Joe Freedy has started every game at quarterback for the Bulls since their return to Division I-A in 1999, a streak that spans 24 straight games. That streak, however, was in jeopardy this week as Bulls football Head Coach Jim Hofher pondered whether to start Freedy or freshman Randall Secky against the Connecticut Huskies tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Yesterday, Hohfer decided to extend it to 25.
Two weeks ago at Bowling Green, Freedy was yanked after throwing two interceptions in the opening quarter. Secky replaced the senior, but did not turn in an impressive performance either, leaving Hofher indecisive post-game. Hofher refused to name a starter for the following week's game at Army, which was subsequently postponed.
Hofher was still undecided at Tuesday's press conference.
"We went in to practice [Monday], and in team periods over the previous two practices one was 26 for 48, one was 26 for 49," Hofher said. "If anybody's got a coin, we can flip it, and that's not good enough, somebody's got to do better than the other."
"Joe has more experience, and that really needs to show up," Hofher continued. "I'm certain that we'll know when we come out of [practice Thursday]."
Both quarterbacks will see action during the first half against the Huskies.
Buffalo and Connecticut have met during five of the last six years, with the Huskies taking all five contests. Last season, UConn topped the Bulls at UB Stadium 24-21.
"Last year was last year," said UB senior linebacker Bobby Johnson. "I just focus on this game this year; I don't worry about last year."
One does not have to look hard to find parallels between the two programs, both of which are still struggling for D-I respectability.
"There's so many things that are similar. They're young in Division-I, we're young in division one, with literally the same amount of time," Hofher said. "We're both 0-2, we both played a Big East team."
The Bulls have not won any of their last 18 road games, including three trips to UConn's Memorial Stadium. They have also not scored a touchdown at UConn in 10 quarters.
"I think [the streak] sits in the backs of people's minds and they get in the wrong mindset in the beginning," said Bulls long-snapper Kevin McCarthy.
The Huskies are a young, unproven team. Eight of their 11 offensive starters are sophomores or freshman. Inexperience spreads through to their skill positions; a pair of red-shirt freshman starts at quarterback and runningback.
"We have to come out [and think] that they're going to be just as good as any other opponent," McCarthy said. "We can't downplay them a bit."
Keron Henry will start at quarterback for the Huskies, complete with first-season growing pains. He has completed only 38.3 percent of his passes while throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. Henry, however, is a threat to run, and ripped off a 15-yard touchdown run in a 52-10 loss against Virginia Tech in week one.
"[They have] a very mobile quarterback, young, but mobile," Hofher said.
Runningback Chris Bellamy won the starting job over senior Tabor Small. Bellamy ran for 86 yards on 15 carriers in a loss to Eastern Washington in week two.
"Chris is a guy who we like his size, and I like his ability to make people miss," Connecticut Head Coach Randy Edsall said. "We want to give him some more opportunities this week."
Small, however, has two touchdown runs this season, and may be used in short yardage or goal line situations.
"They've got a couple good backs, nothing out of the ordinary that I've seen," Johnson said.
Defensively, the Huskies are more experienced, but that experience has not translated into positive results. UConn has given up an average of 43.5 points per game. Their leading tacklers are both members of their secondary, which means not many plays are being stopped near the line of scrimmage.
"Defensively, we've tried to get as much speed on the field as we can. We're a little bit young up front," Edsall said.
For the second game in a row the Bulls face a dangerous punter. UConn sophomore Adam Coles averages 44.3 yards per punt, and has had seven of his 14 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
"They'll put both of the gunners on the same side. ... They do it all the time," Hofher said. "Their punter is really very accurate and he can punt to the gunners."
Win the battle at the line of scrimmage. UB has not done this in either of their first two games, which has translated to an average of two-yards per rushing attempt.
"We simply have to do a better job winning the line of scrimmage. We really haven't made it move yet," Hofher said.
Get good field position. The Bulls defense has been playing strong, but has been hampered by drive starts inside their own territory. Make the Huskies get a few first downs before they are in scoring range.
Pressure the quarterback. Henry is nothing to be afraid of. Put him on the ground and make him make mistakes.
Be confident. Although they are 0-2 this year, the Huskies defeated UB on the road last year, certainly a source of pride for a team in only its second year at the D-I level.
Give Bellamy lots of carries. He will certainly be pumped for this game, his first as a starter, and the Bulls have given up five rushing touchdowns this year.
Take advantage of special teams. This is where the Huskies have the biggest edge over UB; they should use their punter as a weapon.
The Buffalo/Army game that was cancelled last weekend has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10 at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. at 1 p.m. The Bulls were originally to play Akron Nov. 10 at UB Stadium. That game will still be at home but has been moved to Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Tickets for the original dates will still be honored.
