UMass Minutemen vs Buffalo Bulls Betting Pick & Prediction 9/14/24
UB Stadium in Buffalo is the site for this week three non-conference matchup between the Buffalo Bulls and UMass Minutemen. Kick-off is set for 1:00 ET, and the game can be seen on CBSS. The Bulls are 1-1 on the season, while the Minutemen are looking for their first win. Buffalo is -4.5 point favorites at home, and the over/under line is currently at 45 points.
UMASS MINUTEMEN VS BUFFALO BULLS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Buffalo Bulls -4.5
This game will be played at UB Stadium at 1:00 ET on Saturday, September 14th.
WHY BET THE BUFFALO BULLS:
- We have the Buffalo Bulls winning this one by a score of 31 to 22
- Not only do we have the Buffalo Bulls winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at -4.5
- Look for this game to go over the line of 45 points
Will The UMass Minutemen Pull Off An Upset As Road Underdogs
UMass is looking to bounce back after starting the season 0-2. In their most recent game, the Minutemen faced Toledo on the road and ended up losing 38-23. Despite the defeat, UMass covered the spread as +17.5 point underdogs. The game’s over/under line was 51.5 points, but the teams combined for 61 points, hitting the over.
Trailing 7-0 after the first quarter, UMass fought back to make it 17-13 at halftime. However, Toledo extended their lead in the third quarter, and the Minutemen were unable to mount a comeback, leading to their second straight loss to start the season.
UMass’ offense put up 384 yards in their 38-23 loss to Toledo, with 259 yards coming through the air. Taisun Phommachanh completed 65% of his passes for 259 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception and ending with a passer rating of 81.15. Jakobie Keeney-James led the receiving corps with six receptions for 93 yards.
The Minutemen picked up 23 first downs and managed to score once on the ground, with 125 rushing yards. Phommachanh, who also led the team in rushing, gained 44 yards on 22 carries.
UMass will be looking to tighten up their pass defense after allowing 175 yards and three touchdowns through the air in their most recent game. Overall, the Minutemen’s defense gave up 267 total yards and 38 points to Toledo. UMass’ run defense was more effective, holding Toledo to 92 yards on the ground and just 12 first downs.
Are The Buffalo Bulls Going To Defend Home Field Advantage?
Buffalo is looking to bounce back after a 38-0 loss on the road to Missouri. The Bulls, who were +32 point underdogs, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 38 points fell short of the 51.5-point over/under line. This was Buffalo’s first loss of the season, and they are now 1-1.
Buffalo fell behind early, with Missouri leading 3-0 after the first quarter. The Bulls then gave up 21 points in the second quarter, trailing 24-0 at halftime. Buffalo was unable to score in the second half, and Missouri added 7 points in the third and 7 more in the fourth.
In their 38-0 loss to Missouri, Buffalo’s offense was limited to just 169 total yards and 9 first downs. The Bulls’ ground game managed 114 yards, while their passing attack was held to 55 yards on 6 completions from C.J. Ogbonna, who threw one interception. Ogbonna’s passer rating for the game was 18.75.
Jacqez Barksdale was the most effective runner for Buffalo, gaining 67 yards on 15 carries. Victor Snow led the team in receiving with 41 yards on 4 catches.
Buffalo’s defense will be looking to bounce back after allowing 518 total yards in their last game. Missouri’s ground game was particularly effective, racking up 255 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Buffalo’s secondary also struggled, giving up 263 passing yards on 34 completions. The Bulls did manage to come up with one interception in the game.