FB | Will Syracuse lose to Buffalo?

Our beat writers weigh in with their opinions

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Posted: 10/19/07

By Matt Gelb
Grand Slam Single

Let's make one thing clear: The fact that we are actually debating this Saturday's game speaks for itself.

Buffalo has won 15 Division I games since it made the jump in 1999. The only time it has ever defeated a BCS conference school was in 2002, when the Bulls beat Rutgers, 34-11. But that was back when Rutgers was Rutgers. A 21-point loss earlier this season at Penn State was viewed as a turning point for Buffalo.

The last time a Buffalo team defeated Syracuse? Go back to 1899, a 16-0 Buffalo win. William McKinley was president. In three contests since, Syracuse has outscored the Bulls, 131-24.

Granted, that's all (ancient) history. Buffalo is a different team, they say. So is Syracuse - we can see that. But look at the numbers and you'll see: Syracuse will not lose to Buffalo Saturday.

Certainly, the Bulls' offense has been formidable, averaging 25.4 points per game. But in the three games against BCS schools - all losses to Rutgers, Penn State and Baylor - Buffalo has scored 16 points per game and allowed an average of 39.

On the season, UB is giving up 401 yards to its opponents. That defense will simply not be able to hang with Syracuse's talented, albeit recently incompetent, offense.

It's been the passing game that has burned Buffalo thus far, and that plays right into the Orange's hands. Andrew Robinson has struggled mightily of late, but he won't have Big East linemen pressuring him. And don't worry about the SU offensive line finding a way to stifle the passing game. The Syracuse receivers won't have any problems getting open, and Robinson shouldn't need much time to throw the ball.

Still, it's a scary state of affairs given I had to write this.

Syracuse 38, Buffalo 27

By Zach Schonbrun
Just le Jus

Remember 2005, when Syracuse destroyed Buffalo, 31-0, to give the Orange its only win of the season? So do the Bulls.

It's Turner Gill's Buffalo now, and he's built a reputation based on being serious and prepared for every contest. The Bulls will be ready to play Saturday. The task for Syracuse will be whether it can match its opponent's enthusiasm.

Syracuse has long been the epicenter of college sports in upstate New York. Buffalo is making a slow and steady climb toward at least sharing some of that threshold. Some might say a 3-1 record in the Mid-American Conference doesn't mean much, but there's no better place to prove its worth than at the Carrier Dome.

Several Buffalo players have already turned heads. Fans may remember quarterback Drew Willy, the freshman who saw his first career action against the Orange that September in 2005.

Here's what Penn State Joe Paterno coach had to say about him after a Sept. 15 matchup:

"That kid is a heck of a player, that quarterback (Drew Willy). He's a real gutsy kid."

Willy - currently 49th in nation in passing efficiency - has developed into a very accurate passer and a solid team leader. He also has a talented running back (James Starks) behind him.

Beyond that one-two punch, there's not much on paper. But that doesn't mean Buffalo's attitude can't carry it.

SU wide receiver Mike Williams was talking smack to some of his Buffalo friends earlier this week. But the fact there was even any back-and-forth discourse between the two teams says more perhaps than who has the more compelling argument.

Quarterback Andrew Robinson will have a strong enough game to keep the Orange alive in this shoot. But it'll take a lot of effort.

Syracuse 45, Buffalo 42

By Matt Levin
Levin & Hell

If James Starks did not exist in the Buffalo backfield, Syracuse would have no trouble against its in-state rival.

The Orange will put up points - halfback Curtis Brinkley should even break 100 yards. But UB's running back Starks, who ran for 231 yards last week, will abuse the awful SU run defense - keeping the game close. And a close game spells defeat for Syracuse.

The Orange still hold the edge talent-wise in the matchup. But Buffalo holds a distinct edge in the confidence department. As long as the Bulls can keep it tight, they should easily overtake a program lacking any poise all year.

Still, Syracuse should display its best offensive performance since Louisville. The Bulls can find the end zone, too. Buffalo scored 28 points in the first quarter in a 43-33 victory over Toledo last Saturday. Unlike Buffalo's Mid-American Conference rival Miami (Ohio), which defeated Syracuse 17-14 three weeks ago, the Bulls will make for an exciting opponent. Of course, that's also the home team's fault for sinking so low. Two years ago, Syracuse routed Buffalo, 31-0, earning SU head coach Greg Robinson his first-career head coaching win.

Tune in for a battle between two football squads heading in opposite directions. The once-great Orange have neared rock bottom. And the Bulls - although mediocre - have their best team since they joined Division I-A football in 1999. While UB head coach Turner Gill has turned into the hottest name in college football during the last week (due to rumors he could be coaching Nebraska next year), it's Robinson who might be riding the hottest seat in college football.

To put it simply, Syracuse is down-and-out; Buffalo is up-and-coming.

That's why a disheartened Orange football team will breakdown in the final minutes against the Bulls. Stick around for the embarrassment.

Buffalo 34, Syracuse 28