If this past weekend taught anything about college football, it was how the Mid-American Conference's days of being overlooked have gone the way of the leather helmet.
On Saturday, three MAC teams defeated top 25 programs from the Big 12, the BIG EAST and the South Eastern Conference, showing that the once "lightweight" conference now has its fair share of heavy hitters.
The UB Bulls (0-4) will begin their MAC play this weekend. The University of Akron (2-2) rides into town on a two game win streak, looking to extend UB's winless streak to 15. However, as much as the Bulls have struggled, the Akron Zips say they never look past opponents.
"We have a lot of respect for Buffalo," said Akron head coach Lee Owens. "Before long, that team's going to breakout and get some wins."
It will be the second straight week the Bulls face a high-octane offense, taking on the Zips, currently ranked No. 1 in the country, averaging a gaudy 536 yards per game. And similar to UConn's QB, the man at the helm of Akron's offensive attack, Charlie Frye, represents a huge challenge for the UB defense.
"Charlie Frye has really been an outstanding performer so far this year," said Hofher. "I think he has an excellent command of the offense they run. He's mobile. He's a good thrower on the run, and he's tall, so he's got good vision. He's been doing an excellent job."
Frye will enter this week's contest third in the country in individual offense with 342.3 yards per game, and with a 64.1 completion percentage, he is currently ranked second all time in the MAC, behind some guy named Byron Leftwich.
The Bulls will also try to keep in-check Frye's favorite target through the first four games: senior Miquel Irvin.
"He makes catches and gets a lot of yards after the catch," said Owens when asked to comment on his receiver's performance. "I think he's going to be a real talented receiver that's going to play long after his career at the University of Akron."
With 52 catches for 647 yards combined, Irvin and fellow wideout Matt Cherry represent what is possibly the best receiver tandem in the MAC and the biggest challenge thus far for UB's 81st ranked pass defense.
Making up for the rest of Akron's offense is senior running back Bobby Hendry. His 93 rushing yards a game has him ranked No. 29 in the nation, but it's his physical play that really sets him apart.
"He's a no nonsense runner," said Owens. "He goes straight up field. He's tough to tackle and has deceptively good speed."
Hofher also is aware of the threat Hendry brings to his team's 116th rush defense.
"Bob Hendry has played very solidly," Hofher stated. "He is a very tough runner, and he's a senior. All of the players on the offensive line returned from last year so there is significant experience."
Offensively for the Bulls, sophomore P.J. Piskorik will get his second collegiate start at quarterback this week after rushing for 72 yards on 15 attempts Saturday versus UConn.
"There was a little bit of a spark infused," said Hofher, referring to Piskorik's play. "He did a very solid, very credible job with the things we need our quarterback to do at the line of scrimmage."
However, Hofher said, the Zips' defense should not be underestimated.
"They're a high pressure team," said Hofher. "It almost doesn't matter what part of the field. They're going to bring pressure. They're really very solid all the way around."
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 6 p.m in UB stadium.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
