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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 4-7 I-AA | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Craig Cirbus Returning starters: 19 (offense 9, defense 8) Outlook You have to crawl before you walk. This year Bulls will demonstrate that truism when they embark on their first major college football schedule since the 1970 season. Buffalo won't walk into the year blindfolded -- two years ago it matched up with the MAC and endured a 50-0 loss to Ohio. But there is a steep hill ahead of it in its return to Division IA after six seasons as a I-AA independent. The school did not even field a team from 1971-76. Football returned in 1977, but at the Division III level. Last year's four wins would be considered a tremendous success in the inaugural season in the MAC, and head coach Craig Cirbus isn't selling the possibility short. Cirbus was an assistant under Joe Paterno at Penn State from 1984-94, so he's knows what it takes to win. That formula may be a bit elusive this season, but the Bulls will nevertheless give the conference's also-rans something to consider when they make a visit to upstate New York. Offense Flanker Drew Haddad is the star of the show and one of the most exciting players in school history. Haddad enters his senior season as the Bulls' all-time leader in receptions (155) and needs just 81 yards to become the school's all-time leader in receiving yards. Last year he led the team with 67 catches, 911 yards and five TDs, just a notch below the school record 1,058 yards he posted as a sophomore. The trick will be finding someone who can get him the ball. Last year's No. 2 quarterback Billy Feldmaier has left the team. As a result, the quarterback job is up for grabs among four players, only one of whom, senior Erik Rusin, has thrown a pass in a college game. Rusin has to be considered the favorite on the basis of his three starts, but sophomores Mike Gaydosz, Joe Freedy and Mike Taylor will all get a look. Five starters return to the line, which is good news for a developing offense. Last year the line opened the door for a school-record 2,463 yards team rushing. The left side is blessed with size with guard David Pruce (6-7, 288) and tackle Joe Hattendorf (6-5, 304). Hattendorf is a legitimate NFL prospect who didn't allow a sack last year. He's also a tenacious run-blocker, which is good news for tailback Derrick Gordon. Gordon is expected to make a complete comeback from a broken foot that halted a promising freshman campaign. He averaged better than 6 yards a carry before his season was cut short after two games. The team's leading returning rusher is fullback Josh Roth. The 6-foot, 230-pound senior gained 806 yards rushing and caught nine passes for 82 yards. He also led the team in touchdowns, with nine. It's a good sign if: A QB is not found by Sept. 4.It's a bad sign if: A fullback leads the team in rushing. Defense Youth and inexperience did not slow the charge last year of freshman linebacker Chris Shelley. A year of playing time, weight training and film study should make him a force to be reckoned with in '99. Last year he set a freshman school record with 80 tackles, while adding 2½ sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles. He'll still take his cues from senior outside linebacker Josh Trexler, the team's steadiest defender. Sophomore Brian Jordan will man the inside position, but his lack of size at 5-10, 214 could be a concern. If Jordan is overwhelmed, expect senior Dan Curcione (6-3, 220) to get the call. Last year Curcione played in just four games after a nerve injury to his foot. Tackle Bob Dzvonick proved his worth in a trial by fire as a freshman a year ago. He will team on the four-man front with tackle Josh Stello, a 6-7, 288-pound junior and ends Jamie Guerra (6-2, 218) and Andre Thomas. Three juniors and a senior lend experience to a secondary that was victimized by youth a year ago. The most experienced member of the backfield is Eric Pipkins. He made 75 tackles last year and two interceptions and will need to continue to play at that level. Adolphus Barkor will move to strong safety, where he will bring his heavy-hitting style. Junior cornerback Carlos Spencer started all 11 games a year ago and showed impressive coverage ability and strong tackling instincts. Tory Smith will man the other corner spot after tying for the team lead with seven pass breakups last year. It's a good sign if: Shelley becomes a leader on this side of the line.It's a bad sign if: Pass defense continues to be a problem. Special Teams The Bulls return both of their kicking specialists from last year in punter Mike Masucci and placekicker Scott Keller. Both need to improve as Masucci averaged just 36.4 yards per kick and Keller missed three PATs. They could take a cue from their mates, who have blocked 20 kicks in the past four seasons and led all of Division I-AA last year in punt return average. -- John Crowley |
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