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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 8:53 AM ET Struggling offense jump-started with spread offense By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Buffalo Bulls 2000 record: 2-9 (2-4). Coach: Jim Hofher (first year). Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense. Outlook: Junior Joe Freedy has started at quarterback the last two years and he will throw more under Hofher, who has installed a spread offense in hopes of helping an offense that averaged just 16 points per game. Junior wideout Andre Forde is a playmaker who averaged 16.4 yards per catch last season and running back Maruis Dwarte got better as the season progressed. As for the defense, the Bulls have no where to go but up. The allowed a league-high 41 points per game and opponents rolled to a tune of 426 yards per game, again the worst in the league. Senior Duane Williams is now a defensive end, which leaves a huge hole at linebacker. Free safety Craig Rohlfs is an All-MAC candidate, but his junior year was riddled with injuries. Keep an eye on: Tim Hedges. Hofher informed his entire offensive line to lose weight and senior tackle Tim Hedges put in the most work, losing 45 pounds. Hedges is one of the reasons why the Bulls averaged 196.2 yards rushing over the final six weeks of the season. Key game: The Bulls schedule is actually quite kind but if they struggle on the road against lowly Connecticut on Sept. 22, their confidence could suffer. It's a good year if... Tthe Bulls can find some depth at the skilled positions. Buffalo is 2-14 against MAC competition primarily because they don't have the athletes to compete in the MAC. The eternally optimistic Hofher will recruit better athletes but the results won't be apparent for some time. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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