Analysis

Lembo: Banged-Up Bulls Look to Keep Pushing Against UMass

Alex Porter

Alex Porter

— 2 min read
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UB head coach Pete Lembo's message after the win at Toledo was simple: don't worry about what you can't control. The Bulls overcame a pregame bus accident and several injuries to starters, including an injury to their left guard during warmups. But Lembo insists UB still has too many "self-inflicted wounds" that have to stop.

Lembo noted that sophomore quarterback Jason Wright is taking "baby steps" each week, so the playbook has been tempered. Lembo credited offensive coordinator Tony Tokarz and liked seeing the Bulls throw and catch against Toledo's stout defensive front. He also noted that senior edge rusher Sedrick Vessah had his best game of the year, and sophmore defensive linemen Christopher Climes and Rex Stinchcomb played well inside.

Lembo called UMass a well-coached team and wasn't surprised by its start. Here's what he expects:

  • A Run-First Offense: UMass loves gap schemes, counters and split zone. Lembo singled out pin-and-pull schemes, which UB has struggled with, as well as bootlegs—another problem point in the coach's opinion—as concepts to expect and prepare for. The Minutemen add a strong RPO game and an offensive line bigger than Western Michigan's or Toledo's.
  • Capable QB's: Veteran Pop Watson is an elite athlete and leader who appears banged up. If he can't go, Lembo expects sophomore Logan Inagawa to pose just as serious a threat. He compared him to Robert Morris' Carson Haggard, who had a big day against UB: small, poised and dangerous with his legs.
  • Tough Defense: UMass allows about 300 yards and 18 points per game. Lembo considers them the MAC's best defense. They give up few explosive plays, and are stout in the red zone – something Lembo noted was a weakness for Buffalo. He's expecting 4-3 base with quarters coverage. He's hoping to stay away from third and long, and the "really exotic" defenses that UMass can create on those downs.

Injury Report

  • James McNeil Jr. (Jr., RB): Progressing, but not as fast as Lembo hoped. The team needs him back and will know more by the end of the week.
  • Terrance Shelton Jr. (Jr., RB): Still out. Messiah Burch (Sr., RB) and Nino Hill (So., RB) continue to carry the load.
  • Jacari Bennett (Jr., EDGE): Got banged up at Toledo. Status unclear.
  • Cornell Evans (5th, DT) and Logan Goodwin (Jr., EDGE): Both missed Toledo. No timetable given.

Both teams are beat up and leaning on young players. "Throw them into the fire, whether they're ready or not," Lembo said.

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