Stony Brook, N.Y. -
In the fourth installment of #SeawolvesSnaps, GoSeawolves.org is back with its Opponent Outlook. Today, we preview the Seawolves' only FBS opponent of 2013, the Buffalo Bulls. For season and individual tickets, please call (631) 632-WOLF or CLICK HERE
Team: Buffalo Bulls
2012 Record: 4-8, 3-5 MAC
Coach: Jeff Quinn, fourth season at UB
Returning Starters: 9/2 (offense); 8/4 (defense)
Series History: Buffalo leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Buffalo 35, Stony Brook 7. Branden Oliver, a senior on this year's team, rushed for three touchdowns. The Seawolves tied the game at 7 after a 16-yard touchdown catch by Jordan Gush '13. The Bulls scored 28 unanswered points and forced two second-half turnovers.
Scouting the Offense: Buffalo should feature one of the MAC's top offenses this season, with every offensive skill-position starter from a year ago returning. At quarterback, sophomore Joe Licata and senior Alex Zordich, a dual-threat, are experience starters, combining to pass for nearly 2,300 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. The aforementioned Oliver missed five games a year ago, but still rushed for 821 yards. Devin Campbell, a true freshman last season, made an immediate impact with 502 yards. Seniors Alex Neutz and Fred Lee likely are starters at wide receiver. Senior Alex Dennison (57-yard TD vs. Stony Brook in '11) will lineup at running back and quarterback in Buffalo's "Alley-Cat" Formation. The offensive line returns three starters.
Scouting the Defense: Senior Khalil Mack could be a first-day NFL draft pick. The All-American linebacker finished his junior season with 94 tackles, including 21 for loss, and eight sacks, all team-highs. The defensive line has depth, led by senior Colby Wray (58 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 7 sacks). Last season, Buffalo ranked second in the MAC in pass defense, allowing 206 yards per game. Junior Najja Johnson and senior Cortney Lester were outstanding defensive backs. Johnson led the MAC in interceptions.
2013 Schedule:
Aug. 31 at Ohio State
Sept. 7 at Baylor
Sept. 14 vs. Stony Brook
Sept. 28 vs. Connecticut
Oct. 5 vs. Eastern Michigan*
Oct. 12 at Western Michigan*
Oct. 19 vs. Massachusetts*
Oct. 26 at Kent State*
Nov. 5 vs. Ohio*
Nov. 12 at Toledo*
Nov. 19 at Miami (OH)*
Nov. 29 vs. Bowling Green*
* MAC Game
Did You Know? In 1993, Buffalo became the first New York state school to participate in Division I athletics. Six years later, the Bulls jumped to the FBS level.
