Game Preview: Eastern Michigan versus the Buffalo Bulls

Boy wasn’t that fun last week!

It’s a feeling Buffalo fans haven’t felt often but are hoping for more of going into the future.

When’s the next time Bulls fans will feel the euphoria of a nice blowout win at home?

How about Homecoming Saturday against the Eastern Michigan Eagles?

Buffalo is favored by 13.5 points and is easily the better team on paper.

The Eagles enter at 1-3, their lone win, a 34-24 victory over Howard in their opener.

Coming off of a 31-point loss against Ball State in their MAC opener, Eastern Michigan is struggling to generate any offense, ranked 112th in the nation in points per game (17.8).

Equally as bad for the Eagles is their defensive unit which ranks slightly better than their offense, good for 110th in the nation in points allowed per game (37).

If last week’s contest was any sign of things to come for Buffalo, the Bulls should have no problem taking care of Eastern Michigan this week.

But then again, you can't take any game lightly and a team with the Bulls history can’t afford to overlook anyone.

Looking at the Eagles, they’re led at quarterback by junior Tyler Benz. After throwing for 14 touchdowns in 2012, Benz has gotten off to a decent start to 2013.

The junior has thrown for 872 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions in four games this year.

Against Rutgers week three, Benz threw four 335 yards and a touchdown in a 28-10 defeat.

His go-to target is tight end Tyreese Russell. The 6-3 junior has 23 receptions for 230 yards and a touchdown on the year.

Russell has especially stood out against the Eagles top competition, bringing down 17 combined receptions against Penn State and Rutgers.

In the offensive backfield, Bronson Hill carries the load. Hill averaged 6.5 yards per carry for 905 yards as a sophomore but has struggled out the gates this year.

In four games, Hill has 295 yards but is only averaging 3.9 yards per carry.

As an offensive unit, Eastern Michigan is weak. As a defensive unit, they might be weaker.

The Eagles are poor football program that much like Buffalo has struggled mightily over the years.

But unlike Buffalo which appears poised for a solid 2013 campaign, Eastern Michigan doesn't appear to be going anywhere fast.

Expect Khalil Mack and the Bulls defense to be dominant once again this weekend.

Buffalo's defense will do their job while the Bulls offense should take care of business as well.

This game doesn’t look close on paper and it shouldn't be.

Buffalo should win in a laugher.

Prediction: Buffalo 35-10