Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames NCAAF Betting Prediction
PublishedDecember 12, 2024,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:December 12, 2024 ,

NCAAF Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Prediction Bahamas Bowl

The Buffalo Bulls (8-4) face off against the Liberty Flames (8-3) on Saturday, January 4th. This game will be played at Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau and televised on ESPN2. Buffalo is coming off a win in their previous game, while Liberty is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Sam Houston. Kickoff is set for 11:00 ET.

Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Flames

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Buffalo Offense Breakdown

Buffalo’s offense ranks 106th in our power rankings heading into week 1, averaging 29.1 points per game, which places them 45th nationally. Their third-down conversion rate is low at 34.1%, ranking 114th, and they average 190.4 passing yards per game.

C.J. Ogbonna, Buffalo’s quarterback, has thrown for 2,244 yards with 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, earning a passer rating of 92. Al-Jay Henderson leads the rushing attack with 959 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry. Victor Snow has 610 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 51 catches.

Liberty Offense Breakdown

Liberty’s offense has leaned heavily on their rushing attack, ranking 7th nationally with 238.8 yards per game on the ground. They are 14th in rushing attempts, averaging 41.5 carries per game. Quinton Cooley has been the standout performer, rushing for 1,254 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns while averaging 6 yards per carry. The Flames are averaging 28.2 points per game, placing them 48th in scoring, and they are 21st in third-down conversions, converting 45.5% of their attempts.

Quarterback Kaidon Salter has thrown for 1,886 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, and Liberty ranks 121st in passing yards per game. Salter’s passer rating is 88, and the team is 75th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 1. Treon Sibley leads the receiving corps with 499 yards and two touchdowns.

Buffalo Team Defense

Buffalo’s defense is coming off a strong performance, allowing just 7 points in their recent game against Kent State. They limited the Golden Flashes to 10 first downs and 209 total yards, including 107 rushing yards on 35 attempts and 102 passing yards. Buffalo’s defense also forced an interception in the game.

On the season, Buffalo is giving up 28 points per game. Opponents are averaging 146.6 rushing yards per game on 35.5 attempts, while quarterbacks have posted a 92.7 passer rating, throwing for 258.6 yards per game and completing 62.9% of their passes against Buffalo’s defense.

Buffalo Team Defense

Liberty’s defense has been a bright spot this season, ranking 24th nationally by allowing just 21.3 points per game. In their recent game against Sam Houston, they gave up 20 points, including two passing touchdowns, while also securing an interception.

Opponents have averaged 201.7 passing yards per game against Liberty, completing 59.7% of their throws. On the ground, Liberty has allowed 152.9 rushing yards per game, including 135 yards on 42 carries in their last outing.

Buffalo vs Liberty Trends

  • Buffalo has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 24 points per game while allowing 32. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
  • Across the Liberty Flames last ten home games, the team averaged 30 points per game while allowing 24. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 7-3 straight-up.
  • Through their last five games as the underdog, the Buffalo Bulls have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
  • In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Liberty Flames have a straight up record of 3-2, while going 2-3 against the spread.

Bulls vs Flames Prediction

Buffalo is the +2.5 point underdog on the road in their week one matchup against Liberty, but we like them to not only win straight-up but cover the spread. Our projected final score is 30-27 in favor of Buffalo, so take them to cover as the road underdog.

With the over/under line sitting at 52.5 points, our projection of 57 points suggests that taking the over is the best play.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.