Head Coach: Maurice Linguist (first year)
2020 Record: 6-1 … Lost to Ball State (38-28) in MAC Championship game. Defeated Marshall (17-10) in Camellia Bowl. Finished No. 25 in final AP Top 25 Poll.
2021 MAC Media Poll Prediction: 4th place MAC East
ABOUT THE BULLS:
Propelled by an explosive running attack, Buffalo trampled opponents on the way to a MAC Championship game appearance last year. Led by MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Jaret Patterson and fellow running back Kevin Marks, the Bulls averaged 287.4 rushing yards per game. They averaged 51 points per game while winning the MAC East crown, but were held to 28 points by Ball State and 17 points in the winning finale against Marshall.
While Patterson is gone and six other Bulls joined head coach Lance Leipold at Kansas, UB still drew four first place votes from media members in the preseason poll.
Here’s more on the Bulls . . .
>> Just how much things change with Linguist replacing Leipold as head coach remains to be seen. However, the coaching staff now includes Shane Montgomery as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He held those two titles from 2001-2004 at Miami, helping quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and MU’s offense shine. Buffalo road the running beast last year, but diversifying could come in handy going forward.
>> Patterson is gone, but Kevin Marks proved last year that he is a serious running threat. He registered 741 yards on 112 carries while scoring seven TDs. If he stays healthy and the line produces, he should improve on those numbers.
>> Buffalo’s line paved the way to success in 2020. In addition to opening running holes, it allowed just one sack on the year. Two starters from that unit are gone, but tackle Jake Fusak earned Second Team All MAC honors last year and is joined by senior guard Jake Klenk.
>> Second Team All-MAC receiver Antonio Nunn is gone, as well as Trevor Wilson. Seniors receivers Dominic Johnson, and Jovany Ruiz will be Bernard Porter, a 6-3 JUCO transfer.
DEFENSE:
>> Buffalo’s defense may have been less heralded than the offense, but it was perhaps equally effective. UB ranked second in scoring defense, yielding just 21.9 ppg.
>> Linquist is known for his defensive strengths, and UB’s new head coach spent some time as a secondary coach with the Dallas Cowboys. His most recent gig was as co-offensive coordinator at Michigan. Keeping Buffalo among the league’s top defensive units will be high on his priorities.
>> Cory Gross and Tyrone Hill are returning starters in the secondary. Aspri Washington could round out the group.
James Patterson "is a guy that lifts people around him." -- Head Coach Maurice Linguist
>> Eddie Wilson (Kansas) will be missed along the D-line. However, George Wolo and Eric Black notched three sacks apiece in 2020.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Placekicker Alex McNulty was busy last year - mostly on PATs. He was good on all 42 attempts, but split the uprights on just one of four field goals. Punter Evan Finegan averaged 38.8 yards per boot in 2020.
SCHEDULE:
Buffalo plays host in three of four non-conference game. The lone road trip is to Nebraska. Conference road games include dates at Kent State, Miami and Ball State.