UTEP at Buffalo

After a 1-4 start last season Buffalo finished strong producing a winning record in their last seven games. Overall the Bulls went 5-3 in the MAC and outgained conference opponents by over 70 yards per game. Those five MAC victories is just three less than they won total in the prior seven years. We think they are headed in the right direction. The good news for the Bulls is the team that finished strong a year ago returns 18 starters this season. This will be the best Bulls team ever since joining the ranks of D-1A. UTEP started off strong last year, going 4-2 out of the gate, but then the wheels fell off and they finished losing their last six for a disappointing 4-8 season. The Miners lost a lot to graduation, returning just 11 starters from a year ago. They were outgained in nine of their twelve games last year and with so many departures, it is hard to see this team competitive early on this year. On the road vs a good and experienced Buffalo team, we expect the young Miners to struggle. UTEP is just 7-18 ATS on the road in their last 25 in the first month of the season. The Bills take their home opener.