UB excited to take it to next level
The one-game-at-a-time mantra is something the University at Buffalo preaches constantly, but Missouri is the kind of game you circle on your calendar in red ink. This is another chance for UB to make an impression in the illuminating glare of the national spotlight.
Then again, just about every team playing the No. 5-ranked Tigers has been mauled by a team that is 15-2 since the start of last season. It could happen again at 2 p. m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium (Radio 1230 AM) for a UB team that is 0-8 against ranked opponents since 1999 and has lost those games by an average of 32.8 points.
“We prepare for them just like we prepare for anyone else,” said senior right guard Jeff Neidermier. “We’re studying their guys and looking to see what they have to offer and how we can go against them.”
Indeed, the Bulls are thinking positively, with visions of toppling a program with national championship aspirations. Nothing wrong with dreaming big.
“These are the games that we wait for,” said sophomore cornerback Domonic Cook, the former St. Joe’s standout. “These are the games where we can show what we can do, show that even though we were overlooked by some of the bigger schools we are happy that we fell here. These are the games where I play my best.”
But UB (2-1) hasn’t enjoyed any success against ranked opponents. Missouri will be the eighth ranked opponent the Bulls have played in school history and the second-highest ranked since they played at No. 2 Auburn in 2006.
In the eight games, the Bulls were shut out by Iowa and Boston College, held to a field goal by Marshall, Wisconsin and Rutgers and a touchdown at Auburn. Their best performance was a 45-24 outing last season at Penn State. There’s a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to hanging with the elite.
“You have so much adrenaline rushing and you just want to make plays,” Cook said. “You play at another level, you want to play at their level. You want to beat them and show the world that you can really play.”
UB’s electrifying passing game, which has helped quarterback Drew Willy to a No. 19 passing efficiency nationally, will be severely tested. Missouri likes to play the Tampa Two, a scheme known for its simple format but relies heavily on speed and is ideally suited for an array of zone blitzes.
That could make things particularly difficult for James Starks, Brandon Thermilus, Mario Henry and the Bulls’ running game, which would put pressure on Willy.
Willy had a personal-high 348-yard, three-touchdown passing performance Saturday in the 30-28 victory over Temple. But the players know you can’t compare the Owls to the Tigers, who have won 17 of their last 18 home games.
Missouri has a high-powered spread offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
“We have to have our stuff together if we’re going to beat them,” Neidermier said.
Other than a 10-point victory over Illinois in its opener, Missouri has not been challenged.
“Coach always tells us, ‘When the lights come on, who’s going to show up?’ ” said sophomore cornerback Josh Thomas. “This is an opportunity for our program, our university, and it’s exciting.”
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UB Athletic Director Warde Manuel interviewed for the AD position at the University of Washington, according to a source close to the situation, a job that was officially filled by acting Washington AD Scott Woodward on Wednesday.
It is not clear whether Manuel was a finalist for the job, but the source said he flew to Seattle twice to meet with Washington officials. When contacted Thursday, Manuel declined comment and said, “I’m happy at the University at Buffalo and look forward to continued success at UB.”
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Last week’s 35-yard Hail Mary pass from Willy to Naaman Roosevelt was named the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week, earning the school a $5,000 scholarship. The play received 40 percent of the fan voting on ESPN. The money will go to UB’s general scholarship fund.
