Jaret Patterson NCAAF Football Bahamas Bowl Betting Preview Buffalo Bulls vs Charlotte 49ers

Bahamas Bowl Preview: Buffalo vs Charlotte

The Buffalo Bulls couldn’t follow up their incredible 10-win 2018 season – but they’re still in business in bowl season as they tangle with the Charlotte 49ers at the Bahamas Bowl in Nassau. The Bulls overcame a sluggish start with wins in five of their final six games, and showed some much-needed offensive punch to go along with a sensational defense.

Bahamas Bowl Matchup Information
  • Spread: Buffalo -6.5
  • Total: 58
  • Date/Time: December 20, 2 p.m. ET
  • Location: Nassau, Bahamas
  • Stadium: Thomas Robinson Stadium
  • TV Coverage: ESPN
  • Buffalo vs Charlotte Matchup Report & Updated Odds

Bahamas Bowl Odds Analysis

This line opened anywhere from -4.5 to -7, but has settled in nicely at -6 or -6.5 depending on the book. The total has climbed 1 to 1 1/2 points following an open of 56.5.

Buffalo News & Notes

While the Bulls have been quite difficult to move the ball against for the majority of the season, ranking sixth in total defense and fourth in rushing defense, the offense lagged well behind until late October. Buffalo racked up 43 or more points in four of its final five games, winning each of those four while going a perfect 4-0 ATS and converting the OVER in all four.

The Bulls’ offensive approach in Nassau will likely center around their two-headed running back tandem of Jaret Patterson and Kevin Marks, who both finished with over 1,000 rushing yards while combining for 25 rushing scores. With quarterbacks Kyle Vantrease and Matt Myers completing just 54.4 percent of their pass attempts, Buffalo’s ground game should decide its fate.

Charlotte News & Notes

Like their NFL namesake, these 49ers like to run – and just like San Francisco, they’ve opted to spread the wealth in that regard. Four players have racked up 60 or more carries for Charlotte this season; all four have scored at least five touchdowns on the ground entering the Bahamas Bowl, while five average 5.0 yards per carry or better.

That all said, quarterback Chris Reynolds might very well be the most important player on either team. With the Bulls having stifled opposing ground attacks, Reynolds will almost certainly have to take to the air a lot – and he struggled mightily down the stretch, throwing five touchdowns against four interceptions over the final three games of the season.

Betting Pick: Buffalo ATS

Both teams played well to wind down their respective seasons, but the Bulls appear to be the superior team on both sides of the ball and should be able to negate Charlotte’s run game sufficiently to convert the cover.

Shark Bites
  • Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
  • Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
  • The total has gone OVER in Buffalo’s last 5 games.
Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.away Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in Buffalo’s last 5 games.away
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