Bahamas Bowl Total Prediction
The 2019-20 College Football Bowl season gets underway on Friday at 2PM ET when Buffalo and Charlotte meet up in the Bahamas Bowl. Will it be a high-scoring game?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl
201 Buffalo vs. 202 Charlotte
Friday, December 20, 2019
2PM ET – Thomas Robinson Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Buffalo is favored in this game, as the Bulls are getting odds of -6.5 points against Charlotte. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 54 points. The public betting currently has 81 percent going on Buffalo as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Bulls finish strong
Buffalo wasn’t in the MAC Championship, but the Bulls won five of their last six games to end the regular season while covering in six of their last seven. The Bulls also have hit the over in five straight. Buffalo was 7-5 on the season, 7-5 against the spread and 8-4 with the over.
The Bulls have been led by their defense, which is giving up just 22.3 points and 293.1 yards per game. They are holding opponents under 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards per game. Taylor Riggins is leading the defense with 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Offensively, Buffalo is putting up 31.5 points and 397.4 yards per game. They are led by their strong run game, which puts up 254.3 yards per contest. Jaret Patterson is leading the way with 1,626 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, while Kevin Marks has 1,008 yards and eight scores on the ground. Kyle Vantrease has thrown for 1,116 yards and seven touchdowns at QB.
Charlotte on hot streak
Charlotte is riding a five-game winning streak coming into this bowl game. The 49ers started 0-3 in Conference USA, but won five straight to get into the bowl mix. Charlotte was 7-5 on the season, 6-6 against the spread and 8-4 with the over.
The 49ers have a high-powered offense, but the defense has struggled to keep points off the board. Charlotte is putting up 31.6 points and 423 yards per game on offense thanks to a balanced attack. Defensively, the 49ers are giving up 32.5 points and 389.2 yards per contest. Chris Reynolds is leading the team with 2,366 passing yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 757 yards and six scores. Benny LeMay is the leading rusher with 1,027 yards and nine touchdowns. Victor Tucker is the leading receiver with 49 catches for 848 yards and six scores. The defense is led by Alex Highsmith, who has 68 tackles and 14 sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
Buffalo
The Bulls are 9-1-1 with the over in their last 11 games against a winning team, but 4-1 with the under in their last five against CUSA opponents.
Charlotte
The 49ers have hit the over in their last four non-conference games, but 4-1 with the under in their last five games on grass.
Prediction:
These two have no meetings to look at, but both teams come in with strong ground attacks that could be in store for big showings. However, I think the Buffalo defense will give Charlotte problems. The Buffalo run defense is solid and I think it will force the 49ers into being more one-dimensional than they would like. While the Bulls could have success on offense, I think they will look to play ball control and limit possessions, which will keep the score low in this one.
Bahamas Bowl Prediction: Buffalo/Charlotte Under 54