Army vs. Buffalo Prediction, Game Preview

Army vs. Buffalo prediction and game preview. Find out who’s projected to win when the Black Knights visit the Bulls on Saturday night.

Army vs. Buffalo Game Preview

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – 7 p.m. ET

Where: UB Stadium.

TV Broadcast: ESPN3

It’s been quite a start to the season for the Army football program. Through three games, the Black Knights are undefeated and have already surpassed last year’s win total. The triple option is clicking, and considering that two of the teams three victories were true road contests, this team is legit.

Buffalo has had quote the opposite start to the season, beginning things 0-2. Last week, the Bulls traveled farther west than they ever have for a road game and were trounced, 38-14, by Nevada. Buffalo has been outscored 60-30 thus far on the season, including 38-13 in the first half of games.

What To Know About Army

It’s all about the triple option, and more pointedly running back Andy Davidson. The sophomore back is ranked in the top 20 nationally in attempts, attempts per game yards and yards per game. Furthermore, he’s fifth nationally with six rushing touchdowns.

What to Know About Buffalo

The Bulls have had a tough go of things so far this season. They rank toward the bottom of most major categories – total defense, scoring defense and scoring offense. Buffalo’s running game, anchored by senior running back Jordan Johnson, is actually pretty strong. However, the Bulls find themselves behind early in games and then must rely on an inefficient passing game attempt a bail out.

Advantages

Offense: Army. The Black Knights have the nation’s second-best ground game (367 ypg), and are posting a robust 41.7 points per game.

Defense:Army. Buffalo is atrocious against the run (No. 114 nationally), which unfortunately for them is the strength of their opponent

Special Teams: Buffalo. If they can actually stifle Army’s ground game, the Bulls could be playing with a short field given that Army has the worst punting average in the nation (30.63 – nearly five yards worse than the next closest team).

Coaching: Army. After two rocky seasons, Jeff Monken is starting to put things together and look like the guy who won 38 games in four seasons at Georgia Southern.

Intangibles: Army. The strong start has Army realistically in play for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. With the likes of Duke and Notre Dame, as well as the other two service academies on tap, the Black Knights cannot afford a slip-up here.

Matchup To Watch

Army’s ground game vs. Buffalo’s front seven

Army has 255 total yards passing. Sophomore running back Andy Davidson has 334 yards rushing on his own. He’s one of five players to have over 120 yards on the ground. Stop the run, you stop Army.

Betting Odds

Spread: Army -14

Over/Under: 51