Ready for liftoff

After a 30-3 victory over Ohio in one the biggest regular-season wins in program history, the Bulls take to the road this week for another tough test as they seek their eighth straight win.

After two record-setting performances on offense last week - senior running back Branden Oliver had a school record 249 yards rushing and senior receiver Alex Neutz caught his 27th and 28th career touchdowns, tying him for first place among Buffalo receivers - and arguably its strongest defensive performance yet this season, the football team does not have any time to celebrate.

The Bulls (7-2, 5-0 Mid-American Conference) will face arguably their toughest conference foe yet as they travel to Toledo to take on the Rockets (6-3, 4-1 MAC) on Tuesday.

Toledo is currently third in the MAC West division, with its only loss coming against Ball State (9-1, 6-0 MAC). Last season, the Bulls lost to the Rockets 25-20 at UB Stadium. Buffalo followed the loss with a three-game win streak.

"We will stay humble because we know we haven't accomplished anything yet," said head coach Jeff Quinn. "We haven't achieved the goals we set forth and that's why this day and this game is so important for us."

Toledo has been one of the most consistent programs in the MAC in recent seasons, posting a 33-16 record since 2010, and has been bowl eligible the past three seasons.

The Bulls' defense will once again be facing one of the best offenses in the MAC. Toledo running back David Fluellen is averaging 133.4 rushing yards per game in conference, second only to the Bulls' Branden Oliver (185.6 rushing yards per game).

Fluellen did not play last week against Eastern Michigan due to a leg injury he suffered during the Rockets' game against Bowling Green on Oct. 26.

Toledo also has a veteran dual-threat quarterback in senior Terrence Owens. Owens has completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 1,609 yards for 11 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.

Owens has the capability to scramble and extend plays, something that caused trouble for the Bulls in their games against Ohio State and Baylor early in the season.

Last week against Eastern Michigan, Owens threw for 375 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 55-16 victory.

"They've got good speed, but so do we," Quinn said. "I like the way we match up to this team."

The defense neutralized Ohio's potent offense last week and will need to have a similar performance this week to keep the game close and allow the offense to take over.

The Bulls will once again be looking for a big performance out of their senior running back, Oliver. He will go against a mediocre run defense on Tuesday. Toledo is ranked sixth in the MAC in run defense, allowing 165.8 yards per game on the ground.

Sophomore quarterback Joe Licata threw two touchdown passes to Neutz last week, marking the ninth straight game Licata has thrown a touchdown.

Another trend for the Bulls this season has been their dominance of the third quarter. The Bulls have taken control of games after halftime, outscoring opponents 86-21 in the third quarter (79-7 in conference play).

"We've won seven in a row, but nothing's more important than the eighth this week," Licata said.

For the second straight week, the Bulls will be without junior linebacker/safety Adam Redden, who is out with a knee injury.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

Predictions

Buffalo (+3.5) @ Toledo

@aaroncmansfield (7-2): Toledo - Toledo has more to fight for and is home. Besides, I'm shooting for the lead. Go big or go home!

@bentarhan (6-3): Buffalo - The Bulls' rushing attack will be too much for the Rockets' defense. Look for more domination from Buffalo's defense.

@owenobri (7-2): Buffalo - I've learned from my mistake last week: Don't bet against Mack and Bo.

@jgags15 (7-2): Buffalo - It would be foolish to go against the Bulls at this point, let alone giving 3.5 points.