The difference for Buffalo this year will be whether or not they can take a step forward on defense. Last year they were a middle of the road MAC defense (6th in total defense, 8th in scoring defense). They have a very strong LB corps (Phil Steele ranks it third in the MAC) but they have questions along the line and in the defensive backfield. From an experience standpoint, this is going to be one of the youngest teams in the MAC. This looks like it will be another year where the Bulls take a small step forward (in terms of being competitive) and hope to make that big jump in 2013.