| 2008 overall record: 8-6 2008 conference record: 5-3, first in East Division  Returning starters Offense: 5, defense: 8, punter/kicker 2 Top returners RB James Starks, WR Naaman Roosevelt, OL Andrew West, WR Brett Hamlin, OL Peter Bittner, LB Justin Winters, DB Davonte Shannon, DB Mike Newton, PK A.J. Principe, TE Jesse Rack, C Dominic Cook Key losses QB Drew Willy, WR Ernest Jackson, OG Jeff Niedermier, C Chris Lauzze, LT Ray Norell, DE Mike Thompson 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: James Starks* (1,333 yards)
Passing: Drew Willy (3,304 yards)
Receiving: Naaman Roosevelt* (1,402 yards)
Tackles: Justin Winters* (125)
Sacks: Mike Thompson (10.5)
Interceptions: Dominic Cook* (3) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | | Sept. 5 at UTEP
Sept. 12 Pittsburgh
Sept. 19 at UCF
Sept. 26 at Temple
Oct. 3 Central Michigan
Oct. 10 Gardener-Webb
Oct. 17 Akron
Oct. 24 at Western Michigan
Nov. 3 Bowling Green
Nov. 10 Ohio
Nov. 18 at Miami OH
Nov. 27 at Kent State | | | 1. Running game will carry Bulls: The Bulls return both top running back James Starks and backup Brandon Thermilus, who were a staple of Buffalo's diversified offense. With a new quarterback in place, the running backs should carry the bulk of the offense early. 2. Seniors stand out at receiver: The Bulls top two receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Brett Hamlin return, making the transition for new quarterback Zach Maynard a little easier. Roosevelt was the best receiver in the MAC, averaging just over 100 yards per game.
3. Secondary strong: The secondary is the Bulls most experienced unit and should anchor the defense. It struggled a year ago, giving up 235 yards per game, but came up big in the MAC championship game. Fall questions 1. Maynard the starter: Sophomore Zach Maynard will take over for four-year starter Drew Willy and many believe there won't be a drop in production. Maynard has the poise, mobility and arm strength to lead the Bulls back to the MAC title game, but his inexperience is a question mark. 2. Filling gaps on the offensive line: The offensive line lost several key players from a year ago, including All-MAC guard Jeff Niedermier. Whether the offensive line can come along in the fall will be key to the success of the Bulls offense. 3. Making up for Mike Thompson: The Bulls defense wasn't great last season, but Thompson was the star of the front four and will be tough to replace. The defensive line is the greenest unit on the defense, but many reports say it will be bigger and faster than it was a season ago. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
