Year two of the Turner Gill coaching regime officially got under way Saturday afternoon at the annual Blue and White football game.
The UB Stadium welcomed fans for previewing next year's squad and they witnessed the Bulls' offensive team (White) come out against the defensive squad (Blue) 51-32. Scoring for the contest was formatted so that gaining yards rewarded offense and the defense was rewarded for defensive stops. While the offense won the match-up, the defense impressed, allowing only one touchdown.
The game was a controlled scrimmage and continued with limited tackling due to a smaller than normal number of returning players for 2007.
"I wanted to make sure that we stayed healthy," Gill said. "I would rather have our guys in August, September, and October, not necessarily April or May."
While the game didn't provide many flourishes of stellar play, it did provide a glimpse of what to expect from the Bulls in the upcoming season. In their second year in Gill's system, the players seemed more comfortable and adjusted to the coaching strategies and methods employed by the staff.
"We know what's expected of us, we have a different mentality this year," said sophomore tailback James Starks. "Knowing the program we're in is going to help us a lot."
The most interesting storyline of the upcoming season is the quarterback position where incumbent starter, junior Drew Willy, has competition once again. It came from one of his favorite targets last season, sophomore receiver Naaman Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, a standout quarterback at the high school level, is attempting to make the transition back to the realm of the offense after being a standout member of special teams and promising wide receiver as a freshman. The back and forth battle for the starting role is having an effect on both players.
"Competition improves both of us. We have fun in practice together, watch film together, its definitely helping us both," he said.
Roosevelt had a decent showing for his first experience as a college level quarterback, completing 6 of 12 passes for 87 yards. Willy won the battle, however, going 19 for 26 with 155 yards and one touchdown to junior tight end Robert Yealu.
It's clear that the quarterback situation will not be an easy one for the coaching staff.
"They are both talented young men in their own way." Gill said. "We will go into the fall and see where we are once we have a full team here."
Gill believes that after a year under his tutelage, the players are starting to understand his system better.
"Our players have really caught on and bought in to what we are trying to get done." Gill said. "I feel good about the progress we have made, every day, every week."
Leading the White was defensive senior lineman Trevor Scott, who recorded a sack and defended a pass in the contest. While the scrimmage offered a good simulation of a live game, he would have liked more.
"I'm frothing at the bits to get to the quarterback, but you know, they're quarterbacks, and we only have two of them, so you have to play smart," Scott said.
One area where there was noted improvement over last year was the kicking game. Junior Gerry McGroarty has emerged as the place kicker, and had a perfect game, going 3-3 from 27, 31, and 37 yards.
"Gerry played really well, he should be the guy this year. I'm very pleased with the way he performed," Gill said.
Knowing the system and expecting more success, the team is pleased with their progress so far this spring. They have a tough upcoming schedule highlighted by games at Rutgers, Penn State, Syracuse, Baylor as well as the rigorous Mid American Conference lineup.
Even coming off of a 2-10 season, the Bulls haven't lost site of the ultimate goal.
"You see in the MAC every year there is a new champion," Willy said. "So you have to think, why not us?"
