Buffalo Bulls vs
Minnesota Golden GophersPredictions & Preview

Buffalo Bulls to Face Minnesota Golden Gophers in Highly Anticipated College Football Season Opener, Experts Predict Tight Matchup

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are set to face off against the Buffalo Bulls in their opening game of the 2025 college football season. Join us as we provide a detailed prediction for this Week 1 matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bulls +613 | Golden Gophers -950
• Spread: Bulls +17.5 (-110) | Golden Gophers -17.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 44 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Minnesota will win straight-up is 90%.

Buffalo Bulls

The Buffalo Bulls are coming off a successful 9-4 season in 2024, with a 6-2 record in the Mid-American Conference. Head coach Pete Lembo is entering his second season with the team, and they have the third best odds to win the MAC at +400 on DraftKings. The team finished last season with a five game winning streak, including a 26-7 win over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl. Quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson, running back Al-Jay Henderson, and receiver Victor Snow are expected to lead the offense. Roberson has experience playing at Penn State, Connecticut, and Kansas State, while Henderson rushed for 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and Snow caught 55 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns. DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Bulls' win total at 7.5, with odds favoring them to be a contender in the MAC.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers had a successful season last year, finishing 8-5 under head coach P.J. Fleck. The team is led by freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey and strong running back Darius Taylor. On defense, the Gophers bring back six starters. DraftKings has set the team's 2025 win total at 7.5, with odds favoring another season around bowl eligibility.

Buffalo Emerging as Dark Horse Contender in MAC, Poses Challenge to Toledo

Toledo is widely considered the frontrunner in the MAC this season, but Buffalo presents a compelling option for those looking for value to win the conference. Quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson, who brings significant Power Five experience to the table, is poised to have a breakout season surrounded by top-tier skill-position players and an exceptional offensive line duo in Tyler Doty and Henry Tabansi. Defensively, the Bulls have a formidable linebacker corps and defensive end Kobe Stewart is coming off an impressive season. While Minnesota may have superior overall talent, their inexperienced quarterback situation could prove to be a vulnerability. With Buffalo facing long odds and a nationally televised game on FS1, taking them as a sizable underdog with a +17.5 point spread appears to be a wise choice.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]