Blog swap with Bull Run...

We had the opportunity to renew our annual blog swap with the guys over at Bull Run, one of our peers in the MAC Blogosphere. They are good guys are true fans. I am answering some questions from him, soon to come.

1. So there's a new Coach in town and a really interesting hire...a highly successful DIII Coach. How has he changed the Bulls style of play and the culture of the program.

It has been OK so far. Many are glad UB did not go after another character like Quinn. Lance is a classy man with a great story. Jury is still out but overall fan base is pleased with the hire/ Some have concerns over, for lack of a better cleaner word, conservative calls the past couple of games. The offense has really stalled. The other troublesome trend is penalties. Buffalo especially at Penn State beat themselves with terrible penalties like false starts. Bulls fans hoping to correct the penalties and get the offense moving. Still have faith in Lance.

2. You're 2-2, but could easily be 3-1. How do you feel the season is going to date?

If you asked me before the season, I would have taken 2 -2. After watching the games, I have a bad taste in my mouth. Buffalo is still looking for that non-MAC signature win and Penn State could have been that. As I stated before, it was not what Penn State did, it was UB shooting themselves in the foot. Good win over Florida Atlantic but could have beat Nevada. I will take it, but could have been much more.

3. Do you have any idea what Leipold does in the locker room at halftime? Does it involve human sacrifice? You are winning the third quarter 43-3.

The complete opposite of Quinn. Leipold won all those games for a reason. A great football mind and from all that I hear the players are totally bought in. Surrounded himself with coaches he can trust. I look forward to seeing how Lance can recruit. Overall, it has been a long time since great half time adjustments for the Bulls. Great question.

4. On offense, Anthone Taylor is getting big yards but carrying a lot and Licata seems to effective except for picks. What have you seen out of the Bull offense so far and what can we expect Saturday.

Really surprised by the lack of production by the offense. Both teams lost much on the defensive side with big question marks heading into the season. Where Johnson has the led the country, Licata has regressed. The fan base hopes Joe gets going against familiar foes. I would have predicted a monster score for this game before the season started. Now I am not sure what UB will be able to put up against a defense that is improving. Defensive line looking solid and did well against serious competition. Taylor has been the real deal so far. Keep an eye out for #1 and change of pace runner #2 Jordan Johnson. Like Bowling Green the Bulls have real talent at WR and TE. The issue has been getting the ball to them.

5. The defense is certainly very solid so far. Who are the standouts BG fans should watch for?

I have spent a ton of time on the other #1 Boise Ross at CB. Has a pic 6 and leads the nation is pass break ups. Great defender, watch for him. The strength of the defense is at linebacker. Gilbo is a solid contributor and Aozie is making big plays. If you are to key in one player it is #23 Brandon “Crunch” Berry. Brandon has been a force on the field. Pressure on the QB has generally come from the linebacker position. The Bulls except for two big runs vs. Nevada are stout against the run but not strong at putting pressure on the QB. Watch for Brandon as the LB’s make some special plays this weekend.

6. Are KC and the Sunshine Band really playing? Before or after the game?

Sure are! The new AD has created a concert series to try to lure students and fans to the game. A large stage has been built on a converted parking lot called Stampede Square for a large pregame party with live music. For the Baylor game last year when a big crowd did show up it was awesome. It was a big time college football atmosphere. Most of the acts are country, and for the life of me, how does anyone listen to that crap. For what it is worth, my 73 year old Dad is going to the game and mainly to see KC do a little dance but hopefully not see him get down tonight.

Prediction BG 35 – UB 17