4 takeaways: UB spring football game
AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — In a game attended by former University at Buffalo football greats Shaun Dolac, Jaret Patterson and Demone Harris, the UB Blue defense dominated the UB White offense 40-10 in a controlled scrimmage using a modified scoring format.
UB coach Pete Lembo was happy to see the team get out on the stadium turf despite the wet and windy conditions, as the team has spent most of the spring practicing indoors.
Defensive domination
The defense was suffocating throughout the first half of the game, pulling out to a 32-10 lead at halftime. The defensive line showed up early and often, getting sacks against all three quarterbacks it faced in the first half. Sixth-year defensive tackle George Wolo led the Bulls in “two-hand-touch” sacks in the game with two, while eight other defensive players recorded sacks.
“I think our defensive line is improved, I think our defensive line really came out this spring with a chip on their shoulder,” Lembo said. “Coach (Isiah) Dunning has taken over that room seamlessly. They have responded really, really well to him and they’re taking a lot of pride in what they’re doing right now.”
QB competition
Ta’Quan Roberson, a transfer from Kansas State, started the game at quarterback for the Bulls and finished 10 of 17 passing for 62 yards. Gunnar Gray was the second QB to see the field for the Bulls and saw the most success scoring-wise, leading their longest drive of the day, which he capped off with a five-yard touchdown run on a QB keeper, the final points of the day for the Bulls offense. Jack Shields was the final quarterback to see action in the first half, being the most efficient of the three in his limited number of snaps, going 5 of 6 passing for 26 yards.
“I would say all three of those guys made progress this spring,” Lembo said. “Obviously Gunnar and Jack had the advantage of being in the system previously, where Ta’Quan is still learning some of the nuances of it, but they’ve all done some really good things.”
Other QBs to see the field for the Bulls were Anthony Policare, Mason Cumbie and Jason Wright. They combined for 35 yards passing.
Secondary’s strong day
The most impressive sequence the defense had in the first half was when it got four stops in a row in the two-minute drill, culminating in an interception by cornerback Amir Proctor that was nearly returned for a touchdown. Nickel defender Jalen McNair also had a standout play in the first half, stuffing a fourth-down rushing attempt on a blitz.
“Last season the secondary, you know at times was exceptional, and at times really was an Achilles’ heel for us, and those guys have worked hard all spring to play more disciplined and to play more unified," Lembo said. "And for the most part, with little exception, they haven’t given up as many explosive plays.”
Offensive line struggles
On the other side of the defensive line’s big day, the offensive line struggled to contain the pass rush or open holes for the running backs throughout the game. The group has not yet jelled as a unit like the group across from them, despite returning three starters from last season.
“We’re trying to figure out our best five right now,” Lembo said. “We’re trying to figure out our positions where our guys are best suited. So we’re definitely a little bit behind there, but that being said, I still would have hoped that we would have played a little bit better than we did today.”