Military honor

Losing is a word that head coach Turner Gill doesn't want in his dictionary.

After a heartbreaking overtime loss to Western Michigan on Saturday, Gill and the Bulls (2-4, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) have begun the regrouping process as they prepare for their homecoming matchup against the Army Black Knights (2-4).

"Our guys are responding well," Gill said. "What has happened in the past has happened in the past. Our guys are playing with great effort. We've been having that every ball game."

The Bulls couldn't hold a 14-point lead in the final five minutes in their bout with Western Michigan. Senior quarterback Drew Willy threw an interception in the end zone in overtime, leading to a Broncos touchdown to end the game.

While the loss is the third in a row for Gill's team, the coach feels that going into their match against Army, the Bulls need to follow simple execution.

"It comes down to who makes the most plays," Gill said. "We need to execute better and play hard. Those are the things we have to do. Those are the things we can control."

The Bulls are going against an Army team currently on a two-game winning streak that likes to keep the ball on the ground. In a win against Eastern Michigan, the Black Knights only threw the ball three times while keeping it on the ground 59 times.

"Army runs the option and that's not something we are familiar with and will not see for the rest of the season," Gill said. "It is a great challenge to see if we can tackle well, control our gaps well and control that offense. It's a tremendous challenge."

While the Bulls are going to keep an eye on the running game, sophomore cornerback Domonic Cook feels that Army might have a few tricks up its sleeve.

"I'm just going to have to keep my eyes open for any trick plays," Cook said. "I just got to do what I do best and play the game. They're always trying to attack you. Any slip-up and the play can be a big play."

In last week's game against the Broncos, the Bulls held Western Michigan to a season-low 52 yards rushing. With senior defensive tackle Ronald Hilaire returning from injury, Gill feels that the defense can hopefully repeat the same performance.

"He's a good football player," Gill said. "It's good to have him back. I don't care what offense you're running, but it's good to have another defensive lineman to be able to rotate him in."

Army head coach Stan Brock understands the challenge that is ahead as his team heads into UB Stadium.

"This week is probably the biggest game that we play because we are continuing to build," Brock said. "We think that Buffalo is a very good football team. Offensively, they have a very talented quarterback who has a lot of playing time. They have a tremendous running back in [James] Starks. They have a huge offensive line. They have a wide receiving corps that is special as well, so offensively we think that they are loaded."

While this will be the third time in Buffalo history that the Black Knights take on the Bulls, Gill feels that the game is somewhat special due to what West Point Academy represents.

"I think it's an honor," Gill said. "These young men, some, maybe most, are going out to fight wars to give us freedom. I thank them for that. There's a lot of privilege and honor in playing Army. These young men are here for all of us. They are protecting us and giving us the liberty and freedom for what we want to do in the United States of America."

Saturday's game sold out on Thursday. This is the second time in the history of UB Stadium. The last time UB Stadium was sold out was in a game against Syracuse in 2004.

Gill feels that there are a variety of reasons that his team might not play for any empty seats on Saturday afternoon.

"Army has something to do with that, but I think our football program has some great things going moving forward in the right direction," Gill said. "I'm excited for our student-athletes to have an opportunity to have a home game that's potentially a sellout. It's a great opportunity for people to come see our product."

When asked about his game plan, Gill responded with a one-word answer that summarized it all.

"Touchdowns," he said. "If it's one play or it's 16 plays, the bottom line is the scoreboard. It doesn't matter to me how it happens."

At the end of the day, Cook realizes that while they have had a rough start, the game against the Black Knights is a must-win for a team hoping to have the opportunity to play in the MAC Championship on Dec. 5.

"No prize is given at the beginning of a race," he said. "It's given at the end. We believe we are still in the race and we want to finish until the end and make it to the championship."