College Football Predictions – Buffalo Bulls 2020 College Football Preview
August 2020
UPDATE – October 2020; As of early October, no Bulls have opted-out; Schedule notes updated.
2019 Recap
Record – 8-5
ATS – 8-5
The Bulls recovered very nicely after losing four of their first six games and lost just one game the rest of the way. There was no way to recover from losing to all three of their MAC East rivals (Ohio, Miami Ohio, Kent St) but they get full marks for playing hard to the very end and note that they won their last two games by a combined score of 80-16. Those victories included the program’s FIRST EVER bowl win when they took down Charlotte in the Bahamas Bowl (W 31-9).
Let’s see if they have what it takes to make another run at the MAC Championship.
2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
East Division – TBD
MAC – TBD
Buffalo Bulls 2020 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Bulls pounded the run game in a RELENTLESS FASHION a season ago to the tune of 251 YPG (#1 MAC, #10 FBS). They featured a PAIR (!) of 1,000-yard rushers and both men are back this season. Jaret Patterson rushed for 1,799 yards (5.8) and an impossible 19 TDs while Kevin Marks ran for 1,035 yards (4.6) and 8 TDs. Patterson is a legit workhorse and carried the ball 312 times LY (#4 FBS). Buffalo needs to get a bit more out of the THROW GAME and both QBs return to Buffalo this season. Kyle Vantrease and Matt Myers combined to hit 54% of their passes with a 14-6 TD to INT ratio and will be glad to know that essentially everyone is back at WR and TE. So at least there will be continuity in the THROW GAME. WR Antonio Nunn is a legit #1 option (687, 14.0, 6 TD) and TE Zac Lefebvre is a handy target. Some new faces will have to emerge for the offense to really rock. You can’t have everything, and the concern on offense is an offensive line that’s undergoing a transition with just a pair of returning starters. The good news is that center Mike Novitsky and tackle Kayode Awosika are solid players to build around.
Buffalo should be able to maintain their successful run-first identity and will likely be a bit more dangerous throwing the football.
DEFENSE
Yes, guy.
The Bulls were a BRICK WALL a season ago and led the MAC in several key defensive statistical categories including scoring D, rushing D (#4 FBS), passing D, and total D. They also led the conference in sacks (43) (!). Things look pretty SPICY heading into this campaign with the return of seven starters and several key contributors from LY. It starts up front with a pair of outstanding DEs (Malcolm Koonce, Taylor Riggins) who combined for 17.5 sacks LY and there is adequate beef at DT. The entire starting LB group is back and it’s probably the best in the conference. The secondary features one of the best safeties in the MAC in senior Tyrone Hill.
This defense is loaded with talented upperclassmen and is the best in the conference.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Things were anything but “special” last year and it’s questionable how much improvement we will see in 2020. PK Alex McNulty was 10/15 on FG attempts LY (2/5 40+) and hopefully punter Evan Finegan is fully recovered from one of the most gruesome injuries in modern times. They were average at KR and PR LY.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – They draw well out of the MAC West (N Illinois). Game #2 is yuuuuge as they take on the Redhawks in Buffalo.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Nothing spooky noted.
Season Win Total
TBD
MEGALOCKS says:
TBD
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The mascot for the Buffalo Bulls is VICTOR E. BULL. Solid.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
There’s no excuse for this talented squad. Sure, the passing game isn’t exactly dynamic, but we love the rushing attack, the defense, as well as the schedule that will allow them to get off to a good start. After struggling for so long it’s great to see the Bulls enjoying success. 18 wins in the past two seasons, a division title, and their first ever taste of bowl triumph. All that’s left is a MAC Championship. We’ll call for them to win the division and get to the big dance.
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