Paul Peck's Bull Session
10/4/2012 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, Ohio.
This series dates back to 1912, and no, I was not behind the microphone for that one. The Bulls and the Bobcats have played each other 13 straight years, and with Temple gone, this is probably now the best rivalry game on the schedule. The games are always exciting, and usually close. Last year's 38-37 Bulls win was the best of the season, and one of the most memorable in years. I would expect more of the same on Saturday.
Bullseye on: Buffalo Offense
Very cool statistic put up by Brandon Murie at Connecticut. He's the first Bulls player in Division I-A history to have 50 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 50 yards returning in the same game. What an inspiration to see a local kid like Brandon move from walk-on to record-holder….There have been many memorable plays in recent years, but the hook-and-ladder touchdown goes right up there behind the Roosevelt & Neutz hail mary catches….As for the other running back, I was impressed at the quickness and moves shown by freshman Devin Campbell. It not often that you see a tall running back move that way…It was good to see tight end Jake Reeder back on the field as an extra tight end. After an impressive 2010, Reeder has battled knee problems for over a year. He can be a real weapon in the passing game…That may be where the Bulls can do some damage to Ohio. The Bobcats are missing both cornerbacks who started the season. Massachusetts threw for 373 against Ohio last week. Marshall had 432 yards passing earlier in the season…The strength of the Bobcats defense is their line, led by big 315 pound tackle Neil Huynh….Overall they rank #2 in the MAC in total defense, and #1 against the run allowing just 94 yards per game.
Bullseye on: Buffalo Defense
Khalil Mack leads the country in tackles for loss. He has 11 in three games….Mack is tied for second in sacks with 4.5…The Bulls lead the MAC with 17 sacks…Fellow linebacker Willie Mosely is getting more playing time at inside and outside linebacker. He had a big sack at Connecticut, and ranks third on the team in that category…Bulls fans know how Tyler Tettleton can hurt a defense…he has not thrown an interception this season, and currently has a streak of 156 straight passes without a pick…He has only been sacked 3 times, protected by an offensive line with a combined 121 starts…Tettleton's former high school teammate Beau Blankenship is ripping it up. He had 269 yards against Massachusetts, and he's third in the NCAA averaging 151 yards per game. His 156 carries are the second-most of any NCAA back…The Bulls run defense made big strides last week, and their matchup against Blankenship is a big key to this game.
Bullseye on: Red Zone
The Bulls are perfect inside the 20, converting all nine trips into touchdowns…Only Alabama, Oklahoma State and Wake Forest have done that…Add in Patrick Clarke's perfect two-for-two field goals, and the Bulls are scoreboard spectacular.
