Prediction: Buffalo Bulls VS Central Michigan Chippewas 2025-11-12
Buffalo Bulls vs. Central Michigan Chippewas: A MACtivating Battle of Brains and Brawn
Ladies and gentlemen, gather âround for a Midweek MACtion showdown thatâs colder than a quarterbackâs dating profile in November. The Buffalo Bulls (5-4) and Central Michigan Chippewas (5-4) clash in sub-40-degree hell, both vying for bowl eligibility like two hungry squirrels fighting over the last acorn. Letâs break this down with the statistical precision of a spreadsheet and the humor of a sports bar bet gone wrong.
Parsing the Odds: Whoâs the Real Deal?
Central Michigan is a modest 1.5-point favorite, with implied probabilities suggesting theyâre the safer bet (FanDuel lists them at -170, translating to a 63% implied chance to win). Buffalo, meanwhile, sits at +200, which means bookmakers think the Bulls have a 33% shotâabout the same odds as me napping through a Monday morning Zoom call. The over/under is 44.5 points, and the SportsLine model predicts a combined 54 points, with the Over hitting 60% of the time. Thatâs not a typoâthis model thinks these teams will play like itâs 1984 and offensive linemen were allowed to block people.
Buffalo Bulls: The "Iâll Take the Fifth" Defense
Buffaloâs defense is the star here, ranking 23rd in FBS scoring defense (19.6 PPG allowed). Their linebacker, Red Murdock, is a human fumble vacuum, leading the nation in forced fumbles and racking up 105 tackles. But hereâs the rub: Buffaloâs offense is like a smartphone with no cameraâfunctional, but not impressive. Quarterback TaâQuan Roberson has the arm of a guy whoâs never met a Hail Mary, throwing for 12 TDs but 8 INTs. His 60.5% completion rate is decent, but with only four interceptions thrown all season (by opponents, not him), youâd think this game was played in a vacuum.
The Bulls rely heavily on Al-Jay Henderson, their 1,000-yard rusher. Henderson is 6-0 in games where he hits 100 rushing yardsâsounds like a guy whoâd be great in a fantasy league, provided you donât care about touchdowns. But Buffaloâs passing game? Itâs about as reliable as a weather forecast in Michigan. They average 212 passing yards per game, which is like trying to fill a kiddie pool with a leaky hose.
Recent News: Hendersonâs been dodging defenders like a guy avoiding small talk at a family reunion. Roberson, though, has been picking his spotsâ3-0 when he passes for 270+ yards. But letâs be real: If Buffaloâs offense doesnât get creative, theyâll be as exciting as a tax audit.
Central Michigan Chippewas: The "Three Musketeers" of the Run Game
Central Michiganâs identity is as clear as a first-year coachâs playbook: run the ball, defend, and hope third-down conversions donât haunt you. Their three-man backfield of Nahree Biggins, Trey Cornist, and Brock Townsend is like a Russian nesting doll of rushing yardsâeach one packing over 280 yards. With a defense thatâs intercepted passes 10 times (led by cornerback Brenden Deasfernandesâ two picks), the Chippewas are the NFLâs âDefensive Player of the Yearâ in a college body.
But hereâs the catch: Central Michiganâs offense is a one-trick pony. They rank 12th-worst in passing yards per game (153.6) and lack a wide receiver with 300+ yards. Langston Lewis has 295 yards, but thatâs like having a backup generator in a blackoutâuseful, but not exactly thrilling. Their third-down efficiency (36.3%) is worse than my ability to parallel park, which is saying something.
Recent News: First-year coach Matt Drinkall has turned Central Michigan into a ground-and-pound team, which is great if youâre a fan of football and bad if youâre a fan of points. Joe Labas, stepping in for injured QB Angel Flores, has a 71.6% completion rate but only 8 TDs. Itâs the football equivalent of a guy who never misses a free throw but refuses to shoot from anywhere else.
The Cold, Hard Truth: Weather as a X-Factor
This game is happening in sub-40-degree weather, which is basically a free win for Central Michiganâs run-heavy approach. Passing in the cold is like trying to text with gloves onâmessy, error-prone, and likely to end in tears (or a pick-six). Buffaloâs shaky passing game will struggle even more, while Centralâs defense should thrive in the elements, smothering Roberson like a well-timed blanket on a chilly night.
Prediction: Chippewas Chip Away at the Bulls
Putting it all together, Central Michiganâs defense and run game give them the edge. Buffaloâs passing inconsistencies and third-down woes (CMUâs defense is 64th in third-down efficiency) will be exploited. The modelâs Over prediction makes senseâboth teams have the firepower to hit 44.5, but Centralâs home-field advantage (3-0 this season) and Buffaloâs road struggles (3-1 on the road, but 0-2 in cold-weather games) tilt the scale.
Final Pick: Central Michigan Chippewas + Run Game by 3-5 Points. Bet the Over if you want excitement; take the Chippewas if you want survival.
And remember, folksâif Buffalo wins, itâll be the first time since 2008 theyâve celebrated a MAC championship⊠or the last time anyone sees this team until March.
Created: Nov. 12, 2025, 10:43 p.m. GMT