There’s no question UB Head Coach Reggie Witherspoon would have rather played undefeated Central Florida and Marcus Jordan (MJ’s son) today, but the contest against NAIA DII opponent Houghton wasn’t totally worthless.  If you’re interested in the play-by-play and game commentary, head to the Buffalo.com live-blog.  Otherwise, here’s a quick breakdown of the game:

• Player(s) of the Game:  Titus Robinson and Corey Raley-Ross.  Titus has been largely abysmal this year due to frequent foul trouble and tentative play around the bucket.  Today, with a four inch advantage over Houghton’s tallest player, Robinson’s lack of strength didn’t matter, as he notched 13 points on an efficient 4-5 shooting from the floor and 5-6 from the line.

• Raley-Ross, an absurdly athletic but raw shooting guard, put up a career-high 16 points – many of which were high-flying slams or silky-smooth jumpers.  His four turnovers led to a couple stern meetings with Coach Witherspoon, but his potential cannot be ignored.

• It was over when…UB went on a 23-6 run to end the first half.  Houghton kept the game tight early with hot shooting, hustle, and an uncharacteristically timid Byron Mulkey, but a spark from the Bulls’ bench (which outscored Houghton 34-4 for the game) was too much for the Highlanders to handle.

• McCrea update: With five rebounds in 14 minutes of action, Javon is averaging 16.22 rebounds per 40 minutes.  The per 40 minute stat gives you a taste of his rebounding prowess, but it makes little sense for Javon to play any more than his 18 mpg.  The Bulls’ frontcourt is too deep and too talented – and McCrea’s stamina is not exceptional for a big.

• What’s in it for Houghton? Ryan Shay (15 points, 7 boards) raised his play to the level of the competition, but no one else followed suit for the visitors.  The Highlanders’ big men were over-matched from the start – only Mike Munoz’s perimeter ability troubled Buffalo.  If you’re intrigued by Houghton, a January 4th contest against Buffalo-based Daemen (and Will South product Mark Coppola) is worth seeing.

• Anything worthwhile in the presser? Coach Witherspoon was uncharacteristically long-winded in the post-game press conference (it lasted a half hour); much of the chatter surrounded the difficulty in college basketball scheduling, particularly for a cash-strapped northeastern school like UB.  The facts that wealthier teams can “buy” home games and craft unbalanced home/away schedules were the main talking points.

• Simply put, it’s a major challenge for Buffalo to attract opponents for several reasons – financial, locational, and seasonal.  Can you really blame Central Florida for bailing on an arduous trip north to play a mediocre, cold-weather team during Christmas break?

• Next on the schedule is…BYU agreed to play in Buffalo while the students were on break – the Cougars are 10-1 now after a loss to pesky UCLA and rank 16th in the country (for now, at least).  Preseason All-American Jimmer Fredette leads the Mountain West Conference squad in scoring with 24 per game – he’s Glens Falls-based, a major reason why the Cougars were willing to make the trip.  The pressure is on Western New Yorkers to compensate for the lack of students by checking out how the Bulls measure up against the nation’s elite.

Pre-game:  Unfortunately (or fortunately for some), I’ve had to transfer the live-blog from myBuffalo.com to the Sports Assault Web site due to host issues on the former.  Still, no fear!  Today, the 2-9 Bills take on the almost-equally woeful 4-7 Minnesota Vikings.

Pre-game:  Buffalo has won two of its last three games, with the only loss a 19-16 overtime defeat to Pittsburgh last Sunday.  The Bills had several chances to win the game, low-lighted by Stevie Johnson’s blatant drop in the end zone in the extra session.

Pre-game: A host of key Bills will miss today’s contest: Terrence McGee remains out, while Dwan Edwards was placed on the IR earlier this week.  Torell Troup, Eric Wood, and Shawn Nelson all won’t suit up.  C.J. Spiller returns to action, although he’ll focus on special teams with Fred Jackson excelling in the feature role.

Pre-game: Percy Harvin is forced to sit out with recurring migraine issues, but Adrian Peterson will be in the lineup today after an ankle scare last week.  Expect Sidney Rice to see increased targets with Harvin out of the lineup.  Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson’s absence today will be a detriment to the Viking rushing attack.

Pre-game: Minnesota won its honeymoon game following the firing of head coach Brad Childress.  Leslie Frazier, who interviewed for the vacant Buffalo coaching job last year, will seek revenge against the club that bypassed him for Chan Gailey.

Pre-game: Brett Favre has thrown one touchdown over the last three weeks – the ageless QB (41 years old) has been saddled with an ankle injury for most of the season, limiting his mobility and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.  Still, the 10 TD – 17 INT ratio is not acceptable.

15:00 – Joe Webb returns the opening kickoff to the Minnesota 35.  Peterson drags three Buffalo tacklers for a substantial gain on first down.

13:50 – Minnesota’s offensive line initially picks up the rush well, but Favre is hammered from behind by Arthur Moats, forcing a wobbly pass that was intercepted by Drayton Florence.  Buffalo takes over at the Viking 45.

13:06 – After a two yard end around to Donald Jones, Fitzpatrick hangs in the pocket and throws a dart at Jones’ feet – incomplete.  Urbik, Levitre, Hangartner, Bell, and Wrotto comprise the Bills offensive line.

12:30 – On third and 10, Fitzpatrick rolls right and eludes Jared Allen, but Chad Greenway is disciplined in pursuit, dropping Fitzpatrick for a loss.  Moorman’s punt leads to a fair-catch by Joe Webb outside the Minnesota 10.

12:03 – Favre, dinged up on Moats’ hit from behind, won’t start the second series – his backup Tarvaris Jackson is hurriedly warming up on the sideline.  Jackson will come in cold, but Buffalo probably isn’t prepared for a quarterback with the opposite style of Favre.

12:03 – Brandon Jacobs scores the day’s first touchdown, busting in from 8 yards out to put the Giants up 7.

11:57 – Chris Kelsay stuffs Adrian Peterson for a three yard loss on first down.  Kelsay is coming off a massive game against a depleted (and honestly, not that talented) Pittsburgh offensive line.

11:15 – The Vikings trainers and staff on the sideline are purposely hiding Favre from the camera – the injury could be more serious than first indicated.  With Torell Troup jumping offside, Jackson knew he had a free play – the reserve QB launched a deep go route to Sidney Rice, who adjusted to the short throw and corralled the pass in front of Leodis McKelvin.

10:25 – Paul Posluszny blitzes up the middle untouched and knocks Jackson down for a loss of 10.  Jackson squirms away from pressure on second down to get close to the previous line of scrimmage.  3rd and 11 facing Minnesota…

9:11 – Jackson targets Berrian on a deep out along the right sideline, but his throw sails out of bounds.  Not a good looking throw from the raw QB forced into action.  Kluwe pins Buffalo at its own 15.  No score.

9:11 – Tarvaris Jackson has seen action in 34 NFL games, including 12 starts in the ’07-’08 season (9 TDs, 12 INTs.)  The Alabama State product was a second round pick in 2006.

8:30 – Fred Jackson takes the first two carries of the drive for a combined 9 yards.  3rd and 1 for the Bills, 5 defensive backs for the Vikings.

7:36 – Stevie Johnson gains position in front of Asher Allen and hauls in a 7 yard pass.  Johnson’s had a difficult week – he had five drops last Sunday and was disconsolate for much of the week.

6:53 – The pocket closes quickly around Fitzpatrick, and his throwing arm is hit by Jared Allen.  The ball bounces toward the far sideline and Antoine Winfield is there to recover for the home team.  Buffalo will challenge the ruling on the field, however, as it appeared that Fitzpatrick’s arm was moving forward when Allen knocked the ball loose.

6:53 – A little troubling for Minnesota fans that CBS won’t even show Favre on the sideline, and there’s been no update on the severity of his injury.  Could it be his shoulder?  Elbow?  Hand?  It’s hard to say.

6:53 – Solomon Wilcots might be one of the worst color commentators ever.  After the review, the ruling is overturned – Buffalo retakes possession after Fitzpatrick’s pass is an incompletion.  Favre is taking the long walk to the locker room.

6:18 – On third and 9 for Buffalo, Fitzpatrick fires a deep pass over the middle for Johnson – the ball hits Stevie in the mitts and slips to the turf as Asher Allen closes in.  Consider it another drop for the recently-maligned receiver.

6:08 – Tarvaris Jackson returns to the huddle for his second series.  Jackson’s only other appearance this year was in Week 8 against the Patriots, where he completed 4 of 6 passes for 36 yards and a TD and added a 33 yard run.  He’s very comfortable outside the pocket and can accumulate yardage with his feet, but he’s considered undeveloped from a throwing standpoint.  Expect Buffalo to stack the box and force Jackson to beat the Bills deep.

5:10 - Antonio Coleman, an undrafted linebacker for Buffalo, has been ruled out for the game with a knee injury.  Arthur Moats, who’s been in on two big plays already, will see the majority of his snaps.

4:34 – Drayton Florence, two weeks removed from winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, picks off his second pass of the game, this one for 6.  Jackson underthrew his intended target, Greg Camarillo, and Florence pounced on the quick out and jaunted into the end zone.  7-0 Buffalo.

4:34 – Drayton Florence has caught more balls than Stevie Johnson today.  That’s Florence’s third interception of the year (second today), but also his second touchdown, as he returned a fumble for a score two weeks ago.  40 yard return on the Bills’ opening TD.

4:29 – Jackson, undaunted by the pick, throws into tight coverage to Sidney Rice for a first down.  The Viking horn blows as Leodis McKelvin drags Rice down.  Rice is in his third game back after hip surgery kept him on the sideline for the first 9 games of the year.

3:07 – Peterson shakes Arthur Moats at the line of scrimmage and pushes his way past the first down marker.  Minnesota is at the Buffalo 46.

2:24 – Jackson latches on to Berrian outside the right hash – the veteran wideout gets inside of McKelvin to catch Jackson’s awkward jump-throw.

1:44 – Jackson tests Buffalo deep – Rice is double-covered by McKelvin and a closing Whitner; Sidney and McKelvin look like they both have possession – the tie usually favors the receiver.  The ruling on the field is that Rice was out-of-bounds – after the play is shown on the jumbotron, it looks like Rice landed in-bounds.  Pending review, Minnesota may have tied the game on a tremendous individual effort by its top wideout in 2009.

1:45 – The play is overturned – Touchdown Minnesota, as Rice out-jumped and out-muscled two Buffalo players.  Who needs Percy Harvin in the lineup?  7-7 tie.

1:37 – After being beaten for a score by Sidney Rice, McKelvin runs into Jonathan Stupar on the kickoff return and fumbles – Frank Walker falls on the ball for Minnesota – first and 10 for the Vikes in the Buffalo red zone.  The third year player from Troy’s error are costing the Bills early on.  Interesting to see that McKelvin is the primary returner, not the healthy Spiller.

:08 - 3rd and 2 – McKelvin’s having a forgettable first quarter.  Jackson targets Berrian isolated on McKelvin along the right sideline, McKelvin hooks his arm under Berrian’s, and he’s whistled for interference.  First and goal at the 1 after the mistake.  Purple Jesus is pushed back by Paul Posluszny on the final play of the first quarter.

———————————–End of First Quarter, 7-7 tie———————————-

15:00 – McKelvin is tied to the sideline on the first play of the second.  He’s got an undesirable hat trick so far – a pass interference penalty, a touchdown he’s responsible for allowing, and a fumbled kick return.  Adrian Peterson bulls his way in from one yard out.  14-7 Minnesota after the special teams miscue. Oh points off turnovers, how important you are.

14:56 – 3 catches for 90 yards so far for Sidney Rice, who’s easily been Jackson’s favorite target downfield.  Brett Favre has returned to the sideline.  McKelvin’s back as a returner again, and he’s pounded to the turf after a five yard return.

14:52 – McKelvin’s play has been uneven this year, and today’s effort is particularly concerning because the former Troy standout is coming off of two solid performances.  C.J. Spiller earns two yards on first down, then trots gingerly off the field.

14:15 – It’ll be third and 8 for Buffalo after David Martin catches a quick pass for no gain.  Antoine Winfield, one of the best tackling corners in NFL history, pulls Martin to the turf.

13:20 – Jared Allen massacres Demetrius Bell for the second time already.  Allen used a speed move around the outside of Bell, and the left tackle got no initial push in pass protection.  It’s a pity for Bell, as he’s been a pleasant surprise over the past month.

13:20 – Naaman Roosevelt makes a crunching special teams tackle – losing his helmet in the process.  Good to see the University at Buffalo receiving record holder making an impact, even if it’s just on kick coverage.  That’s how you keep a roster spot.

13:00 - Shiancoe finds a seam over the middle and catches a pass from Jackson – Jairus Byrd brings him down after a healthy gain.  First and 10 at the Buffalo 45.

11:43 – Jackson breaks contain and outruns Arthur Moats for a first down.  To make matters worse, Donte Whitner threw his shoulder high at a sliding Tarvaris Jackson, tacking 15 yards onto the run.  First and 10 at the Buffalo 15.

11:12 – A quick out to the h-back Jim Kleinsasser nets another first down.  Kleinsasser nearly lost his footing while turning after the catch, but he managed a nice gain.  Adrian Peterson crushes Akin Ayodele as he plows into the end zone – that’s his second consecutive score, and it’s 21-7 Minnesota with 11:00 left in the 2nd. It’s looking like a huge fantasy day is ahead for Adrian.

11:00 – Only 14 yards on 8 carries for Peterson, but most of those have been tough yards near the goal-line.  He’s unquestionably the league’s best power runner.  The TD is a milestone, too – Peterson’s 50th NFL score.

10:56 – McKelvin is shaken up after another short return to the Vikes’ 25 yard line.  C.J. Spiller runs over to McKelvin and puts his arm around him, probably providing some words of encouragement.  Fred Jackson sees a gaping hole right for a 12 yard gain.  Great job by the Buffalo line in sustaining their blocks (Wrotto and Urbik on the right side.)

10:02 – I wish Rashad Jennings would stop vulturing TDs from Maurice Jones-Drew.  MJD could be one of the most frustrating high picks to own.  E.J. Henderson stops Spiller for a three yard loss on a hitter – Spiller had no time to shake E.J.

8:47 – This time, Demetrius Bell holds his own against Allen, but the other side of the Viking d-line causes a turnover.  Forced to throw off his back foot, Fitzpatrick can’t get enough zip on the throw – Antoine Winfield easily intercepts the pass and dashes down the near sideline inside the Buffalo 10.  Turnovers are absolutely killing the Bills today.

8:00 – Fantastic pass and catch between Jackson and Rice – and the Viking attack, given short fields, is making mincemeat of the Buffalo secondary.  Jackson had plenty of time to survey the Bills’ secondary – he lead Rice to the right corner of the end zone, where the athletic wideout sprawled out to make the tough grab.  28-7 - this is looking a lot like the Bengals game two weeks ago.  Hopefully Buffalo can muster the same response.

8:00 – 10-12 for 152 yards for Jackson in an emergency backup role.  2 TDs and 1 INt – he’s looked capable, if not a little spotty.

7:45 – Spiller needs to avoid running left/right so frequently, he’s stopped for a loss again.  Positive yardage is more important for Buffalo here than trying to make multiple tacklers miss.  Fitzpatrick scrambles up the middle, but Chad Greenway wraps up his legs.  3rd and 7…

6:18 - Demetrius Bell jumps offside – Jared Allen is tormenting him today.  Geoff Hangartner is out of the game too with a knee injury – Cordaro Howard is in at right guard, while Kraig Urbik shifts to center.  The communication cannot be strong for the inexperienced and shuffled front five.  Fitzpatrick completes a short throw to David Nelson, but it’s not nearly enough to move the chains.  Moorman back on to punt.

5:08 – GARRISON SANBORN, the long-snapper, beats everyone down to make the tackle.  Fantastic hang-time on Moorman’s boot.

5:05 - Adrian Peterson shoots through a hole for another first down – 13 yards breaking Kyle Williams tackle with a stiff arm.  Ryan Fitzpatrick has 12 yards passing on the afternoon, and the Vikings have scored on four straight trips.

4:17 – Great mobility and awareness by Jackson results in a 20 yard gain.  Jackson was nearly sacked by Spencer Johnson, but he threw across his body at the last minute, hitting Camarillo in stride.  Donte Whitner’s shoestring tackle holds AP to six yards rather than a long TD.

2:53 – Peterson reads his blocks exceptionally well – he waited for a hole to form and sped through it for another hefty gain.  First and 10 at the Buffalo 35.

2:12 - Jarring hit by McKelvin on Gerhart on a slip screen may have forced a fumble, but the officials rule it incomplete.  Did Gerhart have control and make a football move before McKelvin forced the ball loose?  Tough to say, but the calls aren’t going the Bills way so far.  Two minute warning.

2:00 – Three rushing TDs for NYG today – 2 for Bradshaw, 1 for Jacobs.  21-0 lead for the Giants over Washington at the intermission.

1:51 – A 3rd and 2 run is a sure-thing for AP – he powers his way behind right guard to move the chains.  1st and 10 from the 20, Gerhart now in the backfield.

1:17 - Great pursuit on first down by Arthur Moats, giving Jackson no other choice but to throw the ball out of bounds.  2nd and 10.  Gerhart is smothered by McCargo a yard beyond the line of scrimmage, setting up a 3rd and long.

:20 – After notching a sack earlier on Jackson, Posluszny blows up a screen pass to Gerhart on third down.  This isn’t a chip shot field goal for Ryan Longwell, even if he’s one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers.

:00 – Longwell splits the uprights from 38 yards out, and we’re heading to halftime.

——————————————Halftime, 31-7 Minnesota——————————-

Halftime – Plenty of problem areas for Buffalo after 30 minutes of play.  The Bills haven’t excelled in any facet of the game – the pass defense has been porous, the passing game is nonexistent, and Fred Jackson hasn’t found enough touches to make a difference.  Stevie Johnson’s dropsies have persisted, and Leodis McKelvin may be the most hated man in Buffalo after Stevie.  Down 24, Buffalo faces a tough road in making this a contest.

Halftime – Wow, Nick Collins’ missed tackle on Vernon Davis’ long TD was very, very embarrassing.  Straight up Whitnerian.  15 first downs for Minnesota, only 2 for Buffalo.

Halftime – On another note, Green Bay’s throwback uniforms look more like t-shirts.  A little wolverine-ish, even.

Halftime – I’m a little surprised that Brandon Marshall is sitting today.  Hamstring injuries can be pesky, but still, the ‘Fins are on the outside looking in on the playoff race in the AFC – they’re two games out of the Wild Card and three games back of the division lead.  In a must-win situation, you’d think the Dolphins most dangerous offensive weapon would play through injury.

Halftime – How much of Minnesota’s dominance can be attributed to Leslie Frazier as the new head coach?  Probably a little bit, since Brad Childress was an incredibly divisive figure.  Still, Sidney Rice’s return to health plays an equally large part.

15:00 – Buffalo opens the second half with the ball – not a good return by the tentative Spiller, however.

14:50 – Fitzpatrick tries to find Lee Evans on the first play, but Frank Walker drifts underneath and leaps to tip the ball away.  2nd and 10, 4-10 passing so far for Fitz.  Jackson meets the Williams Wall inside, setting up a 3rd and 9.

13:59 – Well-designed screen pass by Gailey on third down, but Jackson can’t quite pass the first down marker.  Moorman on to punt after the Bills go three-and-out to open the second stanza.

13:14 - Two bright spots for Buffalo so far: Paul Posluszny and Arthur Moats.  That’s about it.  1-7 on third down today for Buffalo.

13:07 – Jackson checks down to Peterson on first down, but Ayodele stops him immediately after the catch.  Short gain.

12:40 – Posluszny drags down Peterson on a stretch play to the left side – 3rd and 4 upcoming for Minnesota.

11:50 – Posluszny shows blitz, then drops into coverage.  Jackson’s throw over the middle is tipped into the air by Camarillo and picked off by Leodis McKelvin, who atones a little for his horrific first half.  Buffalo takes over close to midfield.

11:52 – Buffalo gets a free five yards as Kevin Williams commits a neutral zone infraction.  Demetrius Bell pointed vehemently at the half of the Williams Wall that swayed across the line.  Fred Jackson slips past Hamza Abdullah – Andy Levitre is called for a 15 yard personal foul penalty.  2nd and 15, unnecessary penalty by one of the more experienced Bill o-linemen.

10:50 – Fitzpatrick whips a 23 yard pass over the middle to Lee Evans – that’s the former Wisconsin star’s first catch.  The ball is turned back over to the Vikings, however, as Corey McIntyre fumbles a screen pass.  Hits by Leber and Abdullah on the play.  Minnesota starts at its own 27 after Buffalo’s third turnover of the day.

8:39 – After two Gerhart runs set up a 3rd and 2, Visanthe Shiancoe jumps offside.  3rd and 7 won’t be as easy for Jackson and co.  DeGeare, the left guard taking Hutchinson’s place, is offside on the next play.  3rd and 12 after two bone-headed penalties.

7:45 – A very delayed draw play for Gerhart is good for nine yards, but Posluszny and Wilson stop the former Stanford Heisman runner up shy of the first down marker.  Chris Kluwe was a speed-reader and a musician?  What the heck?  Kluwe was run into on the play – let’s see what the call is.

7:18 – Unnecessary roughness on Quinton Ganther, a player the Bills signed a couple weeks ago, who hit Kluwe late.  The penalty extends the Minnesota offensive series.

7:18 – Chris Ivory adds a TD run of one yard after his earlier 55 yard jaunt for a score.  New Orleans has opened up a two touchdown margin over Cincinnati, 20-6.

7:05 – Short pass to Spiller is good for three yards.  C.J., thought to be the most elusive player in college football last year, hasn’t made anyone miss this year (aside from a few kick returns, I suppose).  Jared Allen pulls down Fred Jackson in the backfield – not far from a horse collar tackle, though.

5:55 – Fitzpatrick escapes pressure and connects with David Nelson along the right hashmark.  Comeback route in front of Lito Sheppard is good for first down yardage.

5:05 – Spiller finds daylight down the near sideline for 21.  Excellent initial block by Levitre and an even better one downfield by McIntyre.  Second longest play from scrimmage by Buffalo.  Spiller hits the hole hard on second down but nets only two before Winfield brings him down.

3:29 - Big third and 3 for Buffalo here close to midfield – and flags fly at the snap.  False start on Mansfield Wrotto.  Another third and long situation, will trusty David Nelson be targeted again?

3:29 – Buffalo opts for a timeout.  TDs from around the league – Ben Watson from Delhomme in Cleveland, Terrell Owens from Palmer in Cincinnati.

2:54 – Lito Sheppard looked like he was all over Evans, but after replays, there was rightly no pass interference called.  Incomplete pass, Moorman on to punt again.  Camarillo fair catches the ball at the 16.  Heavy dose of Peterson/Gerhart on the ensuing drive, I bet.

2:40 – Tough solo tackle by Whitner on a sweep by Gerhart.  Toby scoots off left guard for another four yards – it’s 3rd and 2 again.  Frazier hopes that the Vikings won’t jump offside twice this time.

1:03 – Gerhart sheds Posluszny’s tackle and motors for a first down.  Peterson re-enters the fray – no break for the Buffalo front seven.  A lob to the near sideline by Jackson to Rice is good for another 9 yards.

:18 – Kicking problems galore in Cincinnati as the new kicker – whoever followed Nugent and Pettrey – botched an extra point after Owens’ TD.

:06 – Jackson tries another deep ball, but Donte Whitner makes a basket catch for Buffalo’s fourth interception of the day.   The Bills only have seven points to show for their four picks, however.

:04 – There’s a review on the field regarding whether or not Whitner was down by contact.  Whitner is not ruled down, so his return is validated.  Wilcots and Harlan are perplexed.

:04 – The Bills begin at their own 46, trailing by 4 possessions.  McIntyre blatantly drops an out pass to the near sideline.  Kevin Harlan starts to talk about a Super Bowl song, then abruptly trails off.  Good story, Kevin.

————————————-End of Third Quarter, 31-7 Minnesota—————————–

14:55 – The first play of the fourth quarter isn’t one to remember for Buffalo.  Jared Allen sneaks around Demetrius Bell again – don’t expect a high Pro Football Focus rating for Bell today – and Allen pokes the ball loose from Fitzpatrick.  Bryan Robison falls on the ball.

14:46 – Adrian Peterson just busted loose.  Terrible angles taken by McKelvin and Byrd in their tackle attempts – 43 yard TD run by AP, who simply found a hole and outraced everyone.  He’s making a case that he deserves the title of best back in the NFL over Chris Johnson – granted, the Bills’ run defense isn’t exactly a stiff test.  38-7, a blowout for Minnesota, and Leslie Frazier is 2-0 as a head coach.

14:46 – This edition of the Vikings is closer to what experts expected from the NFC North division co-favorites before the season.  Peterson is dominating on the ground, and the defense is creating turnovers and fine field position for the offense.  The offense certainly looks better with Jackson at the helm instead of Favre, but who knows how the gunslinger would have fared today if he wasn’t knocked out on the first passing play.

14:46 – It’s really frustrating, as a Bills supporter, to look at our starting linebackers.  We’re missing bulky Andra Davis and Kawika Mitchell – they’re just so much tougher and more experienced against the run than expendable players like Ayodele, Coleman, and even Moats, who’s more of a pass rusher than a run stopper at this point in his career.

13:18 – Terrific throw down the left sideline by Ryan Fitzpatrick – he threaded the pass 20 yards downfield between the corner and the safety.  On the first play, C.J. Spiller exploits a hole up the middle and accelerates for 11 yards.  That’s the second nice block in the second half by Fred Jackson, who’s seeing time in the backfield next to Buffalo’s first round pick.

12:08 – On cue, Spiller loses four as he tries to turn the corner – there wasn’t much help from Wrotto and Howard on the right side, however.

11:21 – Fitzpatrick throws a wobbler over the middle – fortunately Lee Evans is wide open.  Evans bobbles the ball at first but secures possession inside the Minnesota 10 yard line.  Shovel pass for Donald Jones is good for a yard or two.

10:33 – Kraig Urbik is down on the turf after an awkward looking knee injury.  Out comes the dreaded cart from the sideline – does Buffalo have any more healthy offensive linemen on the roster?  WHERE IS KIRK CHAMBERS?

10:33 – Ed Wang sighting!  Nice.  The Bills took him late from Virgina Tech in the 2010 NFL Draft.  On second and goal, Fitzpatrick throws a dart into the chest of David Nelson, who tries to reach over the goal line but cannot.  3rd and goal from the 1.

9:25 – Due to all the offensive line shuffling, the exchange between Levitre and Fitzpatrick isn’t clean.  Fumble, Minnesota takes over at its own 1.  Big stand for the Vikings, and CBS reports that it’s the first 3rd-and-1 that Minnesota has stopped all year.  I have a feeling the rest of this live-blog will NOT be exciting.

9:05 – Albert Young now in the backfield for Minnesota – he’s a smaller, shifty type back compared to Peterson and Gerhart.  Aaron Maybin’s seen a few more snaps than usual today – it’s a victory for him just to be active on game-days now.

6:55 – CBS is lauding Leslie Frazier’s job through two games.  He’s certainly given the team stability, but it’s very difficult to be a worse/more polarizing coach than Chilly was.  Bryan Scott stops Albert Young for no gain on 3rd down.

5:52 – Kluwe punts to Spiller, who bursts through a hole close to midfield.  There’s a flag down, however, and it’s an ineligible downfield penalty on the Vikings’ Everson Griffen, a rookie from Florida State.  I don’t think I spelled his name correctly, but you get the general idea.  He was once touted as a first round pick before a college injury!

5:52 – It’s a little sad that I’ve sunk to joking about the spellings of obscure special teamers.  This is one of those moments where you wish Kent Hull and Will Wolford and Carwell Gardner came out of the woodwork to help this depleted (and terrible) offensive line.  Fitzpatrick overthrows Evans on a deep route down the right sideline that was a yard overthrown – good attempt that would have gone for six.

4:57 – Bryan Robison abuses Wrotto again at right tackle, hitting Fitzpatrick’s arm as he releases the football.  Mercifully for Buffalo, the pass falls harmlessly to the turf.

4:46 – On fourth and 7, Fitzpatrick hooks up with Stevie Johnson for 28, and Stevie did a nice job picking up additional yardage after the catch – solid block by Ganther on the outside.  Nice to see Johnson finally make a tough grab.

4:43 – Fitzpatrick links up with David Nelson for a 12 yard TD – Madieu Williams gave the undrafted rookie too much of a cushion, and Fitzpatrick threw a bulls-eye on the post route.  38-14 Minnesota, and that’s Nelson’s first NFL TD.

4:43 - Somehow, the unrelenting Bengals have tied New Orleans at 27 late in the fourth on a two point conversion pass from Palmer to the rookie Gresham.  Cedric Benson has scored Cincinnati’s last two TDs on short runs.

4:43 – It’s tough to win when you turn the ball over five times as the Bills have, but Minnesota has done it four times – it’s a matter of capitalizing off giveaways, and if you give Adrian Peterson a short field, there’s little chance of stopping him.  If you like the “second person,” that last sentence was for you.  English joke!

3:00 – Bootleg and toss from Jackson to Kleinsasser results in just enough for a first down.  Buffalo may not touch the football again this afternoon.

1:45 – Albert Young runs off right end and is tackled by Posluszny, who has 14 tackles and a sack today.

:45 - Minnesota’s recovered nicely from losing starting QB Brett Fravre on the first passing play of the game and rode workhorse back Adrian Peterson to a comfortable home victory over Buffalo.  The Bills’ league-worst run defense surrendered another 200+ yard game to an opponent.

————————————-End of Game, 38-14 Minnesota———————————–

Post-game – Hopefully the press conference isn’t focused on Brett Favre’s injury.  I feel bad for any media member who has to sit through that.

“I’ll have none of that, O.J. Atogwe” – Love, LeGarrette Blount

Oh, hey.  It’s been a busy weekend of “Beast Feasting” at the Buffalo Zoo, training at Squeaky Wheel Media, and covering the UB Bulls men’s basketball home win over Towson.  But, today is Sunday, and there’s only one thing on my mind: the Subway honey mustard chicken sub I’m about to eat.  And NFL football, I suppose.  Here are the picks (can I maintain my semi-torrid streak?):

@Cincinnati favored 5.5 over Buffalo:  As hard as it is to be a Bills fan, it must be nearly as tough to love the Bengals.  A team with high expectations in the preseason has been a painful disappointment – Cincy has lost 6 straight and stands at 2-7.  Carson Palmer is terrible, the o-line is atrocious, and an initially feared defense has been marginal.  The Bengals played the Colts tight last week, but they’ll struggle to pull this one out.  Buffalo, 20-17.  (Edit: Buffalo 49-31, WIN.)

@Pittsburgh favored 7.5 over Oakland:  Good luck running the football on the Steelers, who allow a measly 63 yards rushing per game.  Do you realize how impressive a stat that is?  I nearly spat out my Dunkin’ Donuts coffee upon reading that.  Honestly, Oakland’s two-pronged attack of McFadden and Bush will provide a stiff test, but the onus will be on Jason Campbell to keep the Pitt D from stacking the box.  Plus, the Pittsburgh secondary is more pedestrian than you might think.  Oakland’s won three straight, but Denver, Seattle, and KC aren’t the scariest of foes.  No Nnamdi Asomugha means “bad news” for the Raiders.  Pittsburgh, 34-17.  (Edit: Pittsburgh 35-3 – WIN.)

@New York Jets favored 6.5 over Houston:  Intriguing match-up here – the NFL’s 3rd ranked scoring defense faces a high-powered Houston offense that should be close to full-strength.  Matt Schaub has been questionable all week with a knee infection, Arian Foster missed practice because of a death in the family, and the Texans have lost their last two by less than a touchdown each.  Despite this array of weapons, Houston’s pass defense is last in the league, and corner Kareem Jackson is far from fulfilling the high expectations placed on the first round pick.  Jets, 24-17.  (Edit: New York 30-27, Houston wins vs. spread – LOSS.)

Baltimore favored 11 @Carolina:  The Panthers are atrocious.  Baltimore is 2-3 on the road (and undefeated at home) but should level this mark today.  Jimmy Clausen completes less than 60% of his passes from 0-9 yards from scrimmage (Pro Football Focus) – probably a good thing the Bills elected to pass on him.  The Rice-McGahee combo alone should be too much for Carolina to handle.  Clausen has thrown 1 TD pass in 138 attempts. Baltimore, 35-3. (Edit: Baltimore 37-13 – WIN.)

@Tennessee favored 7 over Washington:  Washington’s defense isn’t effective against mobile quarterbacks (see: Michael Vick), and fortunately for Vince Young, he won’t need to be 100% to excel.  Randy Moss should grab his first Titan touchdown today and continue to make Kareem Moore dizzy in the Skins’ secondary.  For a guy making an absurd sum of money, you’d think Albert Haynesworth would play more than 20 snaps per game.   Titans, 38-21. (Edit: Washington, 19-16 – LOSS.)

@Dallas favored 6 over Detroit: Dallas, a surprise winner of the Giants last Sunday, sees another beatable opponent in Jason Garrett’s second career game as head coach.  Jon Kitna, a long-time Lion, will be fired up and look to further his rapport with Dez Bryant, while adversary Shaun Hill fell short against the league-worst Bills last week.  Unfortunately for Lions fans, Jahvid Best hasn’t been at 100% in weeks – turf toes are remarkably limiting, especially for a runner dependent on quick cuts.  Dallas, 40-24.  (Edit: Dallas, 35-19 – WIN.)

Green Bay favored 3 @Minnesota:  The Packers, after the beating the Giants received last week, may be the NFC’s best team right now – they’re healthy after a Week 10 bye.  The NFC North’s second place team (behind 7-3 Chicago!) ousted the Vikes at Lambeau 28-24, but Minnesota’s a hearty 3-1 at home.  As usual, as Brett Favre fares, so will the Vikings.   Watch GB middle linebacker Desmond Bishop, and then say “you knew it all along” when he becomes a star.  Brad Childress, least likable man in the NFL?  Vikings 24-23. (Edit: Green Bay 31-3 – LOSS.)

@Jacksonville favored 2 over Cleveland: A combined 8-10 record is surprising for two teams who were predicted to be cellar-dwellers.   David Garrard has thrown 6 TDs to 0 INTs over his last two starts and boasts a QB rating over 140 in that span.  Even though Mike Sims-Walker probably won’t suit up today – Hail Mary hero Mike Thomas has emerged as a viable threat, and Marcedes Lewis will feast on Cleveland’s linebackers.  Can Jacksonville’s uneven front four contain the battering ram that is Peyton Hillis?  Cleveland, 24-20.  (Edit: Jacksonville 24-20 – LOSS.)

@Kansas City favored 7.5 over Arizona:  The first-half surprise Chiefs have fallen on hard times – two losses to Oakland and Denver after a narrow win over Buffalo has this once-playoff contender searching for answers.  Kansas City still suffers from youthful mistakes and inconsistency – it’s impossible to know what contributions the team will receive from Berry, Dorsey, and Albert.  Matt Cassel’s quietly put together an impressive statistical season – 16 TDs to only 4 INTs – but it’s still tough to have faith in him as a leader.  I know that Cassel’s stats are a little inflated because the Broncs stopped caring last week, but still.  Arizona sucks.  Chiefs, 20-10.  (Edit: Chiefs 31-13 – WIN.)

@New Orleans favored 11.5 over Seattle:  Boooring.  Big Mike Williams is a nice story, but offensive line and quarterback play in Seattle leaves a ton to be desired.  Charlie Whitehurst looks like J.P. Losman Part II, and Matt Hasselbeck – football’s most brittle man not named Felix Jones – is one gentle slap away from missing the season.  It’d be nice if New Orleans could find a reliable running back, huh?  New Orleans, 42-10. (Edit: New Orleans 34-19 – WIN.)

Atlanta favored 3 at St. Louis:  Did you know Atlanta is 7-2?  Wow.  The Falcons cannot run block, and poor Michael Turner has to battle for every yard; there isn’t a hole in sight.  St. Louis’ front seven has exceeded expectations (by a lot!), and Matt Ryan won’t have a comfortable day in the pocket.  That said, what Rams’ corner is capable of matching up with rowdy Roddy White?  St. Louis’ secondary allowed Troy Smith to throw for 356 yards last week.  Still, I think this one will be tight.  Rams in an upset, 19-17.  (Edit: Atlanta 34-17 – LOSS).

@San Francisco favored 3 over Tampa Bay:  I will be pulling for Tampa Bay, even though Mike Williams is still guilty of making terrible life decisions.  In fact, I wish the Bucs would be on television once and awhile.  They’re a cast of misfits – LeGarrette Blount, Williams, Talib – who won’t give up on the field.  Arrelious Benn is seeing more snaps and making the most of them.  Overrated Nate Clements and an apathetic SF back four may be embarrassed today.  Tampa Bay, 20-16. (Edit: Tampa Bay 21-0 – WIN.)

@New England favored 4 over Indianapolis: Theoretically, Peyton Manning should have a field day against New England’s 30th ranked pass defense, but does he have the weapons at his disposal to do so?  If Dallas Clark wasn’t out for the season, he’d be primed for a monster afternoon.  In his place, industrious Jacob Tamme will continue to produce, but he’s still not the game-breaker that Clark was.  I have no idea why Pierre Garcon has been so bad this year.  The Colts’ defense is banged-up (no Session, Brackett), so the Law Firm will score at least once.  Patriots, 28-24 – Indy wins the tie. (Edit: New England 31-28, Indy wins vs. spread – WIN.)

@Philadelphia favored 3 over New York Giants:  This monster NFC East game will trump watching the MLS Cup for me, which is saying something.  The two teams are an equal 6-3, but Philly’s demolition of Washington on national television combined with NYG’s choke against Dallas favors the home team.  Michael Vick is simply playing too well – the Giants don’t have a suitable “spy” for him in their linebacking crew, either.  Ask Rocky McIntosh how tough that assignment is.  Philadelphia, 35-27.  (Edit: Philadelphia 27-17 – WIN.)

@San Diego favored 9.5 over Denver:  Kyle Orton and Brandon Lloyd refuse to go away.  This electric Bronco offense made mincemeat of a formidable Chiefs’ defensive unit last week to the tune of 49 points and an easy victory.  If Elvis Dumervil was healthy, Champ Bailey was 25, and Ryan Clady hadn’t been an idiot in the offseason, the Broncos would be a playoff favorite.  Instead, they’re almost 10 point underdogs to the league’s most frustrating team.  San Diego, 44-35 in a barn-burner – Denver wins against spread.

Man, making picks on weeks without byes takes forever.  Possibly another story up tonight on local college hoops (provided I don’t take an extended siesta.)

(Edit: 9-5 heading into the Monday night game.  We’ll take it.)

After watching three of the region’s Big 4 college basketball teams this weekend, there’s plenty of new information to digest.  Gone are the familiar days of Frank Turner and Rodney Pierce driving through traffic and finishing at the rim; the reigns of Belardo and McCrea are underway.  I’m certainly not an expert on St. Bonaventure and Niagara, so I won’t try to impress you/make things up about them.  Here’s a bit-by-bit breakdown of the weekend:

Electric Newcomers:  Canisius – Gaby Belardo, UB – Javon McCrea.

Belardo, the Puerto Rican redshirt sophomore transfer from South Florida, is the Griffs’ new vocal and emotional leader.  An unknown commodity entering the game – which Bonaventure’s Coach Schmidt alluded to – Belardo showed flair and aggression – and a tendency to lose control at times.  Even so, Gaby shot 5-9 from the floor, finished with 19 points, and, despite five turnovers, lead Canisius to a 10 point victory.  He’ll have his share of ugly 6-7 turnover games, but his defensive tenacity and strength is a welcome addition.

With “work ethic” and “questionable motor” concerns looming around him, McCrea checked in with 14 minutes left in the first half and dominated immediately.  He’s a man-child – his shoulders, arms, and legs should not belong to an 18-year-old.  He openly admitted in the press conference that he “coasted at times” in high school, but his 6-6, 14 point, 10 rebound, 4 block, 3 steal performance was as impressive of a freshman debut as I’ve seen.  From stripping guards in the backcourt, to abusing Mark Veazey in the post, to showing a soft touch around the hoop, McCrea demonstrated qualities of a future star.  He hasn’t developed many post moves yet (from what I could tell in his 13 minutes), but his footwork looks natural.  If he sticks around and commits to improving, he’ll be a monster in 2 years.

Good Stories – Alshwan Hymes, Canisius and Byron Mulkey, UB

Hymes shot 29% from the floor last year.  That’s 29%.  In his first game of 2010-11, he was a different player – Coach Parrotta pointed to fitness (Hymes lost 15 pounds this offseason), but Hymes looked much more confident shooting the ball from outside (5-6 total, 3-4 beyond the arc).  Although the Griffs aren’t particularly deep (Parrotta comfortably plays 8, it seems), Logins and Hymes inject instant offense off the bench (23 points), taking pressure off Coles/Belardo in shouldering the scoring load.

Byron Mulkey had his knee scoped for “loose bodies” on October 29th – which, frankly, sounds a little gross.  That surgery had to be a little disheartening for a guy who red-shirted last year just so he could have the reins in 2010.  To say he was “amped” early is an understatement – Reggie Witherspoon credited Mulkey for “slowing down mentally,” however, and Mulkey didn’t turn the ball over again after losing possession 4 times in the first 4.5 minutes.  Like Belardo at Canisius, Mulkey is very active defensively – sneaking into passing lanes, harassing guards up the floor, and constantly searching for doubling opportunities.  Mulkey aggressiveness complements the frontcourt’s size and length very well.

Reasons for Concern – Depth, Canisius and Titus Robinson, UB.

The Griffins, simply put, cannot afford to be in foul trouble.  Parrotta explored his bench a little more today in the 86-67 loss to ‘Cuse, but 7’3 Dhal, Khan, Kindler, and Gricius combined for 18 minutes – garbage time.  Until Coach Parrotta trusts these youngsters with important minutes, Vazquez-Simmons and Elton Frazier will be under too much pressure to be both aggressive and foul-free – a remarkably tough task in the post.  Developing Dhal, a junior transfer, should be high on the priority list of Canisius’ staff.

Titus teased us last year, showing glimpses of unreal athleticism and unrefined ability.  He…looked identical to his freshman version in the opener; there was a reason that Robinson was the only non-freshman on the floor in garbage time until he left with an elbow injury.  Still too weak to be comfortable in the block, Robinson is still useless on the perimeter.  His length is an advantage defensively, but silly fouls remain an issue (with Watt, too).  Javon McCrea, through one game, was a far superior player at both ends.

Both teams are home next Saturday – Canisius plays Eastern Michigan at 2 PM, while the Bulls face Towson at 7 PM.

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I caught up with Buffalo News’ writer Bob DiCesare before the UB – Navy game yesterday and congratulated him on his 10-2-1 record against the spread last week.  I asked him for a little advice – he said that he spends about 10 minutes total on his picks and credited “luck” for his success.

@Buffalo favored 2 points over Detroit: It’s difficult to say whether Matthew Stafford is unlucky or injury prone, but regardless, he’s out for the season with his second major shoulder injury.  In his stead, Shaun Hill – healthy after a broken forearm three+ weeks ago – will start for the remainder of the season.  He’s 1-4 as a starter in 2010.  Winless Buffalo will struggle to contain Calvin Johnson, and Jahvid Best, like Jamaal Charles two weeks ago, should find plenty of running room outside the tackles.  The Brandon Pettigrew/Tony Scheffler combination will be murderous on Donte Whitner.  Detroit, 27-24. (Edit: Buffalo 14-12, Detroit wins vs. spread – WIN).

@Indianapolis favored 7 over Cincinnati: The Bengals have lost five straight, while Indy is tied atop the AFC South at 5-3.  Cincinnati’s middling defense may be the culprit, as the unit doesn’t fall within in the NFL’s top 17 in any major category.  Peyton Manning has never lost against the Bengals in six starts.  Indianapolis, 23-17 (Cincy wins vs. Spread.) (Edit: Indy wins 23-17, NICE WIN).

@Jacksonville favored 1.5 over Houston: Both teams are truly enigmatic – Houston (loss to Dallas, win over Indy) and Jacksonville (win over Indy, bad losses to KC & Ten) are tied at the bottom of the AFC South but are only one game back of front-runners Tennessee and Indy.  Matt Schaub should have his way with the Jags’ defense sans Aaron Kampman, but Houston’s defense is equally as vulnerable to big games from MJD and David Garrard.  37-34 Houston. (Edit: LOSS, Jacksonville 31-24).

Tennessee favored 1 @Miami:  In what I view as a curious move, Chad Pennington will start today for the ‘Fins in place of Chad Henne.  The senior Chad hasn’t started since the third game of 2009, when his 5.6 YPA left a lot to be desired.  Unsurprisingly, Miami’s game-plan will revolve around Ronnie and Ricky, while Tennessee just decided that Kerry Collins will open under center.  Expect a run-heavy attack from both teams.  Tennessee 20-16. (Edit: LOSS, Miami 29-17).

Minnesota favored 1 @Chicago: The Bears stand two games up on Minnesota, but Jared Allen is licking his lips for a chance to rush Jay Cutler.  Chicago’s offensive line is porous, to say the least (Cutler’s been sacked 28 times in 7 starts).  I don’t see how the Bears will be able to move the football, and Brett Favre should build off a decent start vs. Arizona (446 yards passing, 2 TDs.)  Sidney Rice remains inactive, however, but Percy Harvin will play.  Minnesota 24-14. (Edit: LOSS, Chicago, 27-13)

New York Jets favored 3 at Cleveland:  Can the McCoy-Hillis battery keep shocking teams?  Consecutive wins over New Orleans and New England aren’t a mirage, but the Browns’ offense faces its toughest opponent yet in the aggressive Jets.  Rex Ryan can blitz at will (Revis doesn’t need one healthy hamstring to shut down Mohamed Massaquoi), and Colt McCoy won’t have a comfortable pocket all day.  Jets in an easy one, 24-3. (Edit: WIN, Jets in OT, 26-20).

@Tampa Bay favored 7 over Carolina:  Since when has Tampa Bay ever been favored by 7?  The Panthers, 1-7, have scored the fewest points in the NFL by 42 – absolutely anemic.  Jimmy Clausen makes his fourth NFL start – he’s thrown 1 TD in six games.  With DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Tyrell Sutton all on the shelf, Mike Goodson will start at tailback by default.  Expect Josh Freeman, LaGarrette Blount, and Mike Williams to look very, very good today.  23-10, Tampa Bay. (Edit: WIN, Tampa 31-16).

Kansas City favored 1 @Denver: The Broncos are second worst in the NFL against the run, and the Chiefs run more than any team in the NFL (290 attempts).  That advantage alone should be enough for the Chiefs, but Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry won’t let Kyle Orton carve them up, either.  KC 24-20. (Edit: LOSS, Denver 49-29).

@San Francisco favored 5.5 over St. Louis:  The Rams are tied atop the NFL’s worst division, the NFC West, at 4-4.  Today, they square off against the preseason division favorites who find themselves at 2-6.  The Niners’ home victory over Denver was a solid rebound from the Carolina loss, but Troy Smith will be pressured all afternoon long by an underrated Rams’ front seven.  San Francisco will continue to underachieve.  St. Louis, 23-21. (Edit: WIN, San Francisco 23-20 – STL wins vs. spread).

@Arizona favored 3 over Seattle:  Neither team is very good, so don’t watch this game.  Although 3-5 and 4-4 don’t look like poor records, they’re bloated because of the division’s futility.  A Cardinal secondary with DRC, Adrian Wilson, and Kerry Rhodes shouldn’t be this dreadful, but Seattle’s offensive line – now without high first-rounder Russell Okung – will crumble from the slightest pressure.  A tie here would be fitting.  Seattle, 21-16. (Edit: WIN, Seattle 36-18).

New York Giants favored 13.5 @Dallas:  Wow, what a line here.  Over/under on quarters that Kitna stays healthy?  Probably one.  Former Agee Stephen McGee may see the field before long, and Jason Garrett’s debut has head coach won’t be memorable.  Today may be Mike Jenkins’ final chance as a starter – he’s been the victim of several big-gainers this year.  While Wade enjoys his Sweet Find Paula’s Donuts coupons, please start Mario Manningham in fantasy.  Giants, 34-13. (Edit: LOSS, Dallas 33-20).

@Pittsburgh favored 4.5 over New England: A friend just texted me, asking if it was worth starting Tom Brady tonight in fantasy.  Heinz Field isn’t an ideal venue to play at after losing to Cleveland, but Belichick’s boys won’t have much of a choice.  The Roethlisberger-Wallace connection will be huge again, and NE’s banged-up offensive line must negate a relentless Steeler pass rush.  Steelers, 24-23, NE wins vs. spread.  (Edit: New England, 39-26 – WIN).

Philadelphia favored 3.5 @Washington: On Monday night, the Redskins will return after 15 days away from game action.  Donovan McNabb hasn’t been able to hide from scrutiny over the last fortnight, whether it’s been questions about his knowledge of the playbook to a possible long-term contract.  Regardless, there’s still not enough talent surrounding McNabb for the ‘Skins to win.  Washington beat Philly in their first meeting, 17-12, when Michael Vick hurt his chest early on and Kolb played the majority of the game.  Philly, 24-16. (Edit: Philly, 59-28 – WIN.)

Final tally – 8 wins, 5 losses.

Well, hello.  Ben K. and I have been hitting the live-blogs heavily this weekend (two Atlantic Hockey blogs, a UB football blog, and the upcoming Bills blog), so either maneuver your way over to MyBuffalo.com for those or wait until I post them here later.  As usual, here are my picks against the spread:

@ Kansas City favored 7.5 over Buffalo: There’s been plenty of optimism in WNY this week in regard to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s play.  He’ll face a stiffer challenge against Kansas City with top-flight corner Brandon Flowers and top five pick Eric Berry patrolling the secondary.  At a surprising 4-2, the Chiefs will pound the Bills’ front four with a healthy dose of Thomas Jones and extend the front seven with Jamaal Charles’ speed.  If Buffalo’s D is forced to stay on the field over 35 minutes today, they’ll wear down.  Ball control is paramount for the Bills’ O.  (Kansas City, 21-17 – Buffalo wins vs. the spread) Edit — WIN, KC doesn’t cover, 13-10.

San Francisco favored 2 over Denver in London:  With the entire nation of England in confusion (and potentially hungover) after Nani’s bizarre goal yesterday against Tottenham, Londoners probably won’t care much about this game.  Do they even know that Denver conceded 59 points to a one-dimensional Raiders team last week?  Fortunately for the Broncs, they’ll face perhaps an even worse QB in Troy Smith.  This game will not be interesting, unless you’re relatives of Frank Gore or Knowshon Moreno.  (Denver, 23-19)  Edit — LOSS, San Francisco 24-16.

@Dallas favored 6.5 over Jacksonville:  Would you have expected Dallas to be 1.5 games behind the Jags in Week 8?  Are you excited for the Jon Kitna era to begin?  Obviously, the answers to both questions are “no.”  Even Kitna can beat up on the Jaguars’ secondary – Miles Austin cannot continue to play this poorly.  (Cowboys 27-20) Edit — LOSS, Jacksonville 35-17.

@Detroit favored 2.5 over Washington: The 4-3 Redskins are tough to figure out – the only things that can be relied on are a) Albert Haynesworth will whine, b) Ryan Torain will get hurt, and c) DeAngelo Hall won’t get half as many picks as he did last week.  Matt Stafford will be rusty in his return, but he’s still a hell of a lot better than Shaun Hill or Drew Stanton. (Detroit 34-21) Edit — WIN, Detroit 37-25.

@New York Jets favored 6 over Green Bay: Green Bay stands at 4-3 but has outscored its opponents by 31 – good for second in the NFC.  The Jets have won five straight and are returning well-rested after a bye week – a stiff test for Aaron Rodgers today against Revis and Cromartie.  I hate to say it, but the Ryan/Schottenheimer duo will probably out-coach Mike McCarthy.  Here’s a game actually worth your attention…(New York 26-21 – Green Bay wins vs. the spread). Edit — WIN, Green Bay 9-0.

@St. Louis favored 3 over Carolina: St. Louis has been surprisingly stout defensively this year, and the 3-4 Rams will battle an already-impotent Panther offense sans DeAngelo Williams.   Jonathan Stewart will earn 20+ carries for Carolina, and he’s a much different runner than his tag-team partner.  With Fred Robbins questionable and Gary Gibson an unknown (and undrafted) quantity, the Rams will get torn apart up the middle.  The Laurinaitis-Stewart battle should be violent, and the absence of Rams’ RT Jason Smith will have an impact.  Will STL and an active Steven Jackson come back angry after blowing the TB game late? (St. Louis, 14-10).  Edit — WIN, St. Louis 17-10.

@Cincinnati favored 1.5 over Miami: If the Fins are smart, they’ll play to their strengths today and batter the Cincinnati interior d-line.  This won’t be a pretty game – or high scoring for that matter.  Jason Allen – the weakest link in Miami’s secondary – will have his hands full with either Owens or Ocho.  (Cincinnati 17-16, Miami wins vs. the spread).  Edit — WIN, Miami 22-14.

@San Diego favored 3.5 over Tennessee: Did you know the Chargers are #1 in the NFL in total yards and passing yards per game on offense, and also first in the league in fewest total yards and fewest passing yards allowed?  How exactly are these Chargers 2-5?  Regardless, SD has lost its last three and won’t do any better today against an underrated Titan secondary (Alterraun Verner and Jason McCourty are for real).  (Titans 24-20)  Edit — LOSS, Chargers 33-25

@Arizona favored 3 over Tampa Bay: In what many pundits call the “Beanie Wells Breakout Party,” (well, no one has actually called it that exactly), Tampa Bay’s young front four (second last in NFL in rushing yards allowed) must elevate its play to keep the score close.  Overwhelmed rookie Max Hall must do just enough to keep the Bucs’ defense honest.  Josh Freeman has slowly earned the “clutch” label, so there’s hope in a tight game for Tampa.  (Tampa Bay 23-20)  Edit — WIN, Tampa Bay 38-35

@Oakland favored 2 over Seattle:  The NFC West leaders visit a team that put up a league-high 59 points last week.  This should be far more interesting than expected!  If Russell Okung can’t suit up – he’s listed as questionable/doubtful – Matt Hasselbeck could be running for his life (and probably injuring his back).  Intriguing match-up: Seattle’s 2nd ranked run defense against the thunder and lightning duo of Run DMC and Michael Bush.  (Oakland 27-13)  Edit — WIN, Oakland 33-3

@New England favored 6 over Minnesota: This contest will probably be a dud after all the hype that’s built up this week.  Brett Favre will “more than likely” suit up – and he’ll “more than likely” throw two horrible interceptions.  Humorously, the game will hinge on Favre’s ability to throw downfield, as the Pats – by default – continue to start toast-able Kyle Arrington.  I’ve lost any faith in Favre.  (New England 27-17).  Edit — WIN, New England 28-18.

@New Orleans favored 1.5 over Pittsburgh: Ah, thank you Sunday Night Football for televising a premier match-up.  Here’s a test of mettle for the Steeler secondary – 24th in the NFL – against a Saints team that will probably throw 35-40 times.  Because New Orleans has struggled to pressure the opposing QB, Roethlisberger will have ample time to pick apart a New Orleans’ secondary likely without its top two corners – Jabari Greer is doubtful and Tracy Porter is questionable.  (Pittsburgh 31-14)  Edit: New Orleans 20-10 – LOSS).

Final Tally – 9 wins, 4 losses

• Cory Conacher looks like he’s stronger, which is a frightening thought for the rest of Atlantic Hockey.  From what I saw last night, he was in third gear when the competition was straining in fifth – he’s faster, his shot looks harder (his one-timer goal was like a cannon volley, and an earlier one-timer attempt that drilled the left goal post drew gasps of amazement from the crowd), and he had two of the better hits of the night.
• On a team with just a little more talent and a style of play that’s a little more open, Army defenseman Marcel Alvarez would be unbelievable.  He’s a slick skater,  a nice distributor, and has a wicked shot from the point.  Unfortunately for Alvarez, he’s easily the most talented player on a Black Knights squad filled with heart guys but sorely lacking finishers.
• Fourth-line Army winger Brian Skarda looks like he can be a dangerous player.  He had six shots last night and had surprising speed and strength going to the net.
• Army had two goals disallowed last night, and from my vantage point – which was admittedly not the best – both of the calls looked good.  On the first no-goal, a rush ended with the net jostled off its moorings, and the shot looked a second or two late.  On the second, Morrison looked to have clearly stacked the pads and stopped the puck, drawing the whistle.  Cody Omilusik’s continued hacking after the stoppage didn’t prove anything, regardless of where the puck appeared to be when Morrison uncovered.  Doesn’t matter where the puck ends up after play stops…
• If the Griffs tighten up slightly on defense, they could pitch another shutout tonight.  Morrison faced 32 shots but never really seemed to be twisted or spun in his crease – he had to make some difficult stops,  but it was all straight-on stuff.  Army’s going to have to get creative tonight, or find a way to sneak some shots through traffic, if they’re going to have any chance tonight.  That being said, it seems like there are a lot of ties on the second nights of two-game homestands in this conference, so it’ll be on the Griffs to maintain the level of intensity they displayed on Friday.

And guess what – neither player is named Cory Conacher.  Although the diminutive forward has five goals and three assists in five games, he is not the center of attention at the moment – an exciting development for Head Coach Dave Smith’s rapidly developing program.

So sayeth the athletic department:

After leading the Canisius College hockey team to a strong start in league play, junior Dan Morrison (pictured left, London, Ontario) and freshman Kyle Gibbons (Westlake, Ohio) were each honored by Atlantic Hockey on Monday. Morrison earned Goaltender of the Week accolades, while Gibbons was named the league’s Rookie of the Week.

Morrison started all three games in goal for the Griffs, leading the team to a 2-0-1 mark. Morrison recorded at least 32 saves in all three games during the week, while posting a 1.95 goals against average and .942 save percentage. His best performance came on Friday at Sacred Heart, stopping 37-of-38 shots in a 4-1 Canisius victory. In the win, Morrison recorded 12 saves during a single five-minute Sacred Heart power play during the second and third periods, preserving a 1-1 score at the time.

Overall, Morrison has posted a goals against average of 2.34 and a save percentage of .942, while averaging 39 saves per game. He currently leads all Atlantic Hockey goalies in save percentage and ranks second in goals against average. The weekly accolade is the fourth during Morrison’s career.

Gibbons also excelled during the week, leading the Canisius offense with five points on three goals and two assists. In just his third collegiate game, Gibbons helped the Griffs to a 5-2 win against Mercyhurst, scoring the first two goals of his career, including the game-winning tally, and adding an assist. He then followed with a goal and an assist against Sacred Heart on Friday.

The Westlake, Ohio native currently ranks first among Atlantic Hockey rookies with his five points this season, while ranking 11th among Division I freshmen with 1.00 point per game.

Morrison, Gibbons and the Griffs return to action on Friday, hosting Army in an Atlantic Hockey contest. Canisius’ home opener is set to begin at 7:05 p.m.

Good work, gentlemen – looking forward to seeing the Griffs at Buffalo State Ice Arena on Friday and Saturday night against the Black Knights.

If you’re familiar with the Sports Assault and Buffalo.com, you’ll know that we’re unbelievably thorough in our live-blogs.  Here’s the more exciting one detailing the Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens game, and here’s the slightly (to considerably less) exciting chatter during the UB Bulls vs. Temple Owls.  Thank you for reading, as usual.

How thoughtful – as a homecoming gift to all the returning alumni, the University at Buffalo reverted to the doormat mode so many of those grads remembered from their own school days.

Ben T. has a lot more details in his live blog, but I wanted to make quick note of the UB’s miserable 42-0 home loss today to Temple.  Quite simply, the Owls owned UB Stadium today.  Temple players hooted, capered, and danced on the sidelines, celebrating their dominance with little worry of retribution.  The Owls’ sideline crew chanted “Pound that beef” on the opening drive of the third quarter, a 14-play, 95-yard TD drive that consumed 6:23 and ended with a 5-yard TD pass that gave the Owls a 35-0 lead.  Home field advantage?  Try home field humiliation.  There was no Bulls spirit.  There was no Bulls fight.

I know Temple is a pretty good team.  I know UB is a program in transition, led by a new coach implementing a new system and trying – in many cases – to fit square pegs into round holes.  I know QB Alex Zordich is still in the drafting phase of a work in progress.  I know that the Owls’ run game has made some solid Top-50 programs struggle at times.

But come on – the Bulls were horrific today.  Potentially productive WRs Alex Neutz and Marcus Rivers were ignored.  The defense, praised this week in The Buffalo News, must have assumed that the Owls would be intimidated by those press clippings.  Put in a bad spot on the first play of the game after Terrell Jackson fumbled a kickoff, the Bulls’ defense looked alternately confused and disinterested as Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown ran all over them, evenly splitting 222 yards on 43 carries.

There is still time to improve.  Head coach Jeff Quinn is a proven winner who will make Buffalo a better team in the months and years to come.  But today – today, the Bulls should be ashamed.