Leaderboard

Some lines had UB as a 1 point favorite opening, others with Miami as favorite. As of Monday afternoon, Miami is a 1 point favorite. It has gotten as high as 1.5. I wouldn't expect this line to drift either way more than a point or two. The Red Hawks are 2 wins in 4 games this season. The played Kentucky tough to open the season (the Wildcats kicked a FG as time expired in the first half to take the lead...then returned the second half kickoff for a TD). And what did Miami do on the drive right after that? Fumbled on the second play from scrimmage...and UK scored again. That's 17 points in about a minute of game time. From 10 - 10 to 10 - 27 in a hurry...and that was really that. They slept through a game hosting Robert Morris, turning the ball over 3 times, but won 31 - 14. They "hosted" Cincy next, which means they bussed a bunch of students down to the stadium where the Bengals play. Miami was up 17 - 7 in the second quarter before Cincy got the wake up call on defense (and scored the next 31 points). Miami was 1 - 13 on 3rd and 4th down...and only completed 9 passes (ten, if you count the interception). This past Saturday the Red Hawks travelled to Evanston to take on Northwestern. NU beat the Huskers in Ireland to open the season, which was a lot more about Nebraska (and Frost's decision making) than NU. They Northwestern proceeded to lose to Duke and S. Illinois. The Miami vs Northwestern game was a defensive struggle. Miami got on the board following a punt block towards the end of the first half to make it a 7 - 7 tie. A lot of punts in the second half, but eventually Northwestern won the field position game and scored a TD. Miami answered right back with a long TD run. Miami drove at the end of the game to kick a field goal and win. The teams combined for 14 punts (including the block). What about this week? It seems clear that Miami has a pretty good defense. They will struggle on offensive a bit w/o Gabbert. Aveon Smith, their backup, is a work in progress. They were very committed to the run vs Northwestern (they ran in 44 times) and outside of the long run for the TD by Mozee, didn't get a lot going. I would expect more of the same vs. UB. Buffalo's offense got rolling last week and now comes home. Miami is coming off a big win. There are two questions: (1) How well can UB stop the Miami run and (2) can UB move the ball effectively vs. the stout Miami defense. UB is going to have to limit big plays from Miami (e.g., kick off return for a TD) and win the turnover battle. If they do, I like their chances this week. Go Bulls.

Game is set for noon and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Nice write up. Looks like UB is +1.5 as of today. I assume Miami will still be playing their backup QB.. And just like last week, I'll always pick against any MAC team who is coming off a P5 victory (Miami over Northwestern). Always bank on the letdown. UB is finding a groove with Cole Snyder and some nice pieces on O. The D will definitely give up their share of yardage but without Gabbert it seems like Miami will have tougher sledding in the Red Zone. Also, Mo's team got killed by Miami last season. I'm sure he doesn't forget. I'd take the Bulls +1.5

Bonaventure has one good program in their athletics department. The rest are more or less bottomfeeders. As a school, Bonaventure is even worse. Right now the school is being propped up by online enrollment. UB is a top 40 public school in the nation.