Buffalo Bulls vs. UTEP Miners Odds

It wasn't long ago that the Buffalo Bulls were a college football betting whipping boy—an absolutely foolish selection for NCAA football wagering enthusiasts. In fact, the Bulls only joined the Mid-American Conference in 1999, and basically stumbled through seven years of football as they questioned why in the world they left success in Division I-AA for this.

Enter Turner Gill.

Unfortunately, Jim Hofher managed a staggering eight wins in five seasons, including three campaigns with just one victory. The laid-back approach that he brought to Western New York didn't exactly bode well for an upstart program. Gill, a former assistant with the Green Bay Packers, took the reigns and immediately breathed life into the troops—specifically the offense. After a difficult 2006 season, the former Nebraska Cornhuskers pivot led the Bulls to a 5-3 record in the MAC, and to a share of the East division title.

College football pundits and BetUS staff have high hopes for the upstart Bulls this season—including a possible shocker in Week 1!

As a former pro quarterback in the CFL, Coach Gill knows how to run an offense. The unit still went through some growing pains in 2007, but a year later, they can be very dangerous. James Starks may very well be the best running back in the MAC, and certainly the best runner in Bulls history. As a sophomore, Starks racked up 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns, including some monster weeks along the way. The offense, led by quarterback Drew Willy, proved that they could get it done without Starks, who rushed for only 54 yards in their season-ending victory over Kent State.

Now a senior, Willy should return and be as consistent as ever. The New Jersey native did not throw an interception in his final seven games last season, which is exactly what he will need to do once again. Accuracy is a key in an offense that doesn't pose much of a deep threat. With center Jamey Richard gone, Willy might feel a little more pass pressure this year, but with backs like Starks and Brandon Thermilus, he always has a second and third option.

While their defense was ferocious last season, the Bulls are losing the two men who made it that way. Larry Hutchinson and Trevor Scott combined for more than half of the team's total sacks, and leave the 'D' corps in the lands of mostly undersized linebackers. It is unclear who will take the starting role at linebacker and defensive end with a little over a week to go until Week 1. The secondary may be on the way to improvement, as freshman Josh Thomas received a crash course in becoming a corner. A little more experience will serve him well!

Outlook

Their young secondary will be key in Week 1 against a UTEP team that loves to put the ball in the air, and despite a very disappointing season, put big points up in Conference USA. Miners QB Trevor Vittatoe is only a sophomore himself, so the Bulls corners are not necessarily at a disadvantage. Coach Mike Price hasn't given him a decided offensive scheme to settle into either, which is one of the main reasons why the Miners struggled last season. However, the key for Buffalo will be to slow the game down with short passes and frequent handoffs, which should frustrate an erratic team like UTEP. NCAA football bettors should seriously consider putting money on the Buffalo Bulls in this game!