The Buffalo Bulls are suiting up to play a top 10 opponent after a promising opener last Thursday.
Taking down a Missouri team with CFP expectations won’t be nearly as easy. Previewing the matchup from a Mizzou lens is @StavaonSTL from @RockMNation:https://t.co/e746BVOwQX
— Steve Helwick (@s_helwick) September 5, 2024
The University of Missouri football team is gearing up to host the University at Buffalo Bulls this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT at Memorial Stadium. This will be the second meeting between the two teams, with Mizzou having won the first matchup 42-21 back in 2008. Mizzou is coming off a dominant 51-0 season-opening victory over Murray State, their first shutout since 2020.
The win marked the Tigers’ 17th straight non-conference home victory. A win against Buffalo would tie Mizzou’s all-time record of 18 consecutive non-conference home wins. The Tigers enter Week 2 ranked No.
Buffalo hasn’t played Mizzou since 2008.
Coincidentally, Mizzou hasn’t had such lofty expectations since 2008 — the last time they were ranked in the top 10 heading into Week 2.
Preview of the Bulls’ trip to SEC country:https://t.co/kNDzks40sS
— Steve Helwick (@s_helwick) September 4, 2024
9 in the AP poll, their highest ranking at this point in the season since 2008. They are also ranked No. 10 in the Coaches Poll.
.@UBfootball faces its first top-10 opponent since 2014 when it plays Saturday at No. 9 Missouri.
“People are never going to look at them as Alabama or LSU, but yet they built their program up to a point where they’re now a championship contender."https://t.co/bK0o0CUQI0— Rachel Lenzi 💁🏻♀️😎 (@rachelmlenzi) September 4, 2024
Despite the strong start, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz sees room for improvement.
Faurot Field isn’t unfamiliar territory for Buffalo quarterback C.J. Ogbonna. I wrote about him, some key defensive players and a new coaching staff to preview Saturday’s game against #Mizzou.
Read more before the Bulls visit Columbia @CoMoSports https://t.co/rZYvbWBBsG
— Amelia Hurley (@ameliahurley_) September 5, 2024
Mizzou prepares for Buffalo matchup
He emphasized the need for more consistency in the passing game and on third-down conversions.
Quarterback Brady Cook completed only 3 of 10 passes over 10 yards and missed on all four deep throw attempts in the opener. Mizzou’s defense was a bright spot against Murray State, allowing just 85 yards of total offense, the lowest since 2011. The Tigers also showcased strong special teams play, with punter Luke Bauer averaging 48.5 yards on two punts and place-kicker Blake Craig tallying 15 points in his debut.
The game will be a reunion for Mizzou tight end Tyler Stephens, who transferred from Buffalo ahead of the 2022 season. Stephens may see increased playing time if starter Brett Norfleet, who left the opener with an injury, is unable to play. Saturday’s game is expected to be another sellout, which would mark Mizzou’s eighth straight sold-out home game.
The university has already sold out future home games against Boston College, Auburn, and Oklahoma. The Tigers look to build on their strong start and continue their defensive dominance as they face Buffalo. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
- Rivals.”Missouri Tigers Football & Basketball Recruiting – Mizzou Game Day Preview & Predictions: Week 2 vs. Buffalo”.
- STLtoday.”3 things to watch for when Mizzou football hosts Buffalo”.
- MUTigers.”Game Notes: Buffalo”.