Since their season ended nine months ago the Bulls football team has waited patiently to strap the pads on and get back to the field. Thursday, that wait will finally end when the Bulls and second year head coach Turner Gill start the season against nationally ranked Rutgers University.
Last season was a rebuilding year for the Bulls under the direction of first year head coach Gill and his staff. The Bulls won two games last season tying the record for most wins since entering division I-A play. According to Gill the team consistently showed signs of improvement throughout the season.
"The coaching staff has changed the culture, the mindset," Gill said. "We have really improved in tons of areas. The number one thing we have improved on is the mind. 70 to 80 percent of the success you have starts with your mind and your confidence," Gill said.
Buffalo scored 220 points, the most for the Bulls in single season since entering the big leagues. Also, their 201 points scored in Mid-American Conference play led the entire MAC east division.
Gill returns for his sophomore campaign loaded with veterans returning from last year's squad including eight starters three of whom our team captains.
Senior linebacker Kareem Byrom, senior center Jamey Richard and senior defensive end Trevor Scott all return as captains and are experienced starters.
However, the most important returning starter may be junior quarterback Drew Willy, who was named the team's fourth captain this season.
This is Willy's third straight year as the Bulls starting signal caller. Willy played the first eight games of last year before going down with a broken thumb, costing him the last four games of the season. Though Willy has been a starter for two years, he has thrown only 12 career touchdown passes, leading to two career victories as a starter.
Scott returns to the team at defensive end, a position he thrived in last season when he finished the year with nine sacks. Previous to 2006, Scott played tight end for the Bulls.
"I've always had more of a defensive mindset. I like going out there and running after the ball, just reacting to the play," Scott said.
While the Bulls have many returning there are still several positions with questions marks surrounding them.
Buffalo will have the tall task of replacing its two most reliable players from last season. The departure of Linebacker Ramon Guzman and tight end Chad Upshaw will leave the Bulls with big holes at each position.
Luckily for the defense, Byrom is ready to step in at linebacker and continue his solid play from last year that earned him his new role as a captain. Upshaw will not be as easy to replace, though sophomore Jesse Rack will attempt to fill his shoes. Rack has just two career receptions for 15 yards.
Last season freshmen running back James Starks and wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt surprised many people with their ability to break tackles and create the big play. As sophomores, each hopes to elevate their speed and talent.
Starks finished last season with six touchdowns and over 700 yards rushing earning him All-Mac second team honors. Roosevelt finished second on the team in receiving yards but shined as a kick returner. After only one year under his belt, Roosevelt is now ninth on the Bulls all time list for kick return yardage.
The Bulls will be tested early and often this season as they play a difficult non-conference schedule, including opening the season against national powerhouse Rutgers.
Buffalo will face their second top 20 team on Saturday September 15 when they take on the Nittnay Lions of Penn State and legendary coach Joe Paterno.
"It helps us know we can compete," Gill said. "We need to win games. Our players are learning how to play good games, learning how to be competitive. We beat a high caliber team and it could turn the program around," he said.
The Bulls first home game is September 22 against Big 12 school Baylor. MAC Conference play begins Saturday the 29th when the Bulls travel to Ball State.
"The MAC is very competitive, lots of quality teams, quality players and coaches," Gill said. "We have our hands full and I am excited about the opportunity for our players to go again."
The Bulls will be in New Jersey Thursday night at 7:00 pm and according to Gill it will be a true test for the young program. Buffalo will need tons of help as it lines up against Heisman trophy candidate Ray Rice and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
