Pete Lembo far exceeded expectations in his first season at the helm with the Buffalo Bulls, coaching his squad to an 8-4 regular season record, despite a preseason win total that opened at 5.5. Buffalo returns nine starters on the defensive side of the ball, where it was impressive last season. The Bulls have plenty of experience on defense, and should be one of the MAC’s top units.
Seven starters return on offense, and while the starting quarterback departs, Buffalo is hopeful that it has actually upgraded the position. Ta’Quan Roberson transfers in from Kansas State, giving the Bulls some talented upside at QB. Roberson will be playing behind a very solid offensive line, by MAC standards — Phil Steele ranks Buffalo’s OL at No. 56 in the country, which actually ranks ahead of Week 1 opponent Minnesota (No. 60).
The receiver room is experienced, and led by top pass catcher Victor Snow. The stable of running backs is even deeper for the Bulls, and led by a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Al-Jay Henderson. In short, there are no weaknesses on this Buffalo team. Expect the Bulls to be well coached and extremely discipline, which should keep them in almost every game.
The toughest game comes right away in Week 1 — a Thursday night trip to Minnesota as a 17.5-point underdog. I’ll be on Buffalo to cover in this one, and feel they even have a shot to spring the upset. But even if we toss this game out, the remaining 11 games are all contests that Buffalo has a good shot to win.
The Bulls avoid Toledo on the schedule, and the Rockets are priced as the favorites to win the MAC. The home schedule sets up very nicely, with games against St. Francis, Troy, Akron, Miami (OH) and Ohio, all of which I expect Buffalo to be favored in. Those final two opponents at home are also the two final games of the regular season, gearing up for a strong finish. I could also see Buffalo being favored in a home game against UConn on September 27, looking for revenge off a loss in Connecticut last season. Prior to his stint at K-State, Roberson actually played for the Huskies.
Outside of Minnesota, the road schedule sets up nicely too. Trips to Kent State and UMass are about as cushy as it gets for a road game in the entire country. The other road games against middle of the pack MAC teams in Bowling Green and Central Michigan aren’t of much concern.
Look for this Buffalo team to grind out wins throughout the course of the season, thanks to an experienced roster, strong coaching and a soft schedule. Double digit wins could be in play, so I’ll happily play an over on 7.5 wins. That should also be good enough for a trip to the MAC Title Game, which is worth a play at the current price.
CFB Pick: Buffalo OVER 7.5 Wins (-120) 1-unit
CFB Pick: MAC Championship Game Finalist: Buffalo (+170) 0.5-units
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