Sportsfan

I would say Mo is inexperienced, and was rushed by Alnutt to a role he should not have been promoted to until he did 2-3 years as a coordinator and proved he could lead and coordinate a unit. Everyone knows he can sell/recruit, but there is a big jump from great recruiter to Headcoach. His learning curve is steep, so we either stick with him, or regroup with an entire new staff. Both are not great options after the success we had with Lance. The cuperboard was not bare, and in today's world assembley players is a lot easier than in the past. What Lance is doing at Kansas is very impressive. My observation is that the record is directly related to inexperienced coaching, than the player talent and experience.

Not the same level of recruiting as in prior HC's, and would seem 10 is low, with 4 being new to the roster this year. Would expect 15 scholarship OL. Comparison, we have 6 TE's, 10 WR's and 17 DL scholarship players. Is this a reflection of the OL coach?

"Not Retained" would seem to be a key word. Why would be a good question. Both are seasoned coach's with strong backgrounds. Cauthen is now DC at Utah State and Montgomery was OC at James Madision. Would Mangus and Wright be considered coaching upgrades for a coach himself who has never been a coordinator. Really have to wonder what is going on behind the curtain with the coaching staff.

Look at this transition. He hasn't been able to keep coaches, and his coordinators are not qualified to be coordinators for a Headcoach who was never a coordinator. UB has 2 assistant coach (20%) in the same role after only 2 years. If you want to see the polar opposite, go look at Lance's staff at Kansas. Note: Bailey leaves after 1 year to go to Georgia Southern, Ojong leaves to go to Charlotte. Not what I would call promotions to Power 5.

Facts The coaching staff has no experience at coordinators or HC 3 defensive coordinators in 3 year 2 offensive coordinators in 3 years 3 RB coaches in 3 years Lot's of transfers playing

Both teams are legit and look to be headed back for a rematch in championship game. BTW, interesting that both programs hired within when their headcoach retired / went to Power 5. Stability of the staff's seems to be paying off for them.

Lance was a very experienced HC, Mo was never even a coordinator. Mo is learning on the job, Lance brought a system and a group of coaches that were experienced with his system. The Mo hire was a much higher risk hire. Great recruiter, great communicator, but no real experience. Also, not really having a system, as he was at 9 schools in 13 years as a DB coach. BTW, which school did he get the 5 DB scheme, with only 2 LB's?

Is it recruiting or development. 3.2 yards a carry and 97 total yards against an FCS program Albany averaged 4.9 YPR (total 146), Wagner 3.3 YPR (88 Total) against Fordham. Up 21 - 3 and cannot rush the ball is a problem for the team, and 362 total yards.

What is clear is that Lance built his offensives from the inside (OL) out, and was far advanced from a scheme that what we have seen under Mo. This OL is not very good. Buffalo should have done to Fordham defense what Wisconsin did to Buffalo last week. Getting outrushed on the ground by Fordham is the telling sign of the weakness of the team.

I would tend to agree with you. Doesn't seem that Athletics facilities investment at UB is a priority from the state or university. Most of the investments (other than Fieldhouse) have been small, incremental steps, not a big leap forward. Maybe lack of big dollar donors is the foundation of the investment gaps., but for the profile and endowment level of UB verse the rest of the MAC schools, you would think athletics would mirror the massive gaps between the schools.

Yes...all that would remain would be a major stadium improvements, but don't believe I have heard of any plans in the works.

2-3 stars are a dime a dozen. The 2nd set of recruits are just as qualified to compete for MAC titles as the ones that when elsewhere. BTW, only Boston College is an academics peer to Buffalo. Not sure how any parent/player who has a sense of the value of a quality education can even compare Wofford, Marshall, Bowling Green and Toledo with an AAU, Top 50 Public University. Coaching matters significantly more in the MAC. These are not future pro players.

Agree 100%. Unless our AD and President report something, some parents, past players and AAU coaches commenting on social media when they know Coach Burke cannot comment / reply back is sad. BTW, I really like the new players she added, actually look on paper better than the 5 that reneged on their NLI. If I recall, we also had a football player quit during the season, and enter transfer portal. The way of life in 2023.

Definition: A toxic person is anyone whose behavior adds negativity and upset to your life. Coaches and Players should definitely go were they want to be and how they want to be lead/coached. High intensity coaching isn't for everyone, but there are athletics that can handle "Bobby Knight" and can get the message and ignore the tone.

Since the Athletic Department has only been D1 for 20+ years, the donor base/ funding shouldn't be considered along the same lines as the general endowment, but it would really help them get to the next level if a few "big" donors appeared (outside of Murchie Family) to rocket the facilities to be aligned with Cincinnati, UConn, etc.

New turf field announced in June and still traveling around to play home games. Also, little info if they have even started. Anyone on campus see any progress?

Early predictions of the starting lineup?

They also don't stay past halftime if they do attend. Besides the blue bloods/southern football schools of college football, the majority have attendance challenges if their team isn't winning.

The 5 criteria I believe AD's utilize in order: Wins / Losses / Championships Generating fan Interest via personality/tv/social media, fund raising/NLI, recruiting rankings, etc. (not record related) Off the court/field issues - players, recruiting violations, coaches behaviors, etc. Financial - contract, buyout, etc. Player academic success (graduation rate, GPA) Of course, a significant #3 can trump #1 and #2 (i.e., Rick Pitino, Hugh Freeze, etc.) Other thoughts?

Two 4th year coaches. Coaching matters. Buffalo 9-9 Conference Record 15-16 Overall Record 6th place in MAC Alabama 16-1 Conference Record 26-4 Overall Record 1st place in SEC

It is all based on winning. Urban schools with Pro Teams will never have the fan base of state schools with no Pro Team, but win and plenty will show. UB appears to lack the investment to really dominate and move up in competition. Average MAC team isn't going to drive big attendance.

Would be great if AD's focused more on the objectives of athletic "competition" and the interest of the fans. There is soo much $$ in college athletics that AD are more focused on how to get promoted, or not fired, than fans and "competition". Sad state of affairs in intercollegiate sports.

Great episode Mike, John! Thoughts to consider. 1. Is UB talented, or just athletic? The KenPom data would indicate athletic, but not skilled in basketball fundamentals. John, do they do anything well from a "skills" coaching view. They are poor shooters, bad defenders, poor passing, turnover machines, half court offense, etc. 2. Why are the bad on defense? Coaching or Attitude? 3. Blue Collar? They are not "gritty" at all. Actually, from the games I have seen, the complete opposite of "Blue Collar". 4. Defense wins championships. They have been bad on defense for 4 years. Also, you cannot win championships without a half court offense that you can execute at the end of games (tight/close). 5. With today's portal and NLI, you have to win "today'. There are no longer any "Development" programs. 6. Jim is not a good coach. Nate went to Alabama and in the same time period has them at #2. Jim has taken a Top 25 program an moved it down to 200.

Still don't understand the "Why". Seems like a unique idea to have a session in the middle of winter break. Students don't need 40 days off between semesters.