P.J. Fleck jumped from Western Michigan to Minnesota and faces UB in the 2017 opener. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The key game on the University at Buffalo football schedule is the Mid-American Conference opener at Kent State on Sept. 30.
A win against the team picked for last in the MAC East will put UB on a path to an improved season. A loss will force the Bulls to scramble to get to four or five wins.
West Division power Toledo is the MAC favorite but is not on the Bulls' schedule for a fourth straight year.
MINNESOTA vs. UB: Aug. 31 at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.
Coach: P.J. Fleck (first year)
2016 Record: 9-4
Expectations: Minnesota was picked fifth out of seven in the Big 10 West but should get to a bowl.
Players to watch: The Gophers' strength is up the middle on defense, led by DT Steven Richardson. RB Rodney Smith ranked fourth in the Big 10 in rushing (1,158 yards) last year.
Did You Know? Fleck used the mantra "Row the Boat" at Western Michigan. In exchange for the right to use "Row the Boat" at UM, Fleck will make a yearly endowment of $10,000 to WMU.
Last time vs. UB: The Gophers won the only meeting, 41-17, in 2002.
Outlook: It's the kind of non-elite, Power 5 game UB should play. The Gophers should dominate.
http://buffalonews.com/2017/08/25/scouting-report-ubs-2017-opponents-kent-state-game-key/
