For Lance Leipold, this year is his chance to prove that last year’s surge in the MAC standings was not solely the product of the passer-receiver tandem of Tyree Jackson and Anthony Johnson. Both the quarterback and the receiver were signed as undrafted free agents, and now the Bulls must find a new offensive identity beyond their aerial exploits.
Leipold came to Buffalo knowing that a long task lay ahead of him. Before he moved up to the FBS, Leipold boasted a 109-6 record after eight seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater that included six Division III national championships. After four years of coaching in the MAC, Leipold is four games under .500 in 50 games at the helm of the Bulls.
This season marks a crossroads for Leipold. Last year’s 10-win season will be hard to match, especially with new personnel at key positions. But Buffalo made their unconventional hire because Leipold has proven himself one of those coaches that can make more with less.
If they contend for the division with a roster that is depleted not just on offense but also on defense, Leipold might start to make noise toward landing a higher-profile gig at either a bigger Group of Five school or even a Power Five opportunity. If the Bulls lose, however, might they consider going in a different direction after five years of mostly treading water under Leipold?