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| | Saturday, September 2 No Bull: Buffalo could get first MAC win this season | |||||
| By George Porter Special to ESPN.com Buffalo Bulls 1999 record: 0-11 (0-8 MAC) Coach: Craig Cirbus Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense) Outlook After a disastrous first season in the MAC the Bulls look to improve even if it's just by the tiniest of margins. Injuries played a big part of last year's struggles, but if nothing else it gave some players valuable playing time. One of those was quarterback Joe Freedy, who started the season at third string but ended up with 1,775 passing yards. He should be the starter, but Mike Gaydosz will make it interesting. The Bull are looking for help at running back and Derrick Gordon has got to become a bigger threat. He ran well this spring, which gives Cirbus some hope. he receiving core looks pretty dim due in part to the graduation of Drew Haddard, last season's leading receiver in the MAC.The offensive line is only returning one starter from last year, and will suffer from the lack of experience. The defense is being tweaked some this season, going to a 4-3 scheme. That means the Bulls need more depth on the line, which could be a problem. Linebacker Chris Shelly returns after leading the Bulls in tackles last season. Craig Rohlfs is coming off shoulder surgery and if he takes longer than expected to heal, it severely damages the secondary. Keep an eye on ... LB Chris Shelly The move to a 4-3 defense should allow Shelly the chance to improve on his team high 89 tackles last season. It's a good year if ... The Bulls make it through the season without needing to visit the ER every week. Do that and they could notch their first MAC victory against Bowling Green on Sept. 23 or Oct. 21 when Ball State visits. |
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