Buffalo football fans were promised offensive fireworks heading into head coach Jeff Quinn's first season. They heard about the dynamic passing, the fast tempo and the high scoring that was supposed to result in exciting football to watch.
Those fans have seen only the occasional flare of offensive potency this season.
We're a quarter into this college football season and UB's transition to the spread offense is coming along slower than anticipated. A learning curve was expected, but an offense that scored 16 points in two games was not. Neither was a 1-2 record, despite a Big 12 team and a Conference USA contender on the schedule.
This lack of ideal results is testing fans' confidence and patience.
Thinking this offense can be revived isn't exactly a hopeless desire as there's empirical evidence that the offense can keep defenses on their heels. Sophomore Jeffvon Gill and the running game are rounding into form, and the passes wide receiver Marcus Rivers dropped all last year have turned into first down producers.
But there have been moments that keep dreams of a high-powered offense strictly fantasy. Stretches of offensive plays were borderline ugly. Poor clock management before halftime, an interception on shovel passes and questionable fourth-down calls all impaired Buffalo's chance to win against Central Florida.
These are the reasons why watching the Bulls is like getting led on by that gorgeous brunette in your class: fans are sometimes led to believe it'll happen until the truth submerges those heightened levels of adrenaline.
So for now, consider Buffalo's offense the biggest tease on North Campus.
It's even more frustrating for the fact that Buffalo is a reliable offense away from thriving. Aside from mental breakdowns against Baylor a week ago, the Bulls' defense has impressed in its new 3-4 system. The defense has lived up to expectations, and calling it one of the best defenses in the Mid-American Conference isn't a misnomer.
Even so, Buffalo's best unit can only take so much pressure. The defense flustered Central Florida's offense for three quarters on Saturday, only to have those efforts nullified by short offensive possessions and short recovery breaks for defensive players. This led to the defense's ultimate breakdown during a Central Florida 90-yard touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter that gave UCF the lead for good.
This offense needs a catalyst, and it has to come from the quarterback position. Sophomore quarterback Jerry Davis's development mirrors the offense's collective struggle: just as you think Davis finally gets it, he lofts four passes to the feet of receivers.
The season is riding on this catalyst and so are the hopes of fans.
A mere 14,312 fans came out on a picturesque Saturday night. Students, who packed the student section to experience those offensive explosions, left throughout the second half. The game was competitive, but the offense's struggles had students thinking about solo cups and pong balls.
It doesn't get easier for UB. Three road games await, all against potential bowl teams. Fans aren't expecting a 3-3 record heading into Buffalo's next home game a month from now.
But Quinn, Davis and company need to take those flares, add some gasoline and create those explosions sooner than later. It can happen, but will it happen?
