Buffalo Envious Of Huskies Success

Life in the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision isn't easy. It's especially difficult when trying to make the transition into the FBS from the Football Championship Series.

While the names of both divisions have changed since both Buffalo and Connecticut made their transitions in the late 90’s/early 2000’s, both teams have been feeling the struggle that is known as Division One football.

Connecticut has had by far, the more successful transition of the two schools but both are currently in less than desirable situations.

Despite both schools having won their respective conference championships within the past five years, their current situations both look bleak on paper.

While both teams have decent talent, the wins haven’t been coming for either school as of late.

Buffalo is 10-29 under Jeff Quinn since he took in 2010 and the Huskies haven’t fared much better under current head man Paul Pasqualoni, going 10-17 during his tenure.

Both teams entered this year hoping to turnaround their current struggles but have gotten off to tough starts.

Connecticut lost their opener to FCS opponent Towson, followed by losses to Maryland and Michigan to open the year 0-3.

Buffalo sits at 1-2, more excusable due to the fact that they've faced two top ranked programs, but they've also managed to struggle versus a FCS foe, barely squeaking out a 26-23 five overtime win over Stony Brook.

The one thing both teams are thinking about now is getting a win to spark a turnaround.

In the past, hosting an opponent such as Connecticut would have been looked at as a big draw for the Bulls. It’s not often that MAC schools get to host a BCS opponent.

But with conference realignment changing the statuses of schools and conferences across college football, Connecticut doesn’t bring the same excitement as a member of the American Athletic Conference.

The AAC, while better than what people have given it credit for, appears on paper to be a reincarnation of the old Conference USA.

While Buffalo has had little football success against any one conference during their FBS history, playing Connecticut as a member of the AAC has Bulls fans more hopeful for a victory than when the Huskies competed in the Big East.

Buffalo has the talent to defeat Connecticut. They almost did it last year in a 24-17 loss to the Huskies in East Hartford.

They'll be looking for revenge at home this weekend.

The Bulls don't want to enter MAC play 1-3 and the Huskies want to avoid a 0-4 start.

We'll find out this Saturday which of the two programs is presently in a better situation.

Far and away Connecticut has had the better transition of the two but much can change with the Huskies dropping to the AAC while the Bulls look to re-brand their program.

Buffalo will be looking to end an eight-game losing skid versus the Huskies as the Bulls seek their first win over Connecticut since September 22, 2001.