After four non-conference games, the football team (2-2) will begin Mid-American Conference play Saturday against Miami Ohio (0-4). The Bulls have won the last two meetings and four of the last six against the RedHawks, but are only 4-12 all-time and 2-5 at UB Stadium against the RedHawks. Miami possesses the No. 1 defense in the MAC on third down – with a 65 percent stoppage rate.
Here are a few players to look out for on Miami Ohio:
Andrew Hendrix, senior quarterback
Hendrix is no stranger to competition.
He spent the last three seasons as the backup to Tommy Rees and Everett Golson at Notre Dame – one of the most prestigious football programs in the history of college football. He is averaging 276 passing yards per game in his first season as the RedHawks’ quarterback. His 6-foot-2 frame makes him a versatile playmaker. His quick release, talent and football knowledge may be a problem Buffalo, as he will look to exploit the struggling Bulls secondary.
David Frazier, senior wide receiver
Frazier progressively improved during his time at Miami Ohio. After average freshman and sophomore seasons, he became more involved in the offense and finished his junior season with 302 yards and two touchdowns.
Frazier is clearly Hendrix’s favorite target this year. The 6-foot-1 receiver has 22 receptions – more than twice as many as any other receiver – for 429 yards and two touchdowns this year. His 429 yards is already a career best.
Buffalo’s largest concern with him is simple: He is fast. Frazier’s 4.5 40-yard dash time can be a solemn reminder of Baylor’s KD Cannon, who lit up the Buffalo secondary for 189 yards and a touchdown. He will be the down-the-field threat that Hendrix will look for all afternoon.
Quinten Rollins, senior defensive back
Rollins may be the most well rounded athlete on the field Saturday.
He is in the middle of his first season with the football team, but he is not a stranger to Miami Ohio Athletics. Rollins was on the RedHawks’ basketball team for four years. He transitioned to football after exhausting his four-years of NCAA eligibility. The 6-foot-1 corner is ranked second all-time in steals with the basketball team (214).
It looks like his ‘steals’ are transitioning onto the gridiron as he already registered four interceptions in his first four games. He has potential to make game-changing plays at any moment and Licata has to know where he is on the field at all times.
Matchup to watch:
Miami Ohio passing vs. Buffalo secondary
Buffalo’s secondary has to prove last week’s performance was not a fluke. It was by far the best the unit has played so far this season.
But Buffalo must to know that Hendrix is better than Norfolk State quarterback Terrance Ervin. Hendrix will be looking to throw the ball and exploit the secondary like Baylor and Duquesne have done in the past.
The secondary core is solid, but unpredictable. When Buffalo played Baylor, the unit allowed 480 passing yards and five touchdowns. The following week, the secondary allowed less than 100 yards passing.
Which defense is going to show up?
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