The Buffalo Bulls and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns meet Saturday in college football action from Cajun Field. Buffalo played Liberty in their last matchup. In that one the Bulls moved to 0-3 overall with a blowout loss. As for Louisiana, they’re coming off a game versus UAB. The Cajuns would go on to win by 20 points and hit 2-1 in the record column so far. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Buffalo Bulls
The Bulls opened up their season with a tricky matchup versus Wisconsin. Buffalo was down by just four points at the break but eventually lost 38-17. The Bulls gave up 503 yards (314 rushing) in the defeat. Game two versus Fordham went better but it was still a 40-37 loss. Buffalo gave up 459 yards (309 passing), 27 first downs and 11-of-19 on third-down tries there.
In the Liberty game the Bulls gave up double-digit points in every quarter, stumbling to an eventual 55-27 loss. QB Cole Snyder posted 276 yards with four scores and two picks. Nick McMillan (72 yards; TD), Darrell Harding (59 yards; TD) and Ron Cook (56 yards; TD) each had four catches in the defeat.
Buffalo Bulls Team Facts
Buffalo has lost six of its last seven games in September.
Buffalo has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Each of Buffalo's last six games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Over on the Cajuns’ side, they opened up the year with a convincing win over Northwestern State, generating 429 yards (206 rushing) in a 38-13 blowout win. In game two versus Old Dominion on September 9, Louisiana gave up points in every quarter during a tough 38-31 loss. The Cajuns had 458 total yards (285 passing) but also posted 10 penalties for 70 yards.
Louisiana played UAB last weekend. In that one the Cajuns posted 24 points in the second quarter alone on the way to a 41-21 win. Zeon Chriss threw for 174 yards and a score while also adding 103 rush yards with a pair of TDs. Jacob Kibodi had 108 yards rushing and a score off seven carries.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Team Facts
Louisiana has won each of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents at Cajun Field.
Louisiana has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Louisiana has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents at Cajun Field.
Louisiana has won the first quarter in five of its last six home games against non-conference opponents.
Nineteen of Louisiana's last 22 home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
Louisiana was one of only two FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading at HT last season.
Louisiana ranked T4th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.692).
Buffalo ranked 11th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (11.9).
Buffalo ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.692).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with Louisiana. The Cajuns were a mixed bag over their first couple of games this year, and they probably should have beaten Old Dominion in their second outing. That said, Louisiana has shown they can generate offense when they’re so inclined. Last weekend versus UAB, the Cajuns posted 513 total yards (305 rushing) in the win but there are a few things to shore up as well. Louisiana had three turnovers (two fumbles) and eight penalties for 65 yards, as well as going a tepid 5-of-11 on third downs. Still, the Cajuns should be able to control Buffalo in a comfortable home game. I think they’ll be fine cover-wise.
