When new head coach Jim Hofher's first season came to a close in 2001, the Bulls had collected three wins on the season and a glimmer of optimism had appeared on campus for the following season.
However, the Bulls endured a setback in 2002 and finished with an ugly 1-11 record. Once again, the joke on campus was the UB football team. But since nobody actually saw the Bulls play - after the season opener not many students came to watch - criticizing and bashing them was all too easy.
The people who saw the team play saw a team struggling to do almost anything. Yet, this is something that should have been suspected. UB's football team was an young squad last year, featuring a multitude of freshman and sophomores receiving oodles of playing time. For the first time it was Hofher's actual team, his recruits, doing the battle on the field. Although they got wiped out a few times, promise and potential were shown by the baby Bulls.
Aaron Leeper led the charge for Buffalo, a tailback who earned Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He was relied upon heavily and was able to produce 987 yards on the season while cashing in for a touchdown 10 times. His play will determine much of the Bulls success in the 2003 season.
UB may have hit rock bottom last season, but they had to. With the way the team was built prior to Hofher's entrance, a total makeover was necessary. Last year was the cleaning up and clearing out year. This year will essentially be year one in the true Hofher program. The team will be built around his recruits, and we will start to see the beginning of what the future of UB football has in store for the students.
Although this year may not be a success in terms of wins and losses, the team is still young. They should prove, and will need to be, more competitive than last year to silence vehement critics. 2004 and 2005 will be the years that this team will be in its prime, but tough play and heart will be mandatory this year to build a firm foundation for the upcoming seasons.
The next four seasons of UB football will determine the conclusion to the question that has been asked frequently here at the University at Buffalo. "Was the jump to Division-I worth it?" This year will not be a good one for the Bulls on paper, but it will go a long way in determining the future of the UB football program.
