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

Disappointing End

Words can’t even begin to describe the disappointment the team felt after losing the last game of the season.  Sending the seniors out on the end of a seven game-losing streak was not the way it should have ended for the most successful class in UB history. It was a tough season that saw many close calls but also glimpses of greatness for next year.

Unfortunately the season is over, but rest assured Bulls fans that the 2011 team will be busting its gut to restore the UB Bulls to the top of the MAC.  We just have to stick together and keep ourselves on track for our goals. The next few weeks will be spent finishing academic work and keeping in shape before a much needed Christmas break.  After returning on Jan 17^th it will be time to start the Spring semester and back to work for the returning Bulls.

This will be the last blog post for this year and we hope fans have enjoyed an insight into the Bulls Football Program.  Once again thank you to all our fans and Go Bulls!!!!

#13 & #39

Last Chance

First and foremost we wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Eastern Michigan player who was injured late in the game on Saturday.  We have heard that he was up and about moving and we wish him a speedy recovery.  Football is a physical game and whilst both teams went at each other with fierce intensity you never want to see any player being injured. 

Obviously it was a very disappointing loss but it was even harder to accept with it being our last home game and the last game at UB stadium for our seniors.  Thank you to the loyal Bulls fans and in particular the student section which has had little to cheer about at home this season but they have continued to support us and we would like to extend our gratitude to every single student who attended a home game this year.  We value your support and believe me it can make the difference in the tight games.

So that brings us to the final game of 2010 against the Akron Zips at their new stadium.  It will be our first road trip to the new stadium and Bulls fans will remember the last time we played Akron away (the last ever game at the Rubber Bowl) was an absolute dogfight that went to 4 overtimes and this game will be just as hard fought as both teams are desperate to finish the season on a high.  This team will fight to the very last play in an attempt to send our seniors out the right way.

Go Bulls

#13 & #39

Injuries

We are not a team to offer excuses for our poor performances this season. However, when Alex Zordich went down with a suspected broken rib the feeling on the sideline was “wow, can it get any worse.”  Time and time again we find ourselves looking to the next bull in when injuries take their toll in this fierce industry.  The locker room has resembled more of a casualty ward then a football locker room this season and eventually that takes its toll.

With that being said though it is up to the healthy next Bulls in to step up and make plays.  The seniors of 2010 do not deserve to end their careers on a sour note and as such the Bulls will continue to fight and compete until the final play of the 2010 season.  We urge all Bulls fans to come out on Saturday to give thanks to a senior group that was instrumental in the Bulls best four-year period in UB football Division I history.

Go Bulls

#13 and #39

Missed Opportunities

Despite the short turnaround from the Miami game to the Ohio game, the team put in a solid week of practice and the energy was high in the locker room before kick off.  Unfortunately we could not convert that energy into plays on the field and missed a number of opportunities to challenge for a victory.

After hitting the film room for our usual review on Friday after the Ohio game we were given Saturday off to relax, watch some college football and catch up on academic work too.  Sunday we were back at it preparing for Ball State and the rematch of the 2008 MAC Championship.

The remainder of the 2010 season will be a chance for this team to build some momentum for next season and to show our true spirit and perseverance.  Also it is a chance to send the seniors out on the right note, after being served so well by their leadership both on and off the field.

Hope to see a big crowd at the March to Victory and at UB Stadium and fans can check out what is an athletic extravaganza at UB on Friday as the Wrestling team takes on Oklahoma at 3pm in Alumni Arena followed by the Women’s Basketball team taking on Howard at 7pm.

Go Bulls

#13 & #39

Just Play Football

It has been a few weeks since our last blog and a lot has transpired in that time.  That’s all in the past now and its time to just go out and play football.  The coaches have stressed just forgetting about what happened and going out there and have some fun playing football, not worrying about the scoreboard, just doing our assignment and the score will take care of itself. That was the message from coach Quinn and the staff this week.  Tuesday was a particularly intense practice as several players got after it and we hope that we can carry this intensity into Saturday and feed of the atmosphere created by our loyal and vocal fans.

The walk to victory will take place at 1:10pm tomorrow and it would be great to see as many people out there as possible to get the team psyched up for the game.  We really appreciate the support and interacting with our supporters.

Go Bulls

#13 & #39