1. The offense needs a fast start
If the University at Buffalo’s football team learned anything about its comeback victory over Kent State last week, it’s to not take any opponent lightly. Troy University scored seven points and only made it past midfield once against Memphis last week, but the Bulls don’t want to find themselves in a 14-0 hole again. UB may need a more balanced offense early on to keep Troy on its heels. Quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson is coming off his breakout game for the Bulls with 318 yards on 70% passing, and he may be in line for another big performance.
2. Put pressure on Troy’s backup QB
UB’s defense may be chomping at the bit to square up against Troy’s hampered offense, which will be without starting quarterback Goose Crowder, who suffered a shoulder injury on the first possession of the Trojans’ 28-7 loss to Memphis. Backup quarterback Tucker Kilcrease is expected to start Saturday against UB, but his Trojans’ offense recorded just 112 yards – the lowest output in Troy’s history as a Division I team. Kilcrease, a junior, threw for 377 yards in seven games of limited duty last season, and the Trojans were already struggling as a unit; they rank 129th in the nation in average total yards at 276.3 yards per game.
3. A special performance by special teams
UB coach Pete Lembo, known as a special-teams guru, has praised his unit for already blocking two punts this season. Can the Bulls block a third? Or can UB’s special teams show up in another area? Returning a kickoff or punt for a touchdown can give the Bulls a spark (they don’t have either this season, but UB has averaged 8.9 yards per punt return). Punter Dylan Drennan could pin the Trojans deep in their own territory. Or kicker Jack Howes could connect on a few field goals (he’s 3 of 4) if the offense can’t find the end zone, taking some pressure off the defense.
4. Get the running game going
Al-Jay Henderson’s 38-yard third-quarter touchdown helped him end with 75 rushing yards against Kent State. If Henderson and Buffalo’s offensive line can get going earlier against Troy, the game could go a lot smoother for the Bulls. A two-touchdown hole forced Roberson into his best game with UB last week. But like any offense, the Bulls are probably better off if they can establish the ground game and keep Troy’s defense honest. UB has been a run-first team under Lembo. Through three games, the Bulls have averaged 184.3 rushing yards per game.
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Marquel Slaughter
College sports reporter
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