Missouri vs. Buffalo football preview

Buffalo Bulls Overview

Turner Gill, head football coach for the Buffalo Bulls, has already begun turning things around. The Bulls, historically abysmal in FBS play, have found new life through Gill’s discipline. After a 2-10 campaign in 2006, Gill led the team to a 5-7 record (5-3 in the MAC, good enough for the team’s first divisional co-championship) last year. The future looks even brighter for the Bulls this season, with senior quarterback Drew Willy off to a scintillating start: a completion rate of 65.2, eight touchdown tosses against only two interceptions and 792 yards. Numbers alone do not speak for Willy, he is a stalwart leader who completed a 35-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game, giving the Bulls a 30-28 lead as time expired, last week against Temple. Now 2-1 this season, the Bulls are looking to stir things up in the MAC East.

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Mizzou Tigers Overview

However, they appear overmatched against the No. 1 offense in the country when they roll into Faurot Field on Saturday. Heisman candidate quarterback Chase Daniel has been the epitome of efficiency this season, leading 13 consecutive scoring drives and throwing more touchdowns in the last two games (7) than incompletions (6). Daniel and the Tigers are so efficient with Gary Pinkel’s no-huddle spread-offense that nearly every drive is capped off in two-minutes, leaving Missouri’s defense on the field longer. Daniel can spread the ball around to wide receivers Jared Perry and Tommy Saunders, All-Big 12 tight end Chase Coffman, and All-American speedster Jeremy Maclin, who tore up Nevada last week with 172 yards on six receptions for three touchdowns. The Tiger offense leads the nation, averaging 57.7 points per game, and they look to continue their points parade Saturday afternoon.

UB Bulls @ Missouri Tigers Prediction

The Bulls are turning things around this season, soaring high from their last-second win last week, but Missouri seems poised to halt their progression, for at least one week. The Bulls are talented enough to contend in the MAC this season, but probably won’t be able to bring enough points to the party in order to stop Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, and company. Missouri’s defense plays a lot of minutes, but knows how to finish and can lock down an opposing team when spotted a few scores. If Buffalo can trade a few scores with Missouri, the second half might be interesting. If not, look for senior Chase Patten and Missouri’s top freshman recruit Blaine Gabbert to be running the show after halftime.

Final Score: Mizzou 50 - Buffalo 17

By Cory Spicer
Big 12 Fans Guest Writer

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