The Buffalo Bulls (4-7, 2-5 MAC) visit the Ball State Cardinals (5-6, 3-4) for some Tuesday “MACtion” in Muncie, Ind. Kickoff at Scheumann Stadium is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Buffalo vs. Ball State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Buffalo dropped its third game in a row with an overtime defeat at home against Northern Illinois Wednesday. UB has coughed up 134 points over the three straight defeats.
For the season, the Bulls rank 101st in the nation in total defense with 432.3 yards allowed per game. They’ve allowed more than that in each of the three losses and more than 500 yards in each of the last two weeks.
The Cardinals are at home for a second straight week after falling 37-17 to Central Michigan Wednesday. Ball State was outgained 567 total yards to 329 and has been outgained in four consecutive games and in nine of its last 10. BSU ranks 105th in total offense and 97th in total defense.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Buffalo at Ball State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Buffalo +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Ball State -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Buffalo +6.5 (-108) | Ball State -6.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Buffalo at Ball State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Ball State 31, Buffalo 27
Money line
Peg these MAC crossover foes as being very even. Buffalo has a couple of shaky-defense games up close in the rearview mirror, with contests allowing 56 and 45 points against Bowling Green and Miami, respectively, taking place within the last month. However, UB had a big turnover negative in those efforts.
On a chilly night with a slight breeze, figure the Bulls’ ground game (29th) against the Cardinals’ run defense (95th) as being key in a close game. BACK BUFFALO (+190).
Against the spread
The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings between Buffalo and Ball State.
These programs last met in the 2020 MAC Championship Game which the Cardinals won 38-28. UB outgained BSU by 70 yards, but the Bulls were hampered by going 4-for-16 on third and fourth downs and by a Ball State defensive score.
The Bulls are seeking revenge and are worthy of attention at this number. BACK BUFFALO +6.5 (-108).
Over/Under
There are plenty of deficiencies on both sides of the ball here … and with both teams. Too much gray area: PASS.
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