Buffalo vs Central Michigan prediction and analysis
Game Overview
The Week 12 matchup between the Buffalo Bulls and the Central Michigan Chippewas features two teams with contrasting trends and recent performances. Buffalo enters the game having won three of their last four outings and displays strength as a road underdog. Central Michigan, despite snapping a two-game winning streak, continues to hold a dominant home record as a favorite, making this encounter a compelling clash.
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Key Trends and Team Form
- Central Michigan’s Home Dominance: The Chippewas have won their last nine games as a home favorite and have covered the spread in six consecutive home contests, highlighting strong performance on their turf.
- Buffalo’s Road Underdog Resilience: The Bulls have covered in four straight games as road underdogs and boast wins in their last three November games as underdogs, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure away from home.
- Starting Strong vs. Closing Weak: Central Michigan has repeatedly secured the first quarter and first half against conference foes, but struggles to sustain that momentum in the second half, ranking near the bottom nationally in fourth quarter and second half scoring.
- Defensive Strengths: Buffalo ranks among the top teams nationally in limiting opponents’ first quarter and first half points, an advantage early in the game.
- High Scoring Potential: Both teams’ recent games have frequently gone over the total points line, especially in matchups involving Central Michigan hosting New York teams and Buffalo playing in Michigan.
Player Impact
- Angel Flores (Buffalo): Tied for second in the Mid-American Conference with eight rushing touchdowns, Flores’s ground game will be key to controlling the clock and pace against Central Michigan.
- Nik McMillan (Buffalo): One of only three FBS players with multiple consecutive 100+ receiving yards games, McMillan’s presence in the passing game demands attention from the Chippewas’ secondary.
Analytical Prediction
Buffalo’s defensive prowess early in games and strong performances as an underdog on the road stand out against Central Michigan’s home-centric and strong early-quarter success. However, the Chippewas’ proven ability to start fast at home and Buffalo’s challenges covering spreads in recent games suggest this could be a tightly contested game.
Given Central Michigan’s home winning streak and the Bulls’ tendencies to perform well in the first half but struggle against top home favorites, the game might hinge on Buffalo’s ability to sustain their early intensity. Offensively, Buffalo’s key players provide scoring opportunities, but Central Michigan’s home crowd and confidence could tip the scales.
The trend of games going over the total points line also suggests an open game with explosive moments.
Prediction Summary
Central Michigan taps into their home favorite strength to edge out Buffalo in a competitive game. Expect a close contest with Central Michigan securing a narrow victory due to their solid home performance and first-half dominance, but Buffalo’s resilience and playmakers keep it within striking distance.
Final Prediction: Central Michigan to win, likely by a margin of 3-7 points.
