After a coaching change and two losing seasons in the previous three years, expectations weren’t high for Buffalo going into 2024.
But head coach Pete Lembo and the Bulls flourished. Buffalo went 9-4 overall, including 6-2 in MAC play. The Bulls closed the year with a decisive 26-7 victory over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl.
Could the Bulls keep that momentum going and begin 2025 with a Power Four upset?
Buffalo vs. Minnesota Betting Odds
Minnesota is a -17.5 college football betting odds favorite against Buffalo, with the Over/Under being 43.5.
The moneyline for Buffalo is +650, while it’s -1000 for Minnesota.
Buffalo vs. Minnesota On TV
The matchup between Buffalo and Minnesota will be televised on FS1.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 28. The contest is taking place at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Buffalo vs. Minnesota Prediction
I predict Buffalo will cover the spread at +17.5 and in fact will win over Minnesota. I also project the game will go Under 43.5 total points.
I think we’ll see exactly what kind of team the Bulls are here. With six G5 Preseason All-Americans, I think the Bulls are poised for a major upset.
The Bulls added transfer quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson, who played at Kansas State last year and at UConn before that, and have two star playmakers on offense.
Running back Al-Jay Henderson ran for 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 238 yards and a score last year. Wide receiver Victor Snow caught a team-best 55 passes and six touchdowns while tallying 651 yards through the air and also ran for 61 yards and two scores.
Buffalo also has experience in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Right guard Tyler Doty and left guard Trevor Brock both return after making the All-MAC third team. Starting left tackle Henry Tabansi is also back.
On the defensive side, Group of Five All-American EDGE Kobe Stewart returns after leading the team with 9.5 sacks to go with 40 tackles, 12 for loss, as well as two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Another G5 All-American, linebacker Red Murdock, is returning as well. He was second in the country behind only teammate Shaun Dolac with 156 tackles while adding 16.5 TFLs, two sacks, seven fumble recoveries, an interception, a pass breakup, and four QB hurries in 2024.
This Buffalo squad is my pick to win the MAC. But before the Bulls begin conference play, I think they’ll also pull off a P4 upset.
