Buffalo Bulls 2016 NCAA Football Preview
BUFFALO BULLS
MACtion – East Division
2015 Record – 5-6
ATS – 5-6
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
East Division #5
Conference #9
2015 Recap
Well, that was a disappointment. The Bulls had a veteran offense and a decent MAC defense and seemed to be in good shape to make a bowl game at 5-4. They lost their final three contests including a puzzler vs UMass in the home finale which sent them home for the holidays.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
All-time Bulls leading passer Joe Licata has departed and there is currently a two-way battle for the starting job. Both Iowa St transfer Grant Rohach and redshirt freshman Tyree Jackson have impressed the coaches so far in camp. The Bulls will be without their top two receivers from 2015 but are still in good shape. RB Jordan Johnson looks like a true #1 RB as he had 12 rushing TDs last season and averaged 4.7 yards per carry.
The offensive line needs to do a better job in the running game. The Bulls only ran for 137 yards per game despite having two very good running backs. They only return 2/5 starters to the unit this season but all five projected starters are 300+ pounds and have thirty combined starts.
DEFENSE
Everyone returns on the defensive line and that is great news for the Bulls defense. They ranked 10th in the MAC in rushing defense last season and need to be tougher up front. The Bulls bring back one starter from the LB unit but Brandon Berry had over 100 tackles and 11.5 TFL in 2015. The secondary should be rock solid with three starters back for another season. Last year they only allowed 18 TD passes while picking off 13.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bulls ranked last in the MAC in kickoff return average last season, and other than one big 86 yard punt return, that unit was not very good either. PK Adam Mitcheson only hit 13/19 FGs last year and was erratic. They also need to work in a new punter. Seems like a trouble spot.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 6.0
MEGALOCKS says:
The Bulls first test will be at Nevada on September 17th as they face Albany in week one and get a much-needed bye week after that battle. Anything less than a bowl-eligible season will be a disappointment given the overall level of talent on the roster. And the fact that the MAC East appears to be the much softer division.
Overall, we give the BULLS a 6.0 ATS Value Rating (Above Average) this season. We are optimistic that the defense can lead the way. We also think they may be a bit under the radar coming off a 5-7 season and sporting a new QB. There is a good chance that the Bulls improve in their 2nd season under HC Lance Leipold and make their ATS backers happy more often than not. Then again, this is the MAC. #MACtion.
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