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Buffalo coach Pete Lembo says the Albany opener produced 151 rushing yards versus 72 allowed, nearly 50% third-down conversions versus Albany's 26%, and six defensive three-and-outs. He still needs dropped passes, missed throws and defensive fits corrected; Albany's last drive included a short catch that became 25 yards and a misfit run for 15. Those are specific execution concerns before FIU, not an injury update.
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Lembo's biggest Buffalo discipline concern is 10 penalties for 119 yards, including three roughing-the-passer calls that offset otherwise disruptive pass rushing. One penalty compounded a coverage bust into roughly a 60-yard field-position swing. Three punt touchbacks also left Buffalo's net punting around 37 yards, below his standard, so finishing rushes legally and better punt placement are priorities for FIU.
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Buffalo rotated eight or nine defensive linemen and six or seven linebackers against Albany, according to Lembo, to gain experience and preserve fourth-quarter freshness. Ahead of the Florida trip, Buffalo has practiced at different times of day and increased heat and humidity inside its facility. Lembo says the young roster is still developing game conditioning despite handling roughly 80 offensive and 70 defensive snaps in the opener.
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Lembo's film review of Florida International (FIU) describes a tempo offense mixing zone and gap runs with offset, pistol and under-center formations. JJ Cole attempted 50 passes against USF, including screens that support the run game and set up deeper throws. Lembo stresses Cole's arm on RPOs and field-side throws plus his zone-read mobility; one pass-heavy opener does not establish FIU's full-season run/pass split.
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Lembo describes FIU's defense as mainly four-down, with three-down and bear-front variations, one- and two-high coverages, penetrating linemen and downhill linebackers. FIU held USF to 14 first downs and 108 rushing yards and forced four red-zone field goals. He expects its inside pressures, passing-down twists and sound open-field tackling to test Buffalo's blocking; this is an opposing coach's film assessment.