Buffalo fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic
SEASON PREVIEW: BUFFALO
2024 RECORD: 9-4 (6-2 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 4TH
MRO STAFF
The Buffalo Bulls' first season under new head coach Pete Lembo was impressive. This year could be even better!
Buffalo went 9-4 overall in 2024. That included a 26-7 win over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl.
While UB wasn't able . . .
2024 RECORD: 9-4 (6-2 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 4TH
MRO STAFF
The Buffalo Bulls' first season under new head coach Pete Lembo was impressive. This year could be even better!
Buffalo went 9-4 overall in 2024. That included a 26-7 win over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl.
While UB wasn't able . . .
. . . to reach the MAC Championship game, a large contingent of returning talent (14 starters) will anchor a squad that should perform even better during the Bulls second season under Lembo.
The preseason coaches poll picked Buffalo for fourth. However, there is justified optimism that UB can make a run on its first MAC title since 2008.
OFFENSE:
• Perhaps the biggest question about UB is at quarterback. C.J. Ogbonna is done, so Lembo and his staff must sort out the replacement candidates. Ta'Quan Roberson is a transfer from Kansas State. Gunnar Gray saw limited action last year, but threw just 11 passes. Freshman Jason Wright is also in the mix. .
• There is more certainty in other spots. Senior RB Al-Jay Henderson totaled 1,078 yards with nine TDs while averaging 5.3 ypc in 2024.
• Victor Snow led Buffalo receivers last year, logging 55 catches for a total of 651 yards with six scores.
• Four starters return up front. Trevor DBrock and Tyler Doty, like Henderson and Snow, were Third Team All-MAC selections in 2024.
The preseason coaches poll picked Buffalo for fourth. However, there is justified optimism that UB can make a run on its first MAC title since 2008.
OFFENSE:
• Perhaps the biggest question about UB is at quarterback. C.J. Ogbonna is done, so Lembo and his staff must sort out the replacement candidates. Ta'Quan Roberson is a transfer from Kansas State. Gunnar Gray saw limited action last year, but threw just 11 passes. Freshman Jason Wright is also in the mix. .
• There is more certainty in other spots. Senior RB Al-Jay Henderson totaled 1,078 yards with nine TDs while averaging 5.3 ypc in 2024.
• Victor Snow led Buffalo receivers last year, logging 55 catches for a total of 651 yards with six scores.
• Four starters return up front. Trevor DBrock and Tyler Doty, like Henderson and Snow, were Third Team All-MAC selections in 2024.
DEFENSE:
• Shaun Dolac, MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, is gone (LA Rams). He registered 168 stops last year. Weep not, however, for the Bulls defense.
Not only do nine defenders return, that number includes some excellent talent. Senior linebacker Red Murdock was a First Team All-MAC honoree who recorded a spectacular 156 tackles (16.5 TFL) and forced seven fumbles. Junior LB Dion Crawford counted 8.5 sacks among his 58 tackles.
• Three of four spots up front are returning starters.
• Keontez Bradley, a transfer from Arizona State, joins a veteran secondary. Marquis Cooper, Charles McCartherens and Soloman Brown return. However, UB needs to improve in pass defense after finishing 10th (245.2 ypg) last year. The Bulls were seventh in pass defense efficiency.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Upton Bellenfant connected on all 31 PATs and 18-of-21 field goals with a long of 52 last year. However, he is now with Texas Tech. Sophomore Nick Reed also transferred, leaving UB with key hole to fill. Punter Ethan Duane (Third Team All-MAC) is also gone, so those duties may fall to a freshman.
• Shaun Dolac, MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, is gone (LA Rams). He registered 168 stops last year. Weep not, however, for the Bulls defense.
Not only do nine defenders return, that number includes some excellent talent. Senior linebacker Red Murdock was a First Team All-MAC honoree who recorded a spectacular 156 tackles (16.5 TFL) and forced seven fumbles. Junior LB Dion Crawford counted 8.5 sacks among his 58 tackles.
• Three of four spots up front are returning starters.
• Keontez Bradley, a transfer from Arizona State, joins a veteran secondary. Marquis Cooper, Charles McCartherens and Soloman Brown return. However, UB needs to improve in pass defense after finishing 10th (245.2 ypg) last year. The Bulls were seventh in pass defense efficiency.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Upton Bellenfant connected on all 31 PATs and 18-of-21 field goals with a long of 52 last year. However, he is now with Texas Tech. Sophomore Nick Reed also transferred, leaving UB with key hole to fill. Punter Ethan Duane (Third Team All-MAC) is also gone, so those duties may fall to a freshman.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Although Buffalo ranked third among MAC teams in scoring (28.8 ppg) last year, the defense was more middle-of-the-pack despite some outstanding individual performances.
Three questions stand out.
-- Can a veteran defense tighten the screws on opposing offenses?
-- Can the Bulls establish an effective quarterback by the time MAC competition begins.
-- Can UB find productive replacements in special team roles?
The Bulls have a relatively friendly schedule. Buffalo's only non-conference road game is the opener Thursday (Aug. 28) at Minnesota. It hosts Saint Francis, Troy and UConn in September.
Early MAC games are very winnable, with the tougher assigments in November. Bowing Green and Central Michigan are on the road, while UB finishes at home against Miami and Ohio.
Although Buffalo ranked third among MAC teams in scoring (28.8 ppg) last year, the defense was more middle-of-the-pack despite some outstanding individual performances.
Three questions stand out.
-- Can a veteran defense tighten the screws on opposing offenses?
-- Can the Bulls establish an effective quarterback by the time MAC competition begins.
-- Can UB find productive replacements in special team roles?
The Bulls have a relatively friendly schedule. Buffalo's only non-conference road game is the opener Thursday (Aug. 28) at Minnesota. It hosts Saint Francis, Troy and UConn in September.
Early MAC games are very winnable, with the tougher assigments in November. Bowing Green and Central Michigan are on the road, while UB finishes at home against Miami and Ohio.
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