Two Weeks, Two Vastly Different Performances, But In The End The Same Result

One of he hardest things to do is win division one football games and this has been no more evident than in the past two weeks. For a variety of reasons we have failed to perform at the level we know we can for an entire game and as such have lost. It is frustrating for the team and we understand that it is frustrating for the fans.

This week we are taking some time to refresh mentally and physically whilst still preparing for Eastern Michigan. The team will practice until Thursday before being released for the weekend to either catch up academically and/or go home to spend some time with our families.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Sorry Bulls Fans

It has been a very tough few days for the team following Saturday’s game. The offense and defense played lights out to give us a chance to go into overtime and it was me who let the team down. Tim Krantz’s snap was good and as usual Jake Schum’s hold was perfect, I accept full responsibility for the missed PAT. It is unacceptable and for that I want to apologize to all our loyal fans.

I wish to thank those people who emailed and texted me messages of support, it really meant a lot. To those who were not so supportive, I understand your frustration and accept that you are entitled to your opinion of me.

This week sees the team travel to Miami of Ohio for a clash with the defending MAC Champion Redhawks. It will be a huge challenge, but one this team is ready for.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

A Week is a Long Time in Football

Firstly, I would like to let everyone know that senior wide receiver Terrell Jackson traveled back with the team on Saturday evening after being released from hospital following the hit which saw him taken to hospital for scans.

After the euphoria of last week, it is hard to put into words the feeling after Saturday. It felt like no matter what we did we were unable to get any rhythm going. They are a good football team however we definitely did not play our best football and as is the case in this league if you don’t play your best you lose.

It's time to get back to basics, regroup and prepare for another stern test at home against Northern Illinois on Saturday at noon.

On our way back on Saturday evening we shared the tarmac with a group of service men and women who were about to be deployed to Afghanistan. The team took some time out to thank these service people for everything they do to protect freedom for all. It certainly put into perspective the result of the game however the bitterness will not go away as quickly.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Arrived in Philly

After a short but rather bumpy flight the team headed to Lincoln Financial Field for a short walk through and some final instructions. Thankfully the rain held off just long enough for us to finish up and board the buses for the hotel. Tonight after the team meal we will go into unit meetings before retiring to our rooms for what will be a early wake up due to the 1pm kick off.

The team has had a solid week of practice and is ready to perform and build on the momentum we created last weekend.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Richie Smith

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Naaja Johnson

Keep the Momentum Going

Waking up on Sunday to the glorious Buffalo fall weather was made that much better after the result on Saturday. The tone was set very early in the game and we played four quarters of solid football to overcome a very good Ohio team. Sure there are areas we can improve on and Monday we will review the film and make the necessary changes and prepare for a huge challenge at Temple. But for now I am going to go and enjoy this great weather.

Thanks to all those that came out to support the team and in particular those who stayed until the very end, we hope you enjoyed the win as much as the team did.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Marcus Rivers

MAC Play Continues

Arriving back at an earlier time than in previous weeks allowed us to get a jump on recovery and review of the game film in preparation for Ohio this week. Despite the bitterness of losing, it was still an experience to play in front of more than 87,000 people in the heart of the SEC at historic Neyland Stadium.

That being said it is time to shift our focus to the Bobcats who will pose a huge challenge for us and we will need to be at our best in order to win. The little details will need to be fine tuned this week at practice.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Dig a little deeper

That’s the philosophy for this week. We are under no illusions as to how big the challenge is in front of us, however this team has a spirit that will never quit. It will take a full team effort for four complete quarters to get the job done. We will need execute on both defense and offense and make some big plays on special teams.

After arriving in Knoxville we went to the stadium for our usual shake out and the team looked sharp and focused. Following that we had our team meal and then meetings to finalize the game plan before returning to our rooms for some relaxation before we head to bed for an earlier than usual wake up due to the early kickoff tomorrow.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Isaac Baugh

Time for Resilience

Obviously the result on Saturday was not what we wanted nor expected. Once again our execution let us down. Collectively we as a team need to get better and more consistent in order to achieve our goals.

The student support was amazing and we hope that the student body and in particular True Blue continues to support us as it does and will definitely make a difference when we get into conference play.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Homecoming

It's great to be back home after last week and get a chance to play in front of our loyal fans.

The team feels as though we let one slip away last week by failing to play 4 quarters of consistent Buffalo Bulls football. That has been the focus this week and there is a different feeling amongst the group.

Tailgating begins at 2pm so come join in the festivities on True Blue avenue and support the team on its “walk to victory” at 3:30pm.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13
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FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Branden Oliver

Tough Loss

After a spirited come back the team fell short of winning our first conference game of the season. The lesson we need to take from this game is that we need to play 4 quarters of consistent football. We can’t afford to have lapses at any point of the game.

We arrived back in Buffalo at 3 am and had medical check in on Sunday before getting the afternoon off to relax and rest and get ready for the week.

This week we are back at UB Stadium and will be looking to bounce back from a tough road loss.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Conference Play Ups the Ante

Following our 24-hour rule (which is the time we give ourselves to think about the previous game) it was time to shift our focus to the first conference opponent of the season, the Ball State Cardinals.

Focus Friday began with a flight to Indianapolis followed by a visit to the NCAA Hall of Champions and then a shake out at the Indianapolis Colts NFL training facility.

Following the team dinner and team meetings it is time to relax and get ready for the best day of the week; Successful, Swarming Saturday.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Khalil Mack

A Good Feeling

Waking up on Sunday morning was much better than usual. It’s amazing what a win can do for morale around the team and the stadium. Following treatment and medical check in players can use Sunday to relax, catch up with family that is in town or get ahead in their academics.

The atmosphere at UB Stadium was one that I haven’t experienced for a long time and the student section was probably the largest I have ever seen at UB Stadium. The True Blue section was loud and it definitely pumps the team up. Being able to celebrate with the fans after the game adds to the experience for all involved and I urge those students who attended on Saturday to came back and bring a few friends so we can really make it intimidating for Connecticut when they come in two weeks.

But before then its time to get back to work and prepare for our first MAC opponent in Muncie, Indiana against Ball State.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Back Home

After a solid week of practice the team has now settled into the hotel. Following the team dinner there were unit meetings to go over the game plan and make sure everyone is mentally prepared.
The team is looking forward to playing in front of our home fans and in particular the members of True Blue.
For further information about the game day activities please visit buffalobulls.com

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

The One That Got Away

It was a hollow feeling in the locker room after the game as the team realized we were definitely in with a shot to beat Pittsburgh. There was however a strange sense of accomplishment as players realized that we have improved and have the ability to compete with anyone on our remaining schedule starting with Stony Brook this weekend. The team is looking forward to playing in front of our fans at UB Stadium and I encourage you all to get out and experience the new tailgating area known as “True Blue Avenue” next to Alumni Arena. Get there early to enjoy the atmosphere and interact with the team during our “walk to victory.”

I would like to acknowledge the fans and the True Blue members that made the trip down to Pittsburgh, you were loud and proud and the team appreciates your support.

Yesterday the team watched the film and made the necessary corrections before getting in a solid lift and some more recovery. Today is Intense Tuesday and our focus shifts to Stony Brook.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Bulls v Panthers

After what has seemed like an eternity the 2011 Buffalo Bulls Football team gets a chance to perform. Our first opportunity is against the Big East conference powerhouse Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on Saturday evening.
After a solid week of practice, which included a few portions in the deluge that occurred on Monday afternoon, we are ready for anything Pittsburgh or Mother Nature might throw at us.

Following a bus trip down and then a quick inspection of Heniz Field the team has now settled into the hotel. Its less than 24 hours until kick off and all that remains is to polish up mentally and relax until game time.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Matt Ostrowski

Final 2 Days of Camp

Yesterday saw the team go through another practice in preparation for Pittsburgh. In a sign of ramping up the intensity coach Quinn had me do a little bit “push crackin” in a 9 on 7 drill. Now I will be the first to admit that I’m no expert but Bulls fans can rest assured that should it be required, the specialists will be more than capable of “crackin” a few big hits this year.

Saturday saw us go through a modified pregame routine and a bench-controlled scrimmage before moving out of the hotel into our residences for the semester.

Camp is officially over however the work does not stop as we hit game week on Monday in final preparation for Pittsburgh.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Preseason Game

Tonight the team was put through a mock game day with a practice scrimmage slated for 6pm (the same time as our season opener).

The day began with a later wake up and breakfast at the Ellicott dorms where even in the morning there were a lot of incoming freshmen preparing to move in. It made it a bit hectic in the car parks but hopefully we will see plenty of them at UB Stadium this season. To the freshmen, welcome to UB and please come out and support your Buffalo Football team and all the athletic teams. It is a great experience and you will have plenty of fun.

After breakfast the team had a light lift and some film review of yesterday’s practice.
Following that we had a few hours to relax before meetings and pregame warm up before taking to UB Stadium for our last scrimmage.

The tempo was upbeat and plenty of situations were presented to the team so as to better prepare the team for Pittsburgh.

9 sleeps until Pittsburgh

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Working Wednesday

The final two-a-day of camp was conducted today and it was another day in which the 2011 Bulls got better. The focus was and has always been to improve our techniques and fundamentals and to prepare for Pittsburgh on September 3rd at Heinz Field. I know the players are looking forward to hitting people other than teammates and that was reflected in the spirit of practice today.

Following the second practice of the day the team took some time to meet and greet the season ticket holders who attended an open practice and who were also able to pick out the best seats in the stadium for them to view Buffalo Football.

For those yet to get their tickets check out www.buffalobulls.com for more ticketing information.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Gordon DuBois

Intense Tuesday

Today saw the team hit the grass practice fields to continue preparations for our season opener at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. It was another spirited practice with the team going through many game like situations to ensure the 2011 Bulls are prepared. Following lunch the team watched the film from the morning practice and got a solid lift in as well.

This evening we had Willie Evans (member of the 1958 UB Football Team) speak to the team about his experiences and his passion for everything UB. He spoke about teamwork and the meaning of hard work.

Tomorrow is the team's last two-a-day and the team is holding an open practice for any fans who want to catch a glimpse of the 2011 Bulls. For more details visit www.buffalobulls.com

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Graham Whinery

Mental Monday

After a relaxing day yesterday it was back to work for the Bulls with two very intense practices. I haven’t mentioned too many individual performances from camp because we are all about the team, however two plays that stuck in my mind from today were a steamrolling goal line run from sophomore running back Branden Oliver (#32) and a diving over the head catch by sophomore wide-receiver Alex Neutz (#19).

Don’t forget to get all your Bulls gear from the online store at http://www.shopubbulls.com/ where you can order the new jersey’s and customize them with any name or number as well.

12 days and counting

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Alex Zordich

Saturday Scrimmage

When the alarm went off this morning the body was a little sore and stiff from yesterdays two-a-day, however that was alleviated when I realized that it was Saturday and another scrimmage. Our scrimmages are designed to replicate a game day and as such the intensity increases a few notches from the weekday practices. Added to that it was also family weekend so plenty of family members and friends were on the sidelines to catch a glimpse of the 2011 Bulls.

The scrimmage was intense with good work in all three phases and plenty of individuals stepped up to show the coaches their abilities.

Following the scrimmage players were given the afternoon off to spend time with family and friends. Tomorrow is our off day so we will watch the scrimmage film and then off to Darien Lakes amusement park for the afternoon.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

FB: Pete Fardon Chats With Corey Jorgensen and Scott Pettigrew

Focus Friday

Another two-a-day was completed today and the team definitely made some improvements. The afternoon practice was conducted on our grass practice fields to start preparing the legs for our opening game against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field (which is natural grass).

Tomorrow is family weekend and as such many of the players families are coming in and will be granted field access to practice and then watch our scrimmage. For any fans that want to experience a UB Football practice and get to meet and greet the players they have the opportunity to do so at an open practice next Wednesday August 24th. For all the details go to buffalobulls.com.

Keep an eye out for my next installment of player interviews as there is a new look for me and a few other team mates.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Practice #13

Thursday saw a slight change in our regular schedule for a day with only one practice. Instead of practicing in the morning we got a light lift in and did some film review before eating lunch.

The afternoon saw us go through a number of situations that might arise in a game and it was another chance for us to get some live reps. We had officials at the scrimmage and then after dinner they presented us with information regarding new rule changes and clarification on other areas of the game.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Working Wednesday

Another two-a-day is in the books and another day the Bulls spent preparing for the season opener at Pittsburgh. There was intensity among the group in the morning practice that indicated the team was mentally sharp and physical.

Another short break and the team hit the field for the afternoon practice, which was a 24 period half pads practice.

After I had completed my special teams requirements I was required to head over to speak with the residential advisors about the importance of encouraging the students in their dorms to get out and experience athletic events on campus and enjoy time with their fellow students.

Following along that line, I would like to personally invite all students to our home opener on September 10th against Stony Brook and all our home games in the 2011 season. Also there is a new tailgating section called True Blue Avenue. Check out UBTrueBlue.com for more details.

My Media Day Chat With Jimmy Gordon

Intense Tuesday (Media Day)

Despite only having a one-hour practice today on account of it being Media Day, the intensity was still at a high level and the Bulls definitely got better following a solid two-a-day yesterday.

Today was my turn to break the huddle after the team warm up and I spoke about being better today then we were yesterday and to not waste any opportunities to become a better team.
Following practice the team refueled with another solid lunch before donning our new look uniforms for media day.

The afternoon was spent reviewing film and doing a light recovery lift before adjourning to the hotel for another night before another two-a-day tomorrow

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Mental Monday

Our second two-a-day of camp allowed the team to get back at it and whilst we are still in our install phase there is a definite change in focus with the season opener at Pittsburgh only 20 days away.

The second practice of the day saw a focus on goal line offense and defense and positive signs on both sides of the ball were on display. The 2011 Bulls will definitely score more points and make it very difficult for teams to get in the end zone.

Tomorrow is media day, which means the locker room, resembled a barbershop during the middle of the day as players got fresh cuts for photos.

Our new jersey’s will be on display tomorrow and I will be conducting a few interviews of my own so keep an eye out for those.

Sunday Fun Day

After a generous sleep in (8:30am) the team ate breakfast and then watched the film from Saturday afternoon’s scrimmage. Following that coach Quinn and the senior class went to Dave and Buster’s for some food and to play a few games and generally relax and bond off the field a little bit more. The underclassmen stayed at the stadium and went through media relations training and a light workout.

Sunday evening consisted of a team meeting followed by the annual UB Football Talent Show were players are invited to share their non-football talents in front of the team. There were some interesting performances and plenty of laughs. Following that the team returned to the hotel for a snack before lights out.


Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Successful, Swarming Saturday

Saturday saw the first two-a-day for camp and our first live full contact scrimmage. The morning was an 18 period half pads practice which begun with a field goal period. Following the morning practice was lunch and then a quick turn around to the afternoon practice. The afternoon was a full padded practice that was 12 periods of drills followed by a 12 period live scrimmage. Plenty of good plays were made on both sides of the ball as well on the punt unit that was the only special teams unit involved in the scrimmage. Offensively Branden Oliver #32 and Brandon Murie #11 both had solid production at running back. Defensively Khalil Mack #46 and Steve Means #40 both got into the backfield. Whilst the defensive did force a few three and outs the offense didn’t turn the ball over once.

We were given Saturday evening off to relax in the hotel before our first off day of camp on Sunday, although treatment and film review will still take place, giving players a chance to get better mentally whilst resting physically.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

My Chat With Terrell Jackson

Full Pads Friday

As most folks are gearing down for the weekend, the UB Bulls football team was gearing up for our first practice in full pads for camp. The tone was set with our rodeo drill and the intensity was the highest I can remember. Players threw themselves at each other and the familiar sounds of football rippled through the air at UB stadium.

The afternoon was filled with meetings and film review as usual, although we did lift as well today making it a long and tough day.

Tomorrow is the first two-a-day and will allow us to refine more of our schemes and techniques before our first rest day of camp on Sunday.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

The Rodeo Comes to TownTomorrow

Thursday was the last day of the acclimatization period and tomorrow we will practice in full pads and have our first full contact session. Should be very interesting to see the traditional “Buffalo Rodeo” drill that pits one defensive player against one offensive player in a blocking/block destruction scenario. Always makes for a very intense start to practice and will no doubt set the tone for the day.

The second round of the rap battle took place tonight and unfortunately I was unable to attend as I had a final exam to take. I will get a full report and bring you the details at a later date. This week some players who have had summer session classes have had to balance camp with studying for final exams, just another challenge of being a student athlete.

After our meetings tonight a number of players attended a self-run bible study session whilst others took the time to relax their bodies or study their playbooks some more.

24 Days and counting

The season opener is just around the corner and today was another step in the process of getting ready to beat Pittsburgh on September 3rd. The familiar sounds of football were back today as the shoulder pads were dusted off and strapped back on for the first time.

The sun came out again today and plenty of players shone on the field during a spirited team session. The intensity continues to improve and both the offense and defense took some giant strides as players better grasp the concepts due to the already countless hours of film review.

The team continues to bond off the field and in an effort to allow some members of the team with lyrical writing abilities, a rap battle has been setup to take place over the next few days during our breaks, so should be interesting to see who is crowned champion. The first round was today and some surprising results occurred. It is a good way for the team to come together and have a few laughs and relax a little bit.

For those students who read this blog be aware that True Blue is organizing a road trip to the Pittsburgh game. For further details please visit their website www.UBtrueblue.com

Also to anyone who has any questions about the team and camp please feel free to email me at pdfardon@buffalo.edu.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Improvement and Polish as the rain falls at UB Stadium

The team completed its second practice of camp and the intensity and polish was even better than yesterday despite the light rain falling. Of course tomorrow will see the intensity go up another level as we hit the field with helmets and pads on.

Following lunch, film review, walk thru’s and dinner the team had a special guest. No disrespect to Steve Tasker (who was our speaker last night) but tonight’s guest was very inspirational. The team has welcomed Jake Ortel back for another season and his on going battle with Leukemia is something this team admires. Jake addressed the team and then handed every member a wristband that we can wear to show our support for our fellow teammate and raise awareness of this disease.

Check out buffalobulls.com for more details about camp and how the other UB Bulls teams are preparing for their upcoming seasons.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

A 3-Month Window

Summer is over for the 2011 UB Bulls Football team and after a short break following the conclusion of our 10-week summer conditioning program the team reported to the team hotel and went through the usual meetings on Sunday night so we could hit the field on Monday morning.

After an early wake up and fueling up our bodies the team hit the field for the first practice of the 2011 preseason camp. NCAA regulations stipulate that there be an “acclimatization” period so Monday’s period was just in helmets. The intensity was still high and the energy level amongst the group was impressive.

The evening was highlighted by a talk from Buffalo Bills legend Steve Tasker who spoke to the team about sacrificing everything for a 3-month span so that we can perform to the best of out abilities.

Tomorrow is another day in just helmets however the team is looking at it as another opportunity to improve.

The season opener at Pittsburgh on September 3rd is just around the corner and for details on tickets please visit www.buffalobulls.com or the alumni arena ticket office.

Go Bulls

Pete Fardon #13

Blue and White Game

After a final session at UB Stadium on Friday it was decided that due to the inclement weather forecast for Saturday the annual Blue and White game was moved indoors to the Buffalo Bills fieldhouse.

Unfortunately, that meant that only family was allowed to watch and on behalf of the team we wish to apologize to our fans but that decision was out of our hands.

The game was of high quality with the white team narrowly outscoring the blue team.

Overall the Spring saw a solid improvement on both sides of the ball and a foundation is now set for the summer and fall camp.

The team now gets a few weeks off from workouts to concentrate on our studies before hitting the weight room again.

Go Bulls

Pete #13

Finishing Touches Applied

Monday saw us review film from the scrimmage and have our heavy lift just like we would during a normal game week. Intense Tuesday was dominated by the defense that continually stopped the offense in very windy and challenging conditions. Senior wide receiver Marcus Rivers (#2) did find the end zone when Jerry Davis (#4) found him wide open. Tight End Alex Dennison (#12) managed to find some open space as well and picked up significant yardage.

Wednesday saw a much-improved performance from the offense with the ball zipping through the air finding receivers for significant gains. The offense line stepped up and provided time and space for the quarterbacks.

Thursday the team will review film from Tuesday and Wednesday and then hit the field on Friday for a short sharp session to fine tune things for Saturday.


Go Bulls

Pete #13

Another step in the right direction

Our third week of spring ball was capped with another scrimmage on Saturday morning.  The Buffalo weather rewarded us with two great days on Friday and Saturday and the team thoroughly enjoyed the change in weather and utilized the near perfect conditions to put in two very sold practices.

The offense fired on all cylinders and found the end zone four times but the defense had the last laugh snuffing out a 2-minute drill with a stop on fourth and five.

One more week of practices before the annual blue and white game on Saturday starting at 2pm.  There is a full day of activities planned and I hope to see many Bulls fans turn out to get a glimpse of the 2011 team.  For further details visit buffalobulls.com

Go Bulls

Pete #13

Improvement Continues

Tuesday’s practice saw us once again at the Bills Indoor field house and again the focus was on improvement and consistency.  Now people may argue that taking the team to the field house when its not snowing and not really that cold seems a bit of overkill, but the conditions in the field house allow the team to get some polish and quality work done without dealing with the wind.

The offense took advantage of the conditions with several significant gains through the air, none-better than sophomore Alex Neutz (#19) bringing in a pass that was a little over thrown.

The day finished with some goal line work which is always intense and the offense managed to get into the end zone a few times and the defense (not to be outdone) stepped up and stopped a few attempts.

Wednesday again saw the team head indoors and another quality practice was the result.  Senior linebacker Josh Copeland (#3) was everywhere picking off one pass and returning it to the end zone as the rest of the defense shouted “six” which exemplifies what UB defense is all about.  Not only do they want to get interceptions, but when they do they want to take it to the house.  Again later in the practice “Cope” was Johnny on the spot as he picked of a fade to the back of the end zone to stop a red zone assault from the offense.

Special teams had a busy day as we worked in our NASCAR field goal unit (which is used when we have no timeouts left) during a 2-minute drill, which resulted in made field goal.

Later in the practice during our team period we again ran a NASCAR for another made field goal that was preceded by two other field goals for a perfect four from four day from the unit.

Thursday is a day of lifting and meetings before getting after it again on Friday and then our last scrimmage on Saturday before the Blue and White game on April 16^th.

Go Bulls

Pete #13

Second Scrimmage Shows Improvement in all Three Phases

Saturday saw the end of our second week of spring practices that culminated in our second scrimmage.  After a cold Friday practice we were greeted with warmer (albeit just a little bit) weather and almost ideal football conditions.  The focus of the day was improving our consistency and our “football smarts” under as close to game like conditions as possible.

Some highlights from the day included an interception by redshirt freshmen linebacker Lee Skinner (#36).  This was followed up by a solid fourth down stop by the defense.  Steve Means, Khalil Mack and Richie Smith terrorized the quarterbacks all day recording sacks and tackles for loss.

It wasn’t all one way traffic with Ed Young finding his way into the end zone three times. Senior tight end Aaron Connacher (#81) and senior wide-receiver Marcus Rivers (#2) both had impressive catches in traffic to keep the offense moving.  The running back stable of Jeffvon Gill (#21), Branden Oliver (#32), James Potts (#1) and Brandon Murie (#13) all ran the ball well a lot of which was because of the upfront blocking by the offensive linemen.

During the scrimmage we also repped the special team units for punt, punt return and PAT and field goal.

Improvement On and Off the Field

Whilst the team focuses on improving on the field, the facilities at UB stadium have also received some much needed improvements.  The most noticeable is the new team room (pictured below), which now has stadium style seating.  The computer and audio systems have also received an upgrade allowing for quicker and clearer video enabling players to better utilize meeting and film review.  The team would like to acknowledge and thank those people who invested financially in the UB Football program and in particular these recent upgrades.

Tuesday saw us hit UB Stadium for the first time and whilst we were greeted with clear skies, the wind chill factor certainly provided for some challenging conditions.  That being said the intensity continues to increase and players were upbeat and most importantly locked in mentally.  The most important thing this team needs to focus on is improving our concentration over the entire span of a game and as coach Quinn always states, “don’t beat ourselves” with costly mental mistakes.

The offense continues to improve and the beefed up offensive line is paving the way for our classy running backs to get into the defensive backfield.  The defense is continuing the tradition of hardworking blue collar defenses that UB has become known for and I guarantee the commentators will mention the names Mack and Means a fair few times this year as the terrorize opposition quarterbacks.

Thursday the team has meetings and lifting before returning to the field on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday morning for our second scrimmage.

Go Bulls

Pete #13

Rodeo Comes to Town

Friday saw our second day of acclimatization and our second straight day at the Bills Field House.  Another day for the team to get better and work on fundamentals.  Whilst the pads still weren’t on and full out hitting was not occurring the intensity was definitely ramped up from Wednesday.

The alarm went of at 5:10am on Saturday morning and the specials team meeting was scheduled for 6 am before the team boarded the buses for the trip to the Bills and our first day of pads and full out hitting.

The first chance the boys got was the old fashioned rodeo drill which pits an offensive linemen versus a defensive linemen in a narrow chute and the offensive player must clear the way for a running back and when they get to the second level there is a receiver going against a defensive back.

The rodeo drill set the tone for the rest of practice and it was concluded with some solid 11 on 11 work with the offense getting some good yardage on the ground and the defense came up with some big plays to limit the passing attack.

Tuesday will see us hit UB Stadium for the first time and another chance to get after it.

Go Bulls

Pete #13

Bigger, Faster and Stronger

116 days have passed since the team last put the helmet and pads on.  Some familiar faces may have moved on, but rest assured they have left a legacy which the current Bulls will build upon in 2011.  After a short Christmas break the team embarked on a seven-week winter conditioning program that made all players faster, stronger and more powerful, which was highlighted by the performances at our pro day just before spring break.  Many Bulls took the opportunity during spring break to head home and rest the mind and body.  

Sunday the team held a full team meeting in our newly refurbished team room and the plan and focus of spring ball was laid out.  Wednesday saw us hit the field for the first of fifteen practices that will culminate in our Blue and White game on Saturday April 16^th at 2pm.  

Due to the snow we utilized the Buffalo Bills Indoor Field house and the intensity was high from the first snap.  The energy was great and apart from a little bit of rust the standard set is something that can be used as a solid base for improvement.  No one person stood out, however it was great to see Scott Pettigrew back practicing with the main group after a long injury lay off.  We hit the field again on Friday and Saturday will see our first scrimmage.

Go Bulls

#13