2013 Buffalo Bulls
College Football
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Schedule and Odds
Even after Four wins in 2012, there’s some hope in Buffalo that they can make a mark in the MAC this season. Playing in the East is already a bonus, but they’ll be returning 19 starters to their squad. After injuries left them decimated last season, the Bulls are left with tons of experience.
That starts on the offensive side where every significant player returns. Buffalo doesn’t exactly have a for sure starter yet at quarterback as Alex Zordich was forced to miss the end of last year due to injury. Freshman Joe Licata took his place and finished with a 3-1 record. Neither really stood out passing the ball, but Zordich is a tad more dynamic with his ability to run. Branden Oliver returns at running back and will likely become Buffalo’s all-time leading rusher. Devin Campbell backs him up who garnered 502 yards last year. In the receiving Game, Alex Neutz was the only player to surpass 23 receptions, 300 yards and two TDs in 2012, but at least he returns. Considering how he dominated the MAC last year, he’s about all they need. The line also contains five upper classmen and should be able to roll with this unit.
The Bulls are led on the defensive end by a secondary that is tops in the conference. They return all defensive backs along with three starting linebackers. The problem for this group will come up front in their 3-4 system. They only have one end returning which could lead to some trouble stopping the run. While the secondary is great, it doesn’t matter when teams can carve right between their tackles with ease.
2013 Buffalo Bulls Football Schedule
Aug. 31 at Ohio State
Sept. 7 at Baylor
Sept. 14 vs. Stony Brook
Sept. 28 vs. Connecticut
Oct. 5 vs. Eastern Michigan
Oct. 12 at Western Michigan
Oct. 19 vs. Massachusetts
Oct. 26 at Kent State
Nov. 5 vs. Ohio
Nov. 12 at Toledo
Nov. 19 at Miami (OH)
Nov. 29 vs. Bowling Green
If Buffalo has any bowl aspirations, it doesn’t help that they start the season with two straight road Games against Ohio State and Baylor. They started with Georgia last year and lost by 22 points. If the Bulls can get two wins from non-Conference play, it would at least be a positive. Their meeting with Connecticut can be used as a confidence booster going into MAC play.
Buffalo gets a nice start to the Conference season, but a trio of Games will decide their ultimate fate this year. Starting in late October they will have to travel to Kent State and Toledo, while getting Ohio at home. Winning two of those Games would be huge with the East being the toss-up that it is this year. OUtside of that, a season-ending matchup with Bowling Green could also determine things.
As long as the offense improves on their 21 PPG from a year ago, this team should make a push for a bowl Game. With a decent defensive core, they should play most Games tight except for those two early ones.