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