stern tests against Baylor, Connecticut and Central Florida. Conference plays begins with back-to-back road games at Bowling Green and Northern Illinois. A Thursday night game at Ohio on November 4th could go a long way in deciding the East division of the MAC. The defense will be one of the better ones in the conference, but I am a little skeptical of a true freshman stepping in immediately running such a detailed scheme. I believe they still manage six wins.
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