Both spots in the MAC Championship are still up for grabs, and nearly half of the conference still has a shot to make it to the title game.
Buffalo is certainly one of those teams. The Bulls are 5-4 overall – one game away from bowl-eligibility – but 4-1 in conference play.
The Bulls have won three of their last four games against Eastern Michigan, UMass, and Bowling Green. Their only loss during that stretch was a 24-16 defeat against Akron at home.
Now the Bulls go on the road, and they’re 3-1 away from home, to take on Central Michigan.
The Chippewas are also 5-4 but with a 3-2 record in league play. They’ve won four of their last six games – with victories over FCS Wagner, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, and UMass – while losing to Akron and Western Michigan. Those two MAC losses might mean CMU won’t make it to the conference title game, but there’s still a chance. Plus, the Chippewas are still fighting for bowl-eligibility themselves.
Buffalo vs. Central Michigan Betting Odds
Central Michigan is a -2.5 college football betting odds favorite against Buffalo, with the Over/Under being 44.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Buffalo is +110, while it’s -135 for Central Michigan.
Buffalo vs. Central Michigan On TV
The matchup between Buffalo and Central Michigan will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The contest is taking place at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Buffalo vs. Central Michigan Prediction
I predict Buffalo will win and therefore cover the 2.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 44.5 total points.
Both teams are pretty balanced. I expect this to be a closely-contested battle with plenty of scoring in the final minutes.
Buffalo is third in the MAC in scoring defense and total defense with 19.6 points and 323.6 yards per game allowed. The Bulls are also in the top five for scoring offense (24.8 points per game) and total offense (357.7 yards per game allowed).
The Chippewas aren’t great in any of those departments. They’re sixth in scoring offense (24.1 PPG) and scoring defense (24 PPG allowed) while ranking seventh in total offense (338.9 YPG) and total defense (357.8 YPG allowed).
I think Buffalo has a slight advantage on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. I think that will help them on the road.
On offense, Buffalo quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has thrown for 1,739 yards, 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on a 61% completion rate while rushing for 149 yards and two TDs. Al-Jay Henderson has rushed for 663 yards and five TDs. Nik McMillan (42 receptions for 590 yards and one TD) and Victor Snow (45 catches for 586 yards and seven TDs) are Buffalo’s leading receivers.
On defense, Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock is fourth in the country with 105 tackles and is tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks to go with six forced fumbles. Dion Crawford (61 tackles), Junior Poyser (4.5 sacks and 24 tackles), and Kobe Stewart (3.5 sacks and 36 tackles) have made important plays up front.
With talent like that on both sides of the ball, and a shot at the MAC Championship on the line, I think Buffalo pulls off a close victory.
