Missouri football will face the Buffalo Bulls on Saturday, Sept. 7, aiming to start the year 2-0 after defeating Murray State. While the Tigers handled the Racers 51-0, the Bulls will present more of a challenge.

The Bulls had a rough season in 2023, finishing 3-9 and ranking fourth in the MAC East. They underwent personnel changes in the offseason, including many new players and a new head coach. 

Last season, the Bulls were coached by Maurice Linguist. Linguist had a semi-successful campaign in 2022, leading Buffalo to a 7-6 record and Camellia Bowl victory over Georgia Southern. That marked the team’s third bowl win in program history. The 2023 season was a different story, riddled with struggle.

Cole Snyder was Buffalo’s quarterback in 2023, throwing 2,109 yards and 13 touchdowns. His completion percentage was on the low end, just over 50%, and he threw nine interceptions while taking 17 sacks. The rushing game was also lackluster, with running back Ron Cook Jr. leading the team with 609 yards.

Following a disappointing season, Coach Linguist announced his resignation from the Bulls, opting to join the University of Alabama’s staff in 2024.

After three years with Linguist, the Bulls are now being coached by Pete Lembo. Lembo was formerly the associate head coach and special teams coordinator at South Carolina. There’s also a change at quarterback, with senior C.J. Ogbonna filling the role. Additionally, star players who were sidelined with injuries in 2023 are returning, such as 2022 first-team All-MAC linebacker Shaun Dolac.

So far, these staff and roster changes appear to be turning things around for The Bulls.

In Buffalo’s season opener, they defeated the Lafayette Leopards 30-13. The Bulls looked solid in Coach Lembo’s debut. The offense was highlighted by Ogbonna throwing for 195 yards and two touchdowns, as well as running back Jacqez Barksdale picking up 99 yards on the ground with one touchdown.

The defense also put up a strong performance. Dolac and defensive back Jalen McNair each recorded an interception and the Bulls limited Lafayette’s preseason All-American running back Jamar Curtis to just 12 yards.

Buffalo looked good in week one, but Missouri will be a much tougher opponent. The Tigers and Bulls have not met on the football field since 2008, where they clashed in a 42-21 Missouri victory. That matchup was highlighted by star quarterback Chase Daniel who threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns.

Missouri will look to repeat these results from nearly 20 years ago, and from their 51-0 triumph in their season opener, it is clear they have the means to do so. In Missouri’s week one victory, the Tigers showcased talent from all areas of the roster. From a pick six, to six touchdowns, to a perfect field goal kicker, Missouri was firing on all cylinders.

While the Tigers did a lot of things right, it was by no means a perfect game. There were some offensive inconsistencies, where an explosive first quarter with four touchdowns was followed by an underwhelming second quarter consisting of a Missouri fumble and two punts.

The Tigers will aim to iron out these inconsistencies as they prepare to take on the Buffalo Bulls on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Emma Short

Copy edited by Hannah Taylor| htaylor@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com