Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/12/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Ball State Cardinals hit the road to face the Buffalo Bulls.

Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Ball State Cardinals +162 (FanDuel) / Buffalo Bulls -182 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: -4.5 - Ball State Cardinals -108 (DraftKings) / Buffalo Bulls -112 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 54.5 - Under -112 (FanDuel) / Over -108 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 11/12/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: UB Stadium (Buffalo, NY)
TV: CBSSN

Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls Preview

The Ball State Cardinals are set to face the Buffalo Bulls in a crucial MAC showdown at UB Stadium. The Cardinals, with a 3-6 record, are in a must-win situation to keep their bowl game hopes alive, while the Bulls, standing at 5-4, are eyeing a spot in the MAC Championship Game. Buffalo enters this matchup as a 4.5-point favorite, a testament to their recent form and home-field advantage.

Buffalo's offense is spearheaded by a potent rushing attack, ranking fifth in the MAC with an average of 153.4 rushing yards per game. Junior running back Al-Jay Henderson has been a standout performer, amassing 562 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. His ability to consistently gain yardage, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, will be pivotal against a Ball State defense that has struggled to contain opponents, ranking outside the top 100 in several defensive metrics.

On the other side, Ball State's offense is driven by their passing game, led by freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza. Semonza has shown a fearless approach, ranking second in the MAC with 2,029 passing yards. Despite his impressive stats, including 15 touchdown passes, Semonza's nine interceptions highlight a vulnerability that Buffalo's defense will look to exploit. The Cardinals' offensive line will need to provide ample protection to allow Semonza to connect with his targets, including star wideout Tanner Koziol.

Defensively, Buffalo has been solid in coverage, which could pose challenges for Semonza and the Cardinals' aerial attack. However, the Bulls have shown susceptibility against the run, which Ball State might exploit given their respectable ranking in Rush Success Rate. The Cardinals' ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial in this contest.

Both teams have shown the capability to score, with Buffalo averaging 24.2 points per game and Ball State not far behind. The Bulls' recent victory over Akron, where they scored 41 points, underscores their offensive potential. Meanwhile, Ball State's narrow loss to Miami (OH) demonstrated their ability to compete against strong defenses.

As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. Buffalo aims to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the MAC standings, while Ball State fights to keep their postseason dreams alive. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights in Buffalo.

Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls Pick: Buffalo Bulls Moneyline

In this pivotal MAC matchup, the Buffalo Bulls are poised to secure a victory over the Ball State Cardinals, and the moneyline pick for Buffalo is well-supported by several key factors. Buffalo's recent form, particularly their commanding 41-30 win over Akron, highlights their offensive prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Bulls have consistently demonstrated their offensive capabilities, scoring over 30 points in five games this season, which underscores their potential to outpace the Cardinals.

Buffalo's offensive strategy is heavily reliant on their robust rushing attack, which ranks fifth in the MAC with an average of 153.4 rushing yards per game. Junior running back Al-Jay Henderson has been a standout performer, showcasing his ability to consistently gain yardage with an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. This ground game will be crucial against a Ball State defense that has struggled significantly, ranking outside the top 100 in several defensive metrics. The Cardinals' defense has been porous, allowing opponents to score frequently when entering their territory, which Buffalo's offense is well-equipped to exploit.

Defensively, Buffalo has shown strength in coverage, which will be vital in containing Ball State's freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza. While Semonza has impressive passing stats, including 2,029 yards and 15 touchdowns, his nine interceptions reveal a vulnerability that Buffalo's defense can capitalize on. The Bulls' ability to disrupt Semonza's rhythm and force turnovers could be a decisive factor in the game.

Moreover, Buffalo's home-field advantage at UB Stadium provides an additional edge, as they aim to strengthen their position in the MAC standings and push for a spot in the championship game. With the Cardinals needing to win out to keep their bowl hopes alive, the pressure is on Ball State, and Buffalo's balanced attack and defensive capabilities make them the more reliable pick. Given these considerations, the Buffalo Bulls are the favored choice to emerge victorious in this high-stakes encounter.

Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls Top Player Prop Picks

Kadin Semonza Over 1.5 Passing TDs +140 (bet365)

Freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza has been a bright spot for the Ball State Cardinals, showcasing his fearless approach and ability to make big plays downfield. With 15 touchdown passes this season, Semonza ranks second in the MAC in passing yards, demonstrating his capability to find the end zone. Despite his nine interceptions, Semonza's aggressive style has kept Ball State competitive, as evidenced by their narrow loss to Miami (OH) where they nearly outgained their opponent. Buffalo's defense, while solid in coverage, has shown vulnerability against the pass, ranking 98th in Pass Success Rate Allowed. This presents an opportunity for Semonza to exploit, especially with star wideout Tanner Koziol as a key target. Given the Cardinals' need to win out to keep their bowl hopes alive, expect Semonza to take his chances and surpass the 1.5 passing TDs line.

Al-Jay Henderson Over 85.5 Rushing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Buffalo's junior running back Al-Jay Henderson has been a consistent force in the Bulls' rushing attack, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and amassing 562 rushing yards this season. His impressive performance has been a cornerstone of Buffalo's offense, which ranks fifth in the MAC in rushing yards per game. Henderson's ability to wear down defenses with his patience and vision will be crucial against a Ball State defense that has struggled significantly, ranking outside the top 100 in several defensive metrics. The Cardinals' inability to contain the run makes Henderson a prime candidate to exceed the 85.5 rushing yards line, especially given his recent form of rushing for 80-plus yards in four consecutive games.

CJ Ogbonna Over 1.5 Passing TDs +120 (bet365)

Buffalo's quarterback CJ Ogbonna has been efficient in leading the Bulls' offense, throwing for two touchdowns in their recent victory over Akron. With only one interception this season, Ogbonna has shown a knack for protecting the ball while still making impactful plays. The Bulls' offensive strategy, which includes a fast tempo and a strong rushing attack, opens up opportunities for Ogbonna to capitalize on play-action passes and red zone opportunities. Ball State's defense, ranked outside the top 120 in tackling, is susceptible to giving up touchdowns, particularly when opponents enter their territory. This sets the stage for Ogbonna to surpass the 1.5 passing TDs line, as Buffalo looks to maintain their offensive momentum and secure a crucial win in their push for the MAC Championship Game.