Buffalo Bulls Football Vs. Miami (OH) Red Hawks: Game Preview

UB Football is back on the road after two tough games at home. Two games ago as we all know, UB lost to WMU in 7OTs and last week the Bulls lost a heart breaker to NIU by just one point. The most significant part of last week however was back up QB Drew Anderson injured his shoulder and appears to be out for a fair amount of time.

Normally when a back up is hurt, the team can survive, however, starter Tyree Jackson still appears to be out as true freshman Kyle Vantrease is listed as the starter on this weeks depth chart. While not to discredit Vantrease, a true freshman getting his first career start on the road in what is a must win game for the Bulls if they want to contend in the East is not an easy task.

The Bulls are going to have to rely heavily on the defense limiting the Red Hawks in this game if they want to be able to compete with what feels like could be a tough offensive day with the young play caller. This will be a tough game overall, but UB can compete and they can win. Let’s look at what to watch for.

What to Watch For

Can the Bulls move the ball on offense

Vantrease did a good job moving the ball when he came in relief last game, but he still understandably had freshman moments. Will he be confident enough and trust his abilities to get the offense in the end zone a few times?

Can Khalil Hodge continue to be a defensive force

Hodge has been a real difference maker for the Bulls this season. If Hodge continues to attack runners and make plays in the backfield, then I trust that our secondary can handle the Miami(OH) receivers.

Special teams, special teams, special teams

I want so badly to go one game where we make all of our kicks. We’re a few missed kicks away from being 5-2 if not better, and that is frustrating. We aren’t asking for much, just convert 30 yarders and trust your leg Mitcheson. Also not to go unnoticed but Kyle DeWeen is putting together another spectacular season and has made the Ray Guy award watch list.

Final Thoughts

It’s a winnable, but tough game. It’s hard to feel 100% confident when you’ve never really seen your QB in action, but that being said, I’m confident in the players around him. As long as the wide outs bring in the balls they’re supposed to and limit their drops, I believe in the offense. I expect to see a very smash mouth run game today so the Bulls we rely on the line a fair amount. Overall I think the Bulls win a grind it out game 13-10. It won’t be pretty but hopefully the job is done. Enjoy the game everyone and as always, go bulls!