Turner Gill certainly deserved all of the national recognition he got last year for finally revitalizing the UB football program. It won its first-ever MAC title, made its first bowl appearance and Gill got job looks at Auburn, among other bigger schools in the college football world. This, just two years removed from UB playing 7-51 football in the MAC over a five-year span. Where Gill really deserves the credit is HOW his Bulls were able to win games. Most smart minds still scratch their heads over just how the Bulls won seemingly every close game. Against Ball State, they were seemingly outmanned but took TWO Nate Davis turnovers inside the red zone back for touchdowns - a literal 28-point swing. The Bulls were plus-20 in turnovers, masking a porous 94th-ranked defense. Quarterback Drew Willy threw just 12 interceptions in 845 attempts over the last two seasons.

Get your FREE copy NOW!

Willy departs, as do three offensive linemen, though other offensive veterans return. The D-line returns only one starter. Gill has recruited hard at linebacker, and that figures to be the next area where the Bulls will improve. Four all-MAC candidates return in the secondary, which is undoubtedly the strength. Expect Gill to continue to play it safe by handing off to RB James Starks to try to control the ball. The Bulls have covered in seven straight MAC Games away from UB Stadium, so it's hard to argue with success, but...

get your 2009 NCAA Football Preview Guide.