Buffalo Bulls: Drew Anderson or Tyree Jackson?

After his stunning performance against Western Michigan, will Drew Anderson keep his job as starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bulls, when Tyree Jackson returns from injury?

It was always one of the unwritten rules in football, that a quarterback would not lose his starting job to injury. And yet, this is the very quandary facing the Buffalo Bulls, following Drew Anderson‘s stunning performance last weekend, against Western Michigan.

Most Bulls’ fans are well aware of what happened, but it’s still worth repeating Anderson’s Maddenesque stat line: 35 completions from 61 attempts, for 597 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

No one has ever had a game like this before, in Buffalo Bulls’ history. On a larger scale, the passing yards were the single-game best in MAC history, while the seven touchdown throws equaled another MAC record.

Making a decision doesn’t matter just yet – Anderson will once again start this weekend, while Tyree Jackson continues to recover from his left knee injury. However, the time is fast approaching, when a definitive answer will be necessary.

For what it’s worth, Buffalo Bulls head coach Lance Leipold still maintains Jackson is his starter. In some respects, we can understand and appreciate this.

After all, at 6 foot 7 and 245 lbs, Jackson is a physical specimen. He also had a decent start to this season prior to his injury, completing 55.4 percent of his passes for 733 yards, three touchdowns and just one pick, for a rating of 130.9.

In addition, the sophomore had already accounted for 227 yards on the ground — along with four scoring runs — at an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He is a dual threat, who looks destined to only improve.

Regardless, there is a compelling argument to let Anderson keep the starting gig, even when his teammate has recovered. He just emits a more calm and poised ability to deal with pressure.

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The junior has even more impressive stats then Jackson up to this point, completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 848 yards, nine touchdowns and just one pick, for a rating of 172.7. And while he may not be as much of a threat on the ground, he has still scrambled for 83 yards and one score, at an average of 9.2 yards per carry.

In some respects, Leipold should be commended for sticking by Jackson as his starter. However, he has potentially shot himself in the foot, given he didn’t need to make an announcement yet.

Now, it is possible – assuming the Buffalo Bulls head coach isn’t too stubborn — that he could change his mind. Of course, this will be influenced by how Anderson performs on Saturday.

Consider that the Bulls have historically had trouble with Northern Illinois. Buffalo trails the all-time series 10-1 and, as per ubbulls.com, Northern Illinois are the only MAC team they haven’t beaten, since joining the league in 1999 (0-9).

If this can change during the weekend at UB Stadium, it will at least give Leipold something more to think about. Over to you Mr. Anderson…

Next: Bulls aim to continue encouraging start to season

What would you do when Jackson is ready to return? Put him back in the Buffalo Bulls lineup, or stick with Anderson? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.