In Week 8 of the 2025 regular season, the Buffalo Bulls will play against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, MA. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Bulls currently hold a balanced record of 3-3 this season, while the Minutemen are searching for their first win with a 0-6 record. The Bulls have shown resilience on the road with a 1-1 record and are coming off a narrow 31-30 win against Eastern Michigan. With a conference record of 2-0, they have demonstrated their strength within the Mid-American Conference. The Minutemen, as part of the FBS Independents, are hoping to turn their season around at their home stadium. Massachusetts has struggled offensively, as evidenced by their recent 42-6 loss against Kent State. Despite these challenges, they aim to leverage home-field advantage to secure a victory. The betting consensus shows Buffalo as the clear favorite with a moneyline of -888, while Massachusetts has a moneyline of +590, with the total over/under set at 43.5 points.
Massachusetts vs Buffalo At a Glance
- Game Week: Week 8 of the 2025 Regular Season
- Location: Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, MA
- Kickoff Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM
- Viewing Option: ESPN+
- Buffalo Bulls Record: 3-3 Overall, 2-0 Conference
- Massachusetts Odds: Moneyline +590, Spread +17.5 (-115)
Massachusetts Minutemen: A Closer Look at Their 2025 Season Performance
Offensive Struggles
The Massachusetts Minutemen have faced significant challenges on offense this season. Ranking 97th in points scored with only 58, they have struggled to convert opportunities into scores. Their passing game ranks 101st with 1084 yards, while the rushing attack has been particularly weak, coming in at 129th with just 350 yards.
First downs have been slightly better, as they rank 61st with 91 first downs. This indicates some potential for sustained drives, but the inability to capitalize on these opportunities has been a major hindrance.
Defensive Weaknesses
On the defensive side, Massachusetts has also had its fair share of difficulties. They have allowed 221 points, ranking 122nd, a reflection of their vulnerability against opposing offenses.
However, the Minutemen have shown some strength in creating turnovers, with 9 sacks (17th), 3 interceptions (4th), and 2 fumbles recovered (7th), indicating a defense that can occasionally disrupt the opponent’s game plan.
Recent Game Performance
Recent games have not been kind to the Minutemen, as evidenced by their 42-6 loss to Kent State. Despite gaining more first downs (21) and passing yards (227) than their opponent, their lack of an effective rushing attack was glaring with only 44 yards.
This pattern of ineffective rushing has been consistent, as seen in their loss to Western Michigan, where they managed only 57 rushing yards. A lack of balance in offensive play-calling may be contributing to their struggles.
Quarterback and Skill Position Review
Quarterback AJ Hairston leads the team with 517 passing yards and 1 touchdown, showing some promise but also dealing with 3 interceptions. This inconsistency has been a part of their passing woes.
Running back Rocko Griffin, despite being the leading rusher with 165 yards, faces injury concerns, which further complicates the Minutemen’s offensive situation. Their receiving corps, led by Jacquon Gibson with 358 yards, has been hampered by injuries as well.
Injury Concerns
The Minutemen’s injury report highlights significant challenges, with key players like Zachary Franks and Joshua Nobles out for the season. Questionable status for players such as Rocko Griffin and Jacquon Gibson adds to the uncertainty.
These injuries have undoubtedly affected team cohesion and performance, particularly on offense, where depth has been tested repeatedly this season.
Betting Trends
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 23 Games → 15-8 (65.2%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 26 Games → 16-10 (61.5%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 30 Games → 18-12 (60.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 7 Games → 5-2 (71.4%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 15 Games → 9-6 (60.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 19 Games → 11-8 (57.9%)
Buffalo Bulls Charge into Massachusetts: A Game of Grit and Strategy
Buffalo Bulls Offensive Overview
The Buffalo Bulls have scored 151 points this season, ranking them 63rd in the nation for points scored. They have accumulated 1108 passing yards, placing them at 98th, while their rushing game ranks 59th with 1007 yards. The Bulls’ ability to secure 115 first downs ranks them 44th nationally, showcasing their efficiency in moving the chains.
Buffalo Bulls Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Bulls have given up 128 points, ranking them 74th in points against. They have managed to secure 16 sacks, placing them 10th in the nation. Their secondary has been stellar, grabbing two interceptions, ranking 3rd, and recovering four fumbles, ranking 5th nationally.
Recent Game Recap: Buffalo vs. Eastern Michigan
Buffalo recently secured a narrow 31-30 win against Eastern Michigan at home. The Bulls demonstrated their passing prowess with 272 passing yards compared to Eastern Michigan’s 168. However, they struggled slightly against the run, allowing 227 rushing yards while gaining 115 themselves.
Quarterback and Key Offensive Players
Quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has played five games, throwing for 934 yards and eight touchdowns, placing him as a pivotal player for the Bulls. Al-Jay Henderson leads the rushing attack with 418 yards over six games. Wide receiver Victor Snow has been a reliable target, with 410 receiving yards and five touchdowns over six games.
Upcoming Challenges and Injuries
Buffalo will play the Massachusetts Minutemen at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium, facing a challenge as 17-point favorites. They are dealing with several injuries, including key players such as Ta’Quan Roberson and Jasaiah Gathings, who are both questionable. The depth of their squad will be tested in upcoming games.
Buffalo’s Recent Performance
In their recent games, Buffalo has shown resilience, with victories against Kent State and St. Francis (PA) and narrow losses to Connecticut and Troy. Their ability to stay competitive in close games is an indication of their potential to perform under pressure.
Key Defensive Players
Buffalo’s defense is anchored by a solid line that has generated 16 sacks this season, ranking 10th nationally. Their ability to force turnovers, with four fumble recoveries and two interceptions, adds a critical edge to their defensive strategy. Maintaining this defensive pressure will be key in upcoming games.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 9 Games (2024–2025) → 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 14 Games (2024–2025) → 10-4 (71.4%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 6-2 (75.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 21 Games (2022–2025) → 13-8 (61.9%)
Massachusetts vs Buffalo Prediction: Over 43.5
The upcoming game between Massachusetts and Buffalo presents an interesting scenario for betting on the total. The Minutemen have consistently hit the over in four of their last five home games, indicating a trend worth considering. Their defense, ranked 122nd in points against, has struggled significantly, which could lead to a high-scoring contest.
On the other hand, Buffalo’s offense has been moderately productive, scoring 151 points so far this season. Their performance should suffice against a Massachusetts team that has given up 42 points to Kent State recently. The Bulls’ ability to score and the Minutemen’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest a potential for a higher total.
Historical data also supports this perspective, as Massachusetts games have hit the over 15 times in their last 23 outings as underdogs. The total of 43.5 points appears attainable, given Buffalo’s ability to capitalize on Massachusetts’s weak defense. This matchup seems poised to exceed the set total.
The prediction for this game is to pick the over 43.5, with a projected final score of Buffalo 34 – Massachusetts 17. The Minutemen’s struggles on defense and Buffalo’s capability to exploit that should lead to a game that surpasses the total points line comfortably.
- Massachusetts vs Buffalo Prediction: Over 43.5
- Massachusetts vs Buffalo Score: Buffalo 34 – Massachusetts 17
