Bowling Green at Buffalo

The oddsmakers have basically rated this game even, with Buffalo getting a home-field nod in the betting line. But, are these teams really equal? Buffalo took a blow when their leading rusher of all time, James Starks, opted for season-ending shoulder surgery in the offseason, but it has gotten worse. Not only have they lost their top back, but the three on the depth chart immediately following are all questionable with ankle injuries, leaving a lot of holes in the Bulls’ running game. They are also hobbled with a banged-up offensive line. Meanwhile, the Falcons get back their best defensive player after a long suspension in PJ Mahone. Mahone was the Falcon's tackle leader a year ago, and led with 21 after just two games before the suspension. The Falcons held two good teams, Troy and Missouri, to 3.8 yards per carry. But when Mahone was suspended, they could not stop the run. With him back, I expect the defense to once again shore up. Tyler Sheehan provides a lot of offense at QB for Bowling Green with close to 9,000 career yards and 58 TDs. I don't see Buffalo's banged-up offense being able to stay with the Falcons here. BG is 8-1 ATS as a road underdog the past three seasons and they get the call here.