On Saturday night, the University at Buffalo Bulls took to the field for their first controlled scrimmage of the preseason. It’s been ten days since the team began its preparations, and this scrimmage offered a glimpse into how the Bulls are shaping up just weeks before their season opener.
The atmosphere at UB Stadium was charged with anticipation. The stadium lights were blazing, referees were in place, and for nearly three hours, the Bulls tested out their new no-huddle offense. Despite the excitement, it’s clear that there’s still a lot of work to be done, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Head coach Pete Lembo, known for his quick-paced style and high expectations, conveyed a sense of urgency. As the team gears up for the August 29 season opener against Lafayette, Lembo emphasized that while there were promising moments during the scrimmage, the team also faced several challenges. “We saw some encouraging signs in all three phases, but there were a lot of self-inflicted wounds that will get you beat if you don’t clean those things up,” Lembo remarked.
The Bulls’ quarterbacks—C.J. Ogbonna, Gunnar Gray, and Jack Shields—each had their moments. Ogbonna, who worked primarily with the first-team offense, showcased his ability to scramble and mix up plays. However, his performance was a mixed bag; a promising drive ended with an interception and a fumble recovery by linebacker Red Murdock. Meanwhile, Gray demonstrated his deep-throwing capability, and Shields managed a notable drive culminating in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Chance Morrow.
The wide receivers, a group Lembo has previously described as “a work in progress,” had an inconsistent showing. Despite the addition of transfers like Taji Johnson and J.J. Jenkins, the receiving corps struggled with catching and route-running. Lembo’s patience will be tested as he works to refine this group, which has potential but lacks experience.
The running backs, led by Jacqez Barksdale, showed promise. Although Barksdale’s performance included a crucial fourth-down conversion, the overall depth and productivity of the running back unit remain under evaluation.
In terms of injuries, the scrimmage highlighted some concerns. Running back James McNeil Jr. was sidelined with a foot injury, using a scooter to move around. Additionally, several players, including cornerback Amir Proctor and defensive linemen Ja’Mori Coard and Devin Morgan, were not in uniform.
Coach Lembo, who is known for his demanding nature, has made it clear that he wants to see immediate improvements. His impatience is evident, and he’s pushing his team to resolve issues quickly. “I want everything fixed the day before yesterday,” Lembo said. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the team’s progress and energy levels.
Looking ahead, the Bulls have a crucial week of practice before their next scrimmage. As they continue to refine their strategies and address weaknesses, the focus will be on solidifying the starting lineup and enhancing team cohesion.
With less than three weeks until the season opener, the pressure is on for the Bulls to gel as a team. The upcoming practices will be pivotal in determining how well the Bulls will fare when they step onto the field against Lafayette.
0 Comments