2010 U.B. Bulls vs Rhode Island And MAC Perdications Week One FBS Winners

2010 in the MAC will begin as Villanova pulls off another win over Temple on the strength of back Matt Szczur, quarterback Chris Whitney, and a Wildcats team eyeing a repeat in the FCS National Championship.
Taking its show on the road, Bowling Green will meet Troy at home in Alabama where the Trojans prove too much for a Falcon squad faced with the task of totally rebuilding itself.
Toledo will host the Pac-10 Arizona Wildcats whose offensive unit is simply too much for a struggling Rocket defense to contend with.
Meanwhile, Ball State beats Southeastern Missouri State and Army defeats Eastern Michigan in what have to be considered two of the least anticipated matchups of the season. This is not must see T.V.
On a more positive note, the Akron Zips pull off a stunning Week One defeat of the struggling Syracuse Orangemen in Akron, Ohio, putting the Zip squad in the national spotlight.

East
Temple vs. Villanova: at Temple
Sept. 3 Winner: Villanova
Bowling Green at Troy:
Sept. 4 Winner: Troy
Ohio vs. Wofford: at Ohio
Sept. 4 Winner: Ohio
Kent State vs. Murray State: at Kent
Sept. 4 Winner: Kent State
Buffalo vs. Rhode Island: at Buffalo
Sept. 2 Winner: Buffalo
Akron vs. Syracuse: at Akron
Sept. 4 Winner: Akron
Miami (Ohio) at Florida:
Sept. 4 Winner: Florida
West
Northern Illinois at Iowa State:
Sept. 2 Winner: Iowa State
Central Michigan vs. Hampton: at Central Mich.
Sept. 2 Winner: Central Michigan
Toledo vs. Arizona: at Toledo
Sept. 3 Winner: Arizona
Western Michigan at Michigan State:
Sept. 4 Winner: Michigan State
Ball State vs. Southeast Missouri State: at Ball State
Sept. 2 Winner: Ball State
Eastern Michigan vs. Army: at Eastern Mich
Sept. 4 Winner: Army

University Of Buffalo Bulls Preseason Preview

2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5 in MAC)
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (1st year at Buffalo, 1-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Rhode Island (9/2), at Baylor (9/11), UCF (9/18), at UConn (9/25)

2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.1 points per game (8th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 163 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 241 (6th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 404 (3rd in MAC) 

2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 23.8 points per game (6th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 131 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 210 (7th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 342 (3rd in MAC)

2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.58 per game (10th in MAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (10th in MAC)

Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 2

Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jerry Davis, Soph (8 of 15 for 145 yds, 1 TD)
Rushing: RB Ike Nduka, Sr (96 carries for 598 yds, 6 TD, 6.2 ypc, 74 ypg)
Rushing: RB Brandon Thermilus, Sr (124 carries for 560 yds, 4 TD, 4.5 ypc, 50 ypg)
Receiving: WR Terrell Jackson, Jr (25 rec, 250 yds, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (97)
Sacks: DL Steven Means, Soph; LB Justin Winters, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (2)

2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #95
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #102

2010 Pre-Season MAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4 in MAC East

About a month after Jeff Quinn took over the reigns of the Buffalo Bulls, starting QB Zach Maynard left the program. Buffalo is coming off of a 5-7 year. Will they be able to right the ship this year or will this be a longer rebuilding process? We turned to the Buffalo blog Bull Run to get their take on the 2010 Buffalo Bulls.

What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?

The biggest strength is the defensive backfield, it's a veteran unit that is as good as any in the conference and better than most. Davonte Shannon leads six returning backs and linebackers. Last season Shannon was at or near the topin most defensive categories and the team will need him to perform at that level, or better, this season if they want to compete.

The Biggest weakness is offensive inexperience, especially among the skill positions. The talent is there but there are only a hand full of snaps behind whoever wins the quarterback battle and the bulk of our receptions and yards (80%) are gone with the departure of Roosevelt, Hamlin, and Rack.

Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?

Baylor is going to be a big test for the team, road game against a Big 12 team that is on the upswing. They bring an absolute beast at QB (Robert Griffin) and a respectable defense. At this point in the season UB will have just one game under its belt and that's against FCS member Rhode Island. 

What team on the schedule do you fear the most?

Its going to be either Temple or Northern Illinois. The two teams are each the favorites to win their division this season and UB draws them both. Neither is exactly the best team we are going to play this year (UConn fits that role) but because they are conference games they mean that much more.

Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?

Josh Thomas does not get nearly the press that he should, Thomas is as good as any corner in the conference. He is experienced and a hard hitter. His physical approach to the game did not fit ideally under last years softer scheme but this season he should thrive with the new staff.

Who is the best offensive player on the team?

Right now I would have to say Offensive lineman Peter Bittner is the best offensive player we have. In addition to the experience and skill a solid leader.

Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?

Davonte Shannon already held that role and that was before the team cut over to a more physical approach to covering receivers. 

What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?

Whoever emerges as our starting quarterback (Dennison/Davis) and at least two of UB's receivers (Lee, Rivers, or Jackson) need to grow up, and quick, if UB is going to be competitive this season.

Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

If he wins the job Dennison will easily be the biggest single factor in UB having any offensive success this season, and he is a red shirt freshman.

Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

I am looking forward to seeing if Colby Way can make an immediate impact. There were rumors UB was going to try and go 3-4 this season but as evidenced by the spring game the Bulls still lack the personnel to make that move. Way is a good sized and fast linebacker who may fit the role of 'Elephant Back' during a transition.

Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?

My gut say 5-7, I would consider anything north of that to be a success.

BUFFALO BULLS CRUSH UNBEATEN BALL STATE 42-24

The Buffalo Bulls defeat the unbeaten Ball State Cardinals 42-24 in the MAC Championship Game. The Bulls defense was lead by there star Defensive Back Mike Newton who returned a 92 yard fumble for a touchdown that turned the whole game around in the favor of the U.B. Bulls. The Bulls defense played a tremendous game and held one of the nation leading offense to 24 points. The Bulls Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Williams had a excellent game plan to stop the MAC Player Of The Year Nate Davis. Nate Davis turned the ball over "Five Times" in this game and Ball State only turned the ball over "Ten Times" this year. The Bulls were lead on Offense by Drew Willy who threw three touchdowns to Namon Roosevelt who dominated the Ball State Defensive Backfield. The Bulls Offensive was also, led by the Strong Running and Receiving by Mr. Starks who also, scored a touchdown late in the fourth Quarter to clinch the Football game. The Bulls leader Turner Gill had a tremendous game plan to stop the unbeaten Ball State Cardinals. The Coaching Job that Tuner Gill and his staff has done with limited talent is on of the best coaching jobs in Buffalo Sports History. The Bulls program was down and out three years ago and Sports Illustrated called Buffalo Bulls the worst team in Division 1 Football. Finally, the Bulls have had a dream season and the can complete the dream by winning the International Bowl in Toronto, Canada. The Bulls are on a mission and I Believe that they will complete the Mission with a win in there first bowl game.