OVERVIEW:
After reaching the MAC championship game in 2020, the Bulls fell below .500 and out of MAC East contention last year. Their only two MAC wins came against Ohio and Akron in October, and UB finished on a four-game slide. A number of factors contributed, including graduation and a late coaching change. Maurice Linquist was hired in May, so that set back things back in a number of areas.
With a full year this time around, Buffalo has worked hard to get back into contention. Not only did UB gather the MAC's top-rated recruiting class, it also brought in a dozen transfers for more immediate help.
MAC Media voters predicted a third place Bulls finish in 2022, but UB gets both teams above it (Miami and Kent State) at home. In fact, Buffalo closes the regular season Nov. 26 when KSU comes to town. Could the Bulls be playing for a spot in the MAC title game?
OFFENSE:
One big change for UB will be at quarterback following the departue of veteran Kyle Vantrease. Senior Matt Meyers started Buffalo's last two games in 2021, finishing the year with 56 completions on 103 attempts (54.4%), good for 703 yards with four TDs and five interceptions. Four of the picks came in Buffalo's final game. Another option this season is sophomore Cole Snyder, who played in six games for Rutgers last year when he completed 18 of 28 for 130 yards and a score.
"We've got a very heated battle," Linguist said. "We're going to let those guys decide who rises to the top. ... We'll let the film speak for itself."
Of course, the portal giveth and taketh away. Leaving the Bulls program was Dylan McDuffie (Georgia Tech), a Buffalo native who carried 206 times for 10.49 yards and 11 TDs last year. Kevin Marks Jr. (UDF, San Diego Chargers) is also gone, so UB's ground game workhorse for 2021 figures to be Ron Cook Jr. (5-9, 190). He carried 88 times for 440 yards and three rushing TDs last season.
Senior Quian Williams, a former Eastern Michigan wideout, returns after leading UB receivers (64 catches, 835 yards, 2 TDs) in 2021. He will be joined by transfers Justin Marshall (Louisville and Boobie Curry (Arizona). Senior slot receiver Jovany Ruiz-Navarro is back from injury.
Typically, Buffalo's overall success is related to success up front. This year's potential there is hard to gauge due to significant transfer factors. Gabe Wallace is the only returning UB starter. Several other potential starters left, but they were replaced by transfers (Desmond Bessent - San Diego State, Sidney Walker - Connecticut, and Nick Harnett, VMI).
Fifth-year senior James Patterson anchors UB's defense. The first team All-MAC selection was among conference leaders in tackles, averaging 9.7 stops per game and recording 4.5 sacks in 2021. "He produces at a high level," Linquist said, adding, "People rally around him. He's a strong leader."
Senior DT Daymond Williams had a team high 6.5 sacks last year. C.J. Brazile and George Wolo return on the ends. Ibrahim Kante (North Carolina State) will help the mix up front.
Transfers also factor in the secondary. Caleb Offord (Notre Dame); Elijah Blades (Florida, Texas A&M) and Jahmin Muse (Boston College) will patrol the back end. Marcus Fuquad, Issiah King and Logic Hudgens return.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior kicker Alex McNulte has been Mr. Automatic on PATs, drilling 103 straight (37/37 last year) but was 13 of 21 on field goals in 2021. Last season's makes included 50- and 55-yard field goals, with the latter being a school record. Senior Jackson Baltar punts, while Ron Cook Jr. earned third team All-MAC honors last year as a returner.
>> Linguist's coaching experience includes a 2020 season when he served as cornerbacks coach with the NFL's Dallas Cowbows. On the collegiate level, Linguist coached secondaries at Texas A&M, Minnesota, Mississippi State and Iowa State. He is regarded as a strong recruiter and was able pull in a strong freshman class this season.
>> Offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery has MAC experience. He was an OC at Akron ('09) and head coach at Miami (OH) (2005-2008)
>> Buffalo opens this season with non-conference games at Maryland, Holy Cross and at Coastal Carolina. The Bulls also play UMass Oct. 15 and open MAC play at Eastern Michigan Sept. 24. One of the key MAC East battles follows with Miami visiting Oct. 1.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Given the losses and influx of players -- especially via transfer portal -- Buffalo is a difficult team to handicap this season. Much depends on UB's ability to run the ball, which will be particularly important given uncertainties at quarterback. The schedule includes a number of opponents with potent offenses, so Buffalo's defense with need to gel in time for conference play.
"We've just really had our first spring and, really, summer under normal conditions," Linquist said, noting last year's late hire. "We really feel confident about where we are now as a football program.