What Is 2016 Buffalo Bulls football team

Overview

The 2016 Buffalo Bulls football team represented the University at Buffalo during the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Led by second-year head coach Lance Leipold, the team competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a member of the East Division. Despite high hopes for improvement, the Bulls struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense.

The season marked the second year of a rebuilding effort under Leipold, who was hired in December 2014 to revitalize the program. Buffalo played its home games at UB Stadium, a 29,013-seat facility in Amherst, New York. The team faced a challenging schedule featuring non-conference matchups and tough MAC opponents.

• Record: The Bulls finished the season with a 2–10 overall record, including a 2–6 mark in conference play, placing fifth in the MAC East Division.
• Head Coach:Lance Leipold, in his second season, aimed to implement a more competitive culture after inheriting a struggling program following Jeff Quinn’s tenure.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged 19.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally, and struggled with consistency in the passing game.
• Defensive Struggles: Buffalo allowed 33.6 points per game, one of the highest averages in the FBS, indicating significant challenges on the defensive side.
• Home Field: UB Stadium, located on the university’s campus, served as the team’s home venue and hosted all six of Buffalo’s home games during the season.

Season Performance

The 2016 campaign was defined by narrow losses and difficulty closing out games, with several defeats coming by single digits. The team showed flashes of potential but lacked the depth and execution needed to compete consistently in the MAC.

• Opening Game: Buffalo opened the season with a 24–14 loss to Albany, a surprising setback against an FCS opponent that set a negative tone early.
• First Win: The Bulls secured their first victory on September 17 with a 21–20 win over UConn, a game decided by just one point.
• MAC Play: In conference action, Buffalo earned wins against Eastern Michigan (23–21) and Western Michigan (17–13), though the latter was later vacated due to NCAA violations.
• Quarterback Play: Senior Joe Licata had graduated, leaving a void filled by Kyle Vantrease and Joey Gilmore, who combined for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
• Running Game:Jermiah Strothers led the team with 478 rushing yards and three touchdowns, providing a modest spark on the ground.
• Season Finale: The year ended with a 45–17 loss to Central Michigan in the final game, highlighting ongoing struggles in critical areas.

Comparison at a Glance

Buffalo’s 2016 performance is best understood in comparison to other MAC teams and recent program history. The table below outlines key statistical benchmarks.

Western Michigan dominated the conference and went undefeated in MAC play, while Buffalo struggled to keep pace. The contrast underscores the gap between the Bulls and the conference’s elite, particularly in scoring margin and turnover management. Despite the poor record, the season laid groundwork for future improvements under Leipold, who would eventually leave for Kansas after the 2017 season.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year that highlighted both the challenges and potential within the Buffalo football program. While the record was disappointing, it provided valuable experience for younger players and coaching staff adjustments.

• The season underscored the importance of quarterback development, as inconsistent play at the position hindered offensive progress.
• Defensive turnover margin of -8 revealed a need for improved ball security and playmaking on the defensive side.
• Competing in a Power Five non-conference game against UConn offered exposure and a measuring stick for program growth.
• The narrow losses indicated improvement potential, with five defeats by 10 points or fewer suggesting the team was competitive.
• Recruiting efforts intensified under Leipold, setting the stage for future roster upgrades and increased competitiveness.
• The season contributed to a broader rebuilding narrative that eventually led to modest improvements in 2017 before Leipold’s departure.

Though the 2016 campaign ended without a bowl appearance, it served as a critical learning phase for the Bulls. The foundation laid during this time helped shape the trajectory of the program in subsequent years, even as leadership changes loomed on the horizon.