Wisconsin vs Buffalo Prediction Football Picks 9-2-23

The Buffalo Bulls and the Wisconsin Badgers meet Saturday in college football action from Camp Randall Stadium. Buffalo enters this one after a 7-6 run last year and an eventual victory in the Camellia Bowl. As for Wisconsin, they posted a 7-6 run in 2022 as well, finishing things off with a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Buffalo Bulls 

The Bulls started out last year at 0-3, then hit a five-game win streak before falling in three more consecutive outings. Buffalo would finish with a pair of wins, taking second in the East Division of the MAC and beating Georgia Southern 23-21 in the Camellia Bowl. 

Looking ahead to 2023, things are looking fairly promising on paper for Buffalo. Offensively the team has QB Cole Snyder back with some much-needed experience after 18 scores last year, and Ron Cook returns from injury to provide consistency out of the backfield. On defense, the Bulls are looking pretty solid as well. The linebackers will provide a nice baseline for that unit’s performance behind All-MAC Shaun Dolac. 

Buffalo Bulls Team Facts

Buffalo has won three of its last four games as an underdog.
The underdog has covered the spread in five of Buffalo's last six games.
Buffalo has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Four of Buffalo's last five games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Wisconsin Badgers 

Over on the Badgers’ side, it wasn’t always smooth sailing in a crowded Big Ten last year and the team finished pretty far down the standings in the West Division with a 4-5 conference record. Still, Wisconsin managed a few big wins going 7-6 and finished with a win over Oklahoma State 24-17 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. 

Wisconsin’s offense is about to get a big shot in the arm this year under new coordinator Phil Longo. It may take a few games for some chemistry to form, but there’s big talent on the roster with transfer receivers CJ Williams (USC), Will Pauling (Cincinnati) and Bryson Green (Oklahoma State) incoming. Braelon Allen will work well at RB behind a strong line; hopes are high for a lot more scoring this season. 

Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts

Wisconsin has won 20 of its last 22 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
The team ranked 19th in the AP Poll has covered the spread in four of its last five games.
Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Camp Randall Stadium.
Five of Wisconsin's last six games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Wisconsin ranked 5th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (3.9).
Wisconsin ranked 6th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (7.7).
Buffalo ranked 11th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (11.9).
Buffalo ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.692).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to take a stab on Buffalo here. Granted, there’s not much chance of the Bulls getting too close, especially considering Wisconsin will probably be chucking the ball all over the field as they test drive their new-look offense. That said, I think Buffalo is a strong enough team to stay in range. There are a couple things to keep an eye on as the Bulls try to improve this season, namely the pass rush on defense and the passing game on offense. The tools to succeed are there on both sides—Cole Snyder needs to get higher than his 59 percent completion rate though, and edge rusher Jyaire Stevens needs to contribute quickly. All things considered however, I think Buffalo can stay within cover range during a big Wisconsin win.