Paul Peck's Bull Session: Toledo
10/26/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
Each week the voice of UB Football, Paul Peck, will preview Buffalo's upcoming game in his "Bull Session." The play-by-play veteran breaks down this week's opponent, Toledo.
Buffalo vs. Toledo
After Saturday, all UB fans will be qualified to answer the question "Who's the best team in the MAC?" In their last four conference games, the Bulls will have played 6-1 Kent State, 7-0 Ohio, 7-1 Northern Illinois and 7-1 Toledo. That's a combined record of 27-3. Thanks to research by the Bulls Athletic Communications staff, it's the second toughest conference record played by any FBS school. Tennessee's SEC mark is 27-1. The overall record of the UB opponents, including Toledo, is 42-12. Two (Georgia, Ohio) are ranked in the Top 25, two others (NIU, Toledo) are receiving votes.
Bullseye on: Buffalo Offense
It's looking good for us to see Branden Oliver for the first time in over five weeks. Knowing how much energy he plays with normally, I can't wait to see how he plays with five weeks of pent-up energy…Now, the Bulls will have a nice 1-2 punch with Bo and Devin Campbell. The former fifth stringer is the first true freshman to have a pair of 100 yard games…This past week, Alex Zordich passed Oliver to become the team's leading rusher, by eight yards…when asked about his quarterback's steady improvement, Head Coach Jeff Quinn said "no one wants to get it right more" than Zordich…Quinn said the offense has been changed to focus on more short, controlled passing as a way to get Alex more comfortable and more in rhythm…the possible returns of Alex Neutz and Fred Lee will improve the Bulls passing game, obviously. It will also improve the running game, because both are excellent blockers…Toledo's defense features linebacker Dan Molls, the nation's leading tackler…along with safety Jermaine Robinson, the MAC's leading interceptor.
Bullseye on: Buffalo Defense
With 12 tackles against Pitt, Khalil Mack has taken over the team lead in tackles. Remember, he's played one less game. Mack has 22 tackles in the last 2 games…I was impressed by the play of safety Derek Brim. He was aggressive during his first start, playing for the injured Whitney Sherry…The Bulls held Pittsburgh to just 254 yards, their lowest total of the season…UB's defense is now second in the MAC in pass defense, giving up just 195 yards per game. No quarterback has thrown for more than 258 yards…The challenge for the Bulls will come from three key Rockets players: QB Terrance Owens, RB David Fluellen and WR Bernard Reedy. Owens is the 4th most accurate passer among current FBS signal callers…Fluellen, the Lockport native, has run for more than 100 yards in 4 straight games…Reedy, along with being a great kick returner, leads Toledo with 57 catches….Amazingly, the Rockets beat undefeated Cincinnati last week without scoring a touchdown. How? See below.
Bullseye on: Special Teams
It's a huge key for this game, in a few ways. Reedy has returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown in three straight games. He is among the nation's leaders in both categories…Toledo kicker Jeremiah Detmer has made 11 straight field goals, and had 5 in the win over the Bearcats. He leads the nation in FG's…Mostly due to special teams (but also to turnovers), the Bulls average drive start has been worse than their opponent in all but one game. UB's average drive start is at the 24, while the other teams are 13 yards better…It could show up on special teams. Quinn says the Rockets have the most team speed the Bulls have seen since Georgia.
Please join me, color analyst Jim Kubiak, sideline reporter Nick Mendola and host Scott Wilson for the broadcast on the Bulls Football Network. Our pregame show starts at 2:30pm.
