Buffalo Bulls

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2000 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 2-6 (5th in East)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 5
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Marquis Dwarte* (611 yds)
Passing: Joe Freedy* (2,060 yds)
Receiving: Andre Forde* (590 yds)
Tackles: Chris Gray (99)
Sacks: Duane Williams* (9)
Interceptions: Mark Graham* (3)

What's new
After eight seasons as head coach at Cornell and three as an assistant at Syracuse, Jim Hofher gets his first I-A head coaching job at Buffalo. His assignment is to turn around a program that has gone 2-20 in its first two seasons of Division I-A competition. Both wins came in conference play last year, though, so there is something positive to build on.
Battling it out
Joe Freedy has started every game at quarterback for Buffalo over the last two seasons, but he is being challenged for his starting job by redshirt freshman Randall Secky. They had to learn a new offensive scheme this spring, and Hofher said both improved over the course of the workouts. He would not name a leader at the position entering fall practice.
Eye catcher: DE Chris Shelly
The fifth-year senior had started 28 games at both inside and outside linebacker before making the switch to defensive end this year. It required somewhat of an adjustment for the senior, who had not been asked to spend much time in the offensive backfield as a linebacker. He had an outstanding spring camp at his new position, though, and is listed as the starter entering the fall.
Budding star: TE Chad Bartoszek
He learned the ropes last year as the backup to second-team all-MAC selection Brandon Shaughnessy and seems ready to take over that role this fall. Bartoszek is a big (6-5, 240) but athletic tight end with great hands. A strong work ethic has helped him develop into a complete player. He has made plays when given the chance, as two of his six catches last season went for touchdowns.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.