2009 Buffalo Bulls College Football Predictions

2009 Buffalo Bulls Predictions
2008 Record: (8-6, 5-3)
Coach: Turner Gill, 3rd year (15-23 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Danny Barrett (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Fred Reed (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (6 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: The Bulls return six starters on offense, but former quarterback Drew Willy won’t be one of them. Replacing Willy will be difficult, though sophomore Zach Maynard (6-3, 185) has some of the same attributes. He’s a very mobile lefty, but will be pushed by freshman Jerry Davis (6-1, 200). At running back, senior James Starks (6-2, 211) is a tall back, but very effective, who ran for 1,333 yards last season and averaged 4.9ypc. They return both receivers including star senior Naaman Roosevelt, who caught 104 passes for 1,402 yards and 13 touchdowns. They return just two starters on the offensive line, but lose All-MAC guard Jeff Niedermier.

Defense: The defense returns nine starters from a unit that allowed 28.2ppg and 408.2 yards per game. This is a cause of concern because they won games by creating turnovers (+19 turnover ratio). The front four returns two starters at tackle, but they lack size and experience at both end spots. At linebacker, they return junior Justin Winters (5-11, 202), who led the team with 125 tackles and was named third-team All-MAC. The linebackers are undersized but fast and experienced. The secondary features all-conference contender FS Mike Newton, who recorded 121 tackles in 2008 and junior CB Domonic Cook (3 picks).

Outlook: The non-conference schedule features two road games at UTEP and UCF and two home games vs. Pitt and Gardner-Webb. They also host Bowling Green at home, which is a major reason they should win the MAC East. If they can continue to create turnovers and not commit many, they should have another outstanding season.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com