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The Buffalo Bulls (3-4, 1-2 MAC) will look to even up their record when they travel to Oxford, Ohio to take on the Miami RedHawks (1-7, 0-4 MAC) later tonight to kick off weeknight MAC play.
Lance Leipold had his unit ready last week, as the Bulls jumped on Ohio to the tune of 31 first half points after scoring just 14 the week prior at Central Michigan. Buffalo was also able to stunt the Bobcats' ability to move the ball, as they only allowed 17 points in the 41-17 victory. The Bulls were the best defending Ohio's run game. Buffalo only allowed the Bobcats to gain 54 yards on 34 carries.
Miami, on the other hand, have struggled all season long. Last week, the RedHawks jumped out to an early advantage over Western Michigan, but the Broncos were quick to respond, and rolled to a 35-13 victory. Offense has been a struggle for Miami during conference play, as the RedHawks have scored no more than 14 points in a MAC game, which occurred in a six-point loss to Kent State on Oct. 3.
This the 18th all-time gridiron meeting between Buffalo and Miami. The RedHawks lead the series, 12-5. Click here for a full history of games between the two sides.
Quick Game Info
Date and time: Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio
TV: This game will not be televised
Online streaming: This game will be live on the WatchESPN app, available on Android and iOS powered devices, as well as online on ESPN3. Click here to watch live.
Radio: RedHawks fans can listen on the Miami IMG Sports Network, and online by clicking here. Buffalo fans can hear the game WGR Sports Radio 560 in Buffalo, or online by clicking here.
Odds: Most places have Buffalo giving seven (Buffalo -7). Click here for a full list of NCAAF odds.
Players to Watch
Joe Licata- (QB, Buffalo): Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata had a rebound game after a subpar performance versus Central Michigan two weeks ago. The senior finished last week's win versus Ohio 21-for-32 with 212 yards and no picks or touchdowns. Look for another solid outing, this time versus a much weaker defense in Miami, who have struggled at times during Mid-American Conference play.
Buffalo's run defense: The Bulls run defense was strong in the team's dominant 41-17 win over Ohio. The Bobcats were limited to just 54 yards on 34 carries, with Ohio's leading rusher, Daz'mond Patterson going for just 28 yards on 11 carries. With Miami's offensive struggles, the RedHawks must hope Buffalo's defense doesn't come out with anything close to a repeat of last week's performance.
Miami's offense: 14 versus Kent State, 3 versus Ohio, 12 versus Northern Illinois, 13 versus Western Michigan. The RedHawks have found points hard to come by in their first four conference games. If Miami wants any shot at pulling off the upset, they will need to get the offense moving versus a reckless Buffalo defense who just came off a showing where they shut down Ohio last week.
Kaleb Patterson (K, Miami): Miami's starting kicker, Kaleb Patterson was a bright spot in Miami's 22-point loss to Western Michigan a week ago. He hit both of his field goals and a PAT on the day, with his long coming from 38 yards out. On the season, Patterson is making over 70 percent of his kicks and could be vital to keeping Miami in tonight's game by allowing the RedHawks to pick up meaningful points when they are unable to finish off drives with a touchdown.