High-Powered Offenses Set To Meet In Kent State vs. Buffalo

One of these defenses will need to seize control of this game

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Chad Cooper, Flickr

Quick-Hitters

  • Buffalo is averaging 44.3 points per game this season, which has resulted in the over hitting 2-of-3 times. They're also 2-1 ATS.

  • The over has hit in two-consecutive Kent State games, as they've averaged 65.5 points over the span. They've also covered in two-straight.

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Unstoppable Run Game?

The Buffalo Bulls might be the most impressive team in the MAC through the first three games of the season. They’ve gone 3-0 and have won by an average of 25 points. To be fair, the three teams they’ve beaten have combined for just one win this season. However, Buffalo has been bowling in each of the last two seasons and played in the MAC Championship two years ago. The Bulls appear to be taking another step forward under Lance Leipold and a win over Kent State would give them the inside track on returning to the MAC title game.

The Buffalo offense has been an unstoppable force thus far, averaging 44.3 points per game. Specifically, they're running the ball down the throat of opposing defenses. Running back Jaret Patterson exploded for 301 rushing yards last week against Bowling Green and is averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Backup Kevin Marks isn’t far behind, gaining 6.2 yards per tote. With the running game working like a well-oiled machine, the Bulls haven’t needed quarterback Kyle Vantrease to do much. He has taken care of the ball, logging a single interception on the campaign.

The Buffalo offense has nearly reached the over on their own in games. They have a 2-1 over/under record. They're also 2-1 ATS thanks to some blowout performances.

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More High-Powered Offense

Like Buffalo, the Kent State Golden Flashes have been one of the most impressive teams in the MAC early in the season. Kent State survived a close game with Eastern Michigan to begin the season, but they’ve been far more convincing over the last two weeks in lopsided victories over Bowling Green and Akron successfully covering in both battles to go 2-1 ATS this season. However, the three teams they’ve beaten have yet to register a win.

Officially, Kent State has the most potent offense in the country, averaging 52.7 points per game. They also have the second-best rushing attack in the country with an average of 299 yards per contest. While quarterback Dustin Crum is a threat outside of the pocket, Marquez Cooper has been the primary back while backups Bryan Bradford and Xavier Williams have been equally productive running the ball. Meanwhile, Crum has been an efficient passer, completing 75.0 percent of his passes while throwing nine touchdowns and just one interception.

Alas, it’s on the defensive side of the ball where the Golden Flashes have been far from perfect. Even in lopsided wins, Akron and Bowling Green rushed for over 200 yards. Granted, the Golden Flashes have played a lot of prevent coverage and given up some garbage time points, but allowing 27.0 points per game against such a weak schedule is somewhat concerning.

The over has hit in two-consecutive Kent State games, as they've averaged 65.5 points over the span.

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Wager Watch

This game will likely come down to the Kent State defense. If they defend Buffalo’s running game, then they’ll be in trouble. Obviously, the Kent State offense should be able to move the ball and score points, but Buffalo has been the better defensive team to this point in the season, which is why the Bulls (-270) are favored to win this game.

The over trends seem to be the most significant to this point. The 68-point line is very high, but these offenses have been red hot, so it could be worth a look!

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