Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: Since Buffalo moved to the Division I-A level, the Bulls have enjoyed very little success, but the 2007 campaign was surprisingly different for coach Turner Gill's squad. The Bulls stood little chance in their season-opening meeting with Rutgers, as the Scarlet Knights pummeled Buffalo in a 38-3 final.

Surprisingly, the Bulls were not phased by the terrible loss, and in its next matchup Buffalo trounced the Temple Owls, 42-7. Unfortunately, the team went right back to its losing ways, dropping three consecutive games to Penn State (45-24), Baylor (34-21) and Ball State (49-14). Coach Gill's Bulls were able to snap out of their slump the next time out as UB hammered Ohio University, 31-10. The Bulls followed that triumph with another impressive outing, defeating Toledo, 43-33. It was the first time since the 2001 campaign that Buffalo posted two straight wins.

The team's winning ways did not last long, however, as it squad dropped three of its next four games, with the lone win coming against Akron. Although the Bulls had no chance for a winning ledger, the team was able to close out the year in style, defeating Kent State in overtime, 30-23. Obviously 5-7 is not a great season, however, all five wins came against league foes, and considering the Bulls collected just eight total conference victories from 2000 to 2006, the 2007 campaign was definitely a success.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: After years of terrible offensive play, the Bulls finally showed signs of improvement last season, and with 10 starters back for another go the team is set to take another step forward. A great benefit for coach Gill is the return of four starting offensive linemen, including left tackle Ray Norell.

A solid offensive line will do wonders for the play of quarterback Drew Willy, who is coming off a junior campaign in which he completed a whopping 68.4 percent of his passes. The signal caller only tossed 15 TDs, but with his entire receiving corps back, Willy will likely be much more noticeable in the MAC this fall. "I've seen Drew Willy continue to do some good things," said coach Gill. "He is throwing the ball really well so far in camp. He and the receivers are on the same page on things. We are very, very pleased with him."

Ernest Jackson and Naaman Roosevelt were Willy's top two targets in '07, as Roosevelt finished with team-highs in receptions (63) and yardage (766), while Jackson paced the team with six TDs. Both players, along with WR Brett Hamlin, will give Willy plenty of options down the field.

On the ground, the team will look to get the ball into the hands of James Starks early and often. Starks is a bruising back with surprising speed, and he should put forth another impressive campaign which should include a 1,000- yard season and double-digit touchdowns.

DEFENSE: The 2007 season saw the Bulls exposed defensively, especially through the air, as the team surrendered an average of 231 passing ypg. Buffalo should show drastic improvement in the defensive backfield this year as Davonte Shannon is coming off a tremendous first year for Buffalo when he collected a team-best 123 tackles. Now with some valuable experience under his belt, Shannon should be even tougher in 2008. Fellow safety Mike Newton led the squad with four interceptions last year.

Up front is also a big concern for coach Gill, especially considering teams pounded Buffalo for 175 rushing ypg in '07. For the Bulls to make positive strides against the run, the team will need Dane Robinson and Ronald Hilaire to quickly improve in the middle of the line. Another problem area lies in the middle of the defense, as the Bulls have a severe lack of depth and experience at linebacker. David Hubbard is the lone returning starter, but the senior only finished with 23 stops, and did not record sack or TFL last season. Hubbard will definitely have to increase those numbers significantly for the UB defense to succeed.

"I see that we have talent, and thats good to see," said Gill. "We have some numbers but its going to be a work in progress as we go along, but I feel very good about it because we have speed and we have some physical players."

SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking game for the Bulls should actually be much more effective in 2008 as A.J. Principe did a commendable job in his first year last season, connecting on a perfect 13-of-13 FGs inside the 40-yard line. However, his struggles were evident from long distance, as the kicker was just 2-of-7 outside 40 yards. Naaman Roosevelt took care of both punt and kick returns last year, and considering how well he did it is likely the receiver will continue in that role.

OUTLOOK: The Bulls should actually have a potent offense this season, but the main problem rests on the shoulders of the defense. If the team can't improve defensively, then it will surely suffer another losing campaign. In addition to questions about the defense's ability to stop the opposition, the Bulls also have a tough opening to the season as they will have to battle UTEP, then travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers. Buffalo also has Missouri on the docket, and will also have to go on the road to take on Central Michigan and Bowling Green. As mentioned earlier, the key to the team's success, or lack thereof, will be the improvement of the defense.