After dwelling in the basement of college football since moving to Division I-A several years ago, the Buffalo Bulls football team may be on the verge of breaking through to post its first winning season since it made the transition from I-AA.

The biggest difference between the teams of old and the current squad can be linked to third-year coach Turner Gill. The Cornhusker legend has transformed UB from the laughing stock of the Mid-American Conference into a worthy foe, which could not be said at all about his predecessor, Jim Hofher.

Here's a positional breakdown of the team:

Backfield: It all starts with the ever efficient senior quarterback Drew Willy. Expectations are high on him as he enters his fourth year as a starter for the Bulls as he was also named to the Davey O'Brien Watch List. At tailback, Niagara Falls High School alumni James Starks should be one of the top running backs in the MAC. Gill is tending to use a more spread attack going into the season, which will see a more diminished role for the fullback.

Receivers: Willy's favorite target is former St. Joe's quarterback Naaman Roosevelt. The two have a good chemistry together, especially now with Roosevelt concentrating specifically on his role at wide out after Gill gave him a shot at signal caller earlier in his college career. Opposite of Roosevelt will be the sure-handed Ernest Jackson. With the more spread out approach, other wide receivers should see the field this year. Keep an eye out for big Lackawanna receiver Marcus Rivers to see more time. Tight end will be manned by Jesse Rack, Jamestown's Aaron Connacher and Kyle Brey.

Offensive Line: Gone is center Jamey Richard who was drafted in the late rounds by the Indianapolis Colts. However, the team still has a few strong players such as Williamsville North High School graduate Peter Bittner.

Defensive Line: Last season, the Bulls' biggest weakness may have been stopping the run. It should be interesting to see what Gill plans on doing here, especially at defensive tackle. The team must also replace last year's top pass rusher in defensive end Trevor Scott, who is now on the Oakland Raiders.

Linebacker: Like the defensive line, this is another area that will see a lot of youth. The new crop of talent might not have a ton of on-the-job experience, but Gill's recruits do have a lot of speed to help somewhat negate their lack of time in the system.

Defensive Backs: This may be the strongest single unit on the team. As a freshman, safety Davonte Shannon earned first team All-MAC honors with his headhunting prowess. Cornerbacks Dominic Cook, another St. Joe's alum, Kendrick Hawkins and Josh Thomas may form one of the best combinations of corners in the conference. Look out for safety Mike Newton has well, who also has a nose for the ball.

Special Teams: A.J. Principe solidified himself as the team's kicker last year so that spot is secure. However, long time punter Ben Woods is gone and will be replaced by a walk-on. Roosevelt handles most of the return duties and is a true barnburner. Look for him possibly taking kick backs on Sundays someday.

Here is my game-by-game breakdown:

Vs. UTEP: UB has a great chance at winning all its home games this season. A strong secondary should be able to weather UTEP's high power passing game and let the Bulls open the season with a win. (UB win)

At Pittsburgh: The Bulls will put a good fight against the Panthers for a half, but eventually Pitt's running game will take over and grind out a win for Pittsburgh. (UB loss)

Vs. Temple: After blowing out the Owls on the road last season, Temple will be looking to settle the score against the Bulls. This could turn into a budding rivalry between two of the youngest programs in the MAC. (Swing game)

At Missouri: This is one of those "program building" games for UB, where they get paid a big chunk of change and basically get slaughtered by a powerhouse program. Let's see how the defense will fare against an offense with not one but two possible Heisman candidates in Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin. (UB loss)

At Central Michigan: The Bulls draw the class of the conference on the road. This will be a tough game against the Chippewas and quarterback Dan LeFevour, a poor man's Tim Tebow. (UB loss)

Vs. Western Michigan: The Broncos bring back a good amount of offensive starters to challenge the UB defense. (Swing game)

Vs. Army: UB beat the Black Knights that last time these two teams played a few years ago. That game as also at UB Stadium, but this Army team should been significantly better. (Swing game)

At Ohio: Another battle between Nebraska alumni as Gill faces off against former Cornhusker head coach Frank Solich. With the Bobcats looking for someone to replace the ever productive Kalvin McRae at running back, the Bulls should be able to win this one on the road. (UB win)

Vs. Miami (Ohio): Drew Willy & Co. will have a tough challenge on their hands against a tough RedHawk defense. This game could have East Division Championship implications. (Swing game)

At Akron: It's a rebuilding year for the Zips. The more experienced Bulls should be able to take this one in the Rubber Bowl. (UB win)

At Bowling Green: Another game that could have divisional champion ramifications, the Falcons' offensive attack will probably prove to much on the road for the Bulls who have notoriously struggled against the run. (UB loss)

Vs. Kent State: Last year, these two teams went into overtime with UB eventually pulling out the win. A year later, the Bulls should be able to better game plan for the Golden Flashes rushing attack and close the regular season with a victory. (UB win)