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Friday, March 29, 2024
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The Dukes of hazard: Buffalo prepares for season opener against Duquesne

Buffalo hopes to learn from last season's scare in home opener against FCS opponent

Sophomore quarterback Dillon Buechel threw for 2,569 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Dukes last season as a freshman. The Bulls and Duquesne face off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Courtesy of Dave DeNoma
Sophomore quarterback Dillon Buechel threw for 2,569 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Dukes last season as a freshman. The Bulls and Duquesne face off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Courtesy of Dave DeNoma

The last time the football team faced off against a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, it narrowly escaped an upset with a five-overtime win against Stony Brook, 26-23.

The Bulls won’t be overlooking their season opening FCS opponent, Duquesne,

“We’re excited about the challenge,” Quinn said. “We’re not taking anybody lightly. Believe me. I’ve seen it happen, teams come into that first game and somebody gets upset. That’s not happening [Saturday], we don’t have that mindset. We respect our opponents and we respect [Duquesne].”

The Bulls host the Dukes at UB Stadium Saturday for their first game of the season. Buffalo’s defense will face sophomore quarterback Dillon Buechel, who totaled 2,569 yards last season.

The Dukes' core of wide receivers includes junior Dave Thomas, who caught 49 passes for 592 yards and a touchdown last season and junior Chris King, who had 26 receptions for 311 yards in only eight games.

“They have a very solid group of receivers and quarterback,” Quinn said. “I think it will challenge our coverage skills and the way we structure our defense.”

But Buffalo has offensive weapons of its own. Junior quarterback Joe Licata, entering his second full season as the starter, looks to build off his strong 2013 season.

Licata threw for 2,824 yards and 24 touchdowns – one touchdown shy of tying UB’s single season record – last year. Licata will be throwing to a crowd of wide receivers, including senior Devon Hughes and sophomore Boise Ross, with junior Ron Willoughby, senior John Dunmore and junior Markus McGill providing depth to the lineup.

The Bulls will be going up against a Dukes secondary that allowed only 14 passing touchdowns last season.

“Certainly we have a good feel for what they want to do,” Quinn said. “We know they’re going to challenge us in coverage. But it’s still the first game. We know our kids are locked in on what we want to accomplish in this matchup.”

Saturday’s matchup is the Bulls’ first opportunity.

And after battling each other for the past three weeks in practice, the Bulls are ready to hit someone not wearing blue and white.

“We want to put the best 11 out there every single snap,” Quinn said. “To talk about last year’s games, that hasn’t been any part of my discussion with these guys. It’s about the present, the now, and how we move this program forward. When I pop that film in on Sunday, I want to see a four-quarter effort.”

The Bulls kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at UB Stadium. Easton Corbin will be performing a free concert in the parking lot two hours before kickoff.

email: sports@ubspectrum.com

Duquesne vs. Buffalo: Staff predictions

Owen O'Brien, Managing Editor: Buffalo 47-14

@owenobri: There’s no reason why Buffalo’s first-team offense shouldn’t score every drive. This game shouldn’t be close for long.

Tom Dinki, Senior Sports Editor: Buffalo 34-14

@tomdinki: If the Bulls can’t easily handle a lower level FCS opponent at home, they’re in for a long season.

Andy Koniuch, Sports Editor: Buffalo 35-17

@andykoniuch: This Saturday will be an offensive showcase. Licata and Dukes quarterback Dillon Buechel are putting on a show for the fans at UB Stadium. Licata is throwing for over 300 yards.

Jordan Grossman, Asst. Sports Editor: Buffalo 21-10

@jordanmgrossman: The defense will still be firing on all cylinders despite the key losses. If Licata finds his form early, it should be an easy Bulls win.

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