Play Buffalo; No Bull!

The first Saturday of the college football slate gives us 47 options on the wagering menu and we think we've found an interesting nugget.

It comes in the early part of the day, when Buffalo's Bulls face an Ohio State team ranked No 2 in both polls.

Ohio State may be all they are cracked up to be, but for now, I see an opportunity to expose Bovada's high number that favors Ohio State by a whopping 36 points.

Let's start with Ohio State's offense. It returns QB Braxton Miller, who will be looking at a very unique defense. Buffalo features three down linemen, three linebackers, and three safeties. It's a scheme that could compound Ohio State's running game issues, which is already without its top two running backs.

It's also worth noting that Buffalo Defensive Coordinator Lou Tepper guided a unit that finished second in the MAC in total yards allowed last season, and it's that unique scheme that is largely to credit for the Bulls' success.

Ohio State has some questions to answer on the other side of the ball, as well. Six of their front seven are first time starters, and the Buckeyes are without suspended All-American defensive back Bradley Roby.

In the meantime, Buffalo brings back quarterback Joe Licata, who helped the Bulls win three of their final four games, and they only won four all season. The Bulls' running game also includes Brandon Oliver, who rushed for over 800 yards in just seven games last season.

In all honesty, Bovada's 36-point spread is about as generous as I have seen, and I have checked all the lines in Vegas. So you might want to open or log onto your account now and get this big number that looks quite over-inflated to me.

I don't expect this to be all that close, but I also don't expect Ohio State to cover the lofty 36 points.

Enjoy the first Saturday of college football!

My pick:  University at Buffalo     +36

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UPDATE:

Result ... Ohio State 40 Buffalo 20     Bulls cover

Steve Soprano is the founder and handicapper at www.premierticketsports.com