What Is 2011 Buffalo Bulls football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Buffalo Bulls football team represented the University at Buffalo in the NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 3–9 record under head coach Jeff Quinn. They competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division and played home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Key Facts

The 2011 Buffalo Bulls finished the season with a 3–9 overall record
They went 2–6 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play
Head coach Jeff Quinn led the team in his second season
The Bulls played home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park
Quarterback Joe Licata started several games as a true freshman

Overview

The 2011 Buffalo Bulls football team represented the University at Buffalo during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division, the team was led by head coach Jeff Quinn in his second year at the helm. Despite high hopes following modest improvements in 2010, the Bulls struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense.

The season was marked by close losses and difficulty in putting together complete games. Playing their home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the team aimed to build momentum but ultimately fell short of bowl eligibility. The 2011 campaign highlighted developmental challenges, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Record: The team finished with a 3–9 overall record, including a 2–6 mark in MAC conference play, placing them near the bottom of the East Division.
Head Coach:Jeff Quinn was in his second season as head coach, having taken over in 2010 after the departure of Turner Gill to Kansas.
Home Stadium: Games were played at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the former home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, located in Orchard Park, NY.
Offensive Struggles: The offense averaged only 18.6 points per game, ranking among the lowest in the MAC, due to inconsistent quarterback play and offensive line issues.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed an average of 31.8 points per game, struggling particularly against the run and in critical third-down situations.

Season Performance

The 2011 season was defined by missed opportunities and narrow defeats, with several losses by single digits. The team showed flashes of potential but failed to sustain momentum over a full season.

September Start: The Bulls opened the season with a 37–34 loss to UCF, a game they led late but lost in the final minutes due to defensive breakdowns.
MAC Play: In conference action, they defeated Eastern Michigan (31–3) and Western Michigan (34–31 in OT), their only two MAC wins.
Quarterback Rotation:Joe Licata, a true freshman, started multiple games, throwing for 1,215 yards and 6 touchdowns, but also 10 interceptions.
Key Loss: A 45–17 defeat to Ohio in November effectively ended any slim hopes of a bowl berth, as the defense surrendered over 500 yards.
Season Finale: The year ended with a 38–31 loss to Ball State, marking the fifth time the Bulls were defeated by seven points or fewer.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Shelton Gibson recorded 96 total tackles, leading the team, while cornerback Justin Green had two interceptions.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2011 Buffalo Bulls compared to the previous season and division rivals:

Team	Year	Overall Record	MAC Record	Points Per Game
Buffalo Bulls	2011	3–9	2–6	18.6
Buffalo Bulls	2010	5–7	4–4	20.3
Ohio Bobcats	2011	10–4	7–1	30.9
Temple Owls	2011	9–4	5–3	25.8
Eastern Michigan	2011	6–7	4–4	21.1

The table illustrates a decline in performance from 2010 to 2011 for Buffalo, both in win-loss record and scoring output. While rivals like Ohio and Temple made strides, the Bulls regressed, finishing last in the MAC East. The lack of offensive firepower and defensive consistency placed them at a disadvantage compared to conference competitors.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a pivotal moment in the Jeff Quinn era, underscoring the challenges of building a competitive program at Buffalo. It highlighted the need for stronger recruiting, quarterback development, and defensive discipline.

Program Development: The season emphasized the difficulty of sustaining progress in a competitive MAC environment with limited resources.
Quarterback Evaluation: Joe Licata’s early exposure provided valuable experience, though his inexperience contributed to offensive inconsistency.
Recruiting Impact: Poor results in 2011 made it harder to attract top-tier talent in subsequent recruiting cycles.
Coaching Pressure: The losing record increased scrutiny on Jeff Quinn, who would eventually be dismissed after the 2014 season.
Facility Limitations: Playing at an NFL stadium without full-time control limited gameday revenue and fan engagement.
Conference Realignment: As the MAC navigated realignment, Buffalo’s struggles risked diminishing the conference’s national standing.

Ultimately, the 2011 season served as a sobering reminder of the gap between potential and performance. While not a landmark year, it contributed to long-term strategic changes in Buffalo’s football program.