It's easy to overlook a team from the Big South when you've just taken a Big East powerhouse to the wire, but the Stony Brook Sea Wolves are no ordinary Big South team.
Following a devastating 35-16 loss to Pittsburgh in Buffalo's opening matchup, the Bulls are looking to bounce back this weekend against Stony Brook. The game is Buffalo's home opener.
Stony Brook has something in common with Buffalo – both football teams nearly pulled off colossal upsets last weekend. The Sea Wolves took on a daunting opponent in Conference-USA force UTEP, but it was Stony Brook that looked like the power for the majority of the game.
At one point, Stony Brook led 24-10. The Miners eventually rallied and overtook the Sea Wolves, 31-24 in overtime, but Stony Brook turned some heads with its valiant effort.
One person in particular took notice – Bulls head coach Jeff Quinn.
"You look at what Stony Brook did at UTEP this past weekend; they have our full attention," Quinn said. "They're well-coached. We certainly look forward to the challenge they present."
Stony Brook's strength lies in its running game, while arguably Buffalo's biggest weakness is stopping the run. Running backs Miguel Maysonet and Brock Jackolski combined for 199 rushing yards against UTEP. The Sea Wolves amassed an impressive 232 yards on the ground.
Maysonet and Jackolski present a paramount challenge for Buffalo. The Bulls struggled mightily with Pittsburgh running back Ray Graham, who totaled 209 yards and three touchdowns.
Stony Brook quarterback Michael Coulter was selected to the preseason All-Big South team, but he only managed a meager 168 yards at UTEP.
On the other hand, Buffalo's quarterback play was astounding in its first game.
Senior quarterback Chazz Anderson lit up Pittsburgh for 276 yards and 32 completions. Anderson provides newfound leadership under center. Quinn has the utmost faith in his experienced quarterback.
"No one man can do it alone, but [Anderson] knows what [winning] looks like," Quinn said. "He knows what it feels like; he knows how it tastes."
Nothing is more enthralling to Buffalo's athletes than the thought of playing in front of their home fans.
All summer, Quinn preached that he plans on increasing his team's interaction with fans. He wants an untamed student section; he foresees a day when fan support is as high as it's ever been.
"We're excited about bringing UB football back to our home stadium," Quinn said. "It's been a long time since we've had an opportunity to play in front of our home fans.
Fans will watch the action get underway at 6 p.m.
Quinn has said on multiple occasions that his team isn't afraid of anyone, and the Bulls proved it with their effort against the Panthers. They aren't afraid of Stony Brook and they're eager to get in the win column, but the Bulls are preparing for the Sea Wolves with the same fervor and meticulousness they utilized in preparation for Pittsburgh.
"In my mind, every single week is important, so this game is the most important game," Quinn said.
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