Buffalo isn't a great team by any stretch of the imagination.
Its run defense is worse.
Ranked 125th out of 128 teams in rushing yards allowed per game, Buffalo hasn't blown anyone away with its defensive abilities. It's important to note, however, Buffalo is third in passing yards allowed per game.
But the Bulls (2-6, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) are coming to Athens with confidence.
Buffalo just beat Akron 41-20. A simple look at Buffalo's schedule, however, should squash any fears Ohio fans might have.
Buffalo lost to FCS opponent Albany in week one, and in the three MAC games before Akron, Buffalo lost to Kent State, Ball State and Northern Illinois by a combined score of 119-48.
So even though the Bulls are riding high off of last week's win against the Zips, the Bobcats offense and rushing attack should be armed and ready for a strong outburst.
Breakdown
After Ohio burned Toledo's defense to a tune of 269 yards on the ground –– Buffalo's exact number of yards allowed per game –– Ohio will likely take a ground and pound approach to beat Buffalo.
With this YouTube video, The Post looked at the Buffalo vs. Akron game from one week ago.
Expect the Bulls to stack the box Thursday against the Bobcats, daring Quinton Maxwell to throw the ball.
Buffalo runs a defense that's become popular in college football, the 4-2-5. Designed to give teams flexibility in the slot, it adds more speed on the field by replacing an outside linebacker with a safety type, a bigger body than a corner and faster than a linebacker.
This defense can be taken advantage of, however. Seen at 10:52, Akron is in its first drive of the game at midfield.
In the pistol, the Bobcats' sole formation, the Zips line up deuce left with a flanker to the right. The Bulls send the "fifth" defensive back out into the slot to cover the inside wideout, with safety help over top. Ohio receiver Sebastian Smith will likely see his fair share of double teams Thursday; Buffalo will likely play the same defense against Smith.
Akron quarterback, instead of a typical handoff or option, shovels the ball immediately out to the running back who's headed right immediately after the snap. Because the Bulls sent the strength of their defense to the right to cover the two wideout side, the defense is now at a disadvantage.
The linebackers read steps aren't fast enough to the outside, and the Zips running back hits the corner, only needing one block to gain a first down.
He eventually gets chased down by the linebacker after gaining 13 yards.
Judgement
Buffalo's defense is ripe for the picking.
Ohio is coming off of an incredibly strong rushing performance against a stingy Toledo defense, and against a weaker Buffalo running defense, Dorian Brown, Maleek Irons and Papi White should have a field day.
A win against Buffalo for Ohio would go a long way to further adding to the lead in the MAC East over Akron.
It won't be an easy game whatsoever, especially with inconsistent play at quarterback. Buffalo should be able to shutdown the Ohio passing attack, rendering Sebastian Smith and Jordan Reid powerless.
It shouldn't even matter.
