UB Stadium -- Buffalo, NY
ESPN2
The Buffalo Bulls have tasted defeat just once this season. That was a 42-13 loss against Army late in September. UB’s opponent Tuesday -- the Miami RedHawks -- also lost to Army, although that was just over a week ago. Miami rallied to force OT at Michie Stadium and lost 31-30 when a two-point conversion try in the second overtime failed.
Given their respective record alone, the Bulls would be favored, but rest assured UB coaches are taking nothing for granted. Miami’s 3-5 record is deceptive and the RedHawks are still 3-1 in conference play.
The one MAC lost was a 40-39 setback at home to Western Michigan on the same day that Buffalo lost to Army. MU rebounded for a pair of comfortable MAC East wins after that before losing to Army.
With four games to go, the RedHawks have their backs against the wall, but winning the last four contests would likely put them in the MAC Championship and a bowl game.
Buffalo (7-1, 4-0 MAC) has already clinched bowl eligibility, but it also has its eyes on the prize of a MAC title as well. This is the time of year when these things play out.
Miami won last year’s meeting in Oxford 24-14. But neither team had this year’s starter at the helm for that encounter. Tyree Jackson has been back at the helm through Buffalo’s outstanding run to date. Gus Ragland has managed to stay in the lineup for Miami.
BUFFALO BULLS (7-1, 4-0 MAC)
➤➤ Much of the Bulls preseason interest centered around an offense that included the passing combination of Jackson and senior wideout Anthony Johnson. The latter has missed some time, including the Army game, but is a big play threat when ever he take the field.
➤➤ Receiving less fanfare was the Buffalo defense. However, through Oct. 27, the Bulls and Northern Illinois were tied for first among MAC teams in scoring defense (21.1 ppg) stood alone at the top in total defense (330.8 ypg).
➤➤ Buffalo is fifth in rushing defense 162.4 ypg), second in pass defense (168.4 ypg) and first in pass defense efficiency.
➤➤ Senior linebacker Khalil Hodge has 99 tackles, second among all MAC defenders. Senior DB Devon Russell is tied for second in passes defended (1.25 pg), while Cameron Lewis and Brand Williams each own three interceptions.
➤➤ Buffalo’s offense is fourth in scoring 32.9 ppg and fifth in total offense (463.2 ypg).
➤➤ The Bulls are fourth in rushing offense (176.2 ypg) and sixth in pass offene (235.0 ypg).
➤➤ Jackson is averaging 233.6 passing yards per game(2nd MAC) and is eighth in passing efficiency. He has completed 139-of-246 tosses with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
➤➤ K.J. Osborn is averaging 5.0 receptions per game (fourth MAC). He is second in receiving yards (87.0 ypg)
➤➤ Freshman Kevin Marks is third among MAC rushers with an average of 72.4 ypg.
➤➤ The RedHawks have been hit hard by injuries. Some of the injured (like WR James Gardner) won’t be back this year. However, some (i.e. RB Kenny Young) have returned to buoy the RedHawks recent efforts.
➤➤ Quarterback Gus Ragland has missed time with injuries over the last couple years but has not missed a start this year.
➤➤ The RedHawks were already thin on receiver experience before Gardner went down. It has been a process of developing younger players, but Ragland has spread the ball around. Sophomore Jack Sorenson has been the top target, pulling in 32 balls for 499 yards and two touchdowns.
➤➤ Senior running back Kenny Young can be as much of a receiving threat as he is a running threat. It depends on how the RedHawks use him in a particular game or situation. Against Army, he logged six rushing attempts (8 yds) and five receptions (71 yards). However, he had 10 rushes (90 yards) and three receptions (47 yards the previous week against Kent State.
➤➤ Recent wins have correlated with a strong running game. MU registered 289 rushing yards at Bowling Green, 208 yards at Akron and 295 against Kent State.
➤➤ The RedHawks are sixth in scoring offense (28.2 ppg) and fourth in scoring defense (24.9 ppg).
➤➤ Miami is fourth in defending the run (151.6 ypg) and fifth against the pass (198.1 ypg). The RedHawks are seventh in pass defense efficiency and struggled in a 40-39 loss to Western Michigan.
➤➤ Recent MAC success has correlated with improved numbers against the run. MU allowed just 56 yards to Akron in a 41-17 win.