The Marshall Thundering Herd and the Buffalo Bulls both failed to win in their respective title game appearances over the weekend. But they still get a chance to end the season on a high note, as they square off in the upcoming Camellia Bowl in Montgomery. Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Marshall Thundering Herd vs Buffalo Bulls NCAA Football Camellia Bowl Game on December 25 2020
Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
When: Friday, December 25, 2020, 2:30 PM ET
Line: Marshall Thundering Herd (+3) vs. Buffalo Bulls (-3) – view all 2020 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Marshall Thundering Herd (+3)
Record: 7-2 Overall / 4-1 Conference
Marshall fell short of its goal to win the Conference USA Championship, as the Thundering Herd lost to the UAB Blazers in the league title game 22-13, last Saturday. But at least they got a ticket to play in the Camellia Bowl. Marshall’s defense has the best defense in the nation, at least on paper.It is allowing just 14.1 points per game, the best nationally, and only 291.6 total yards per game, which is fourth overall. However, that stingy defense wasn’t that effective in the UAB game, as the Blazers went 8 of 18 on third downs and had 468 total yards. The key for Buffalo is to have its offense contribute enough to let its stop unit breathe a little. Buffalo’s got a high-powered offense, so picking up first downs and extending plays will be huge for Marshall in this bowl game. Marshall’s attack is led by quarterback Grant Wells, who has 1,977 passing yards and 18 touchdowns with nine interceptions on the season.
Marshall is 5-3 against the spread in its last eight games overall. The over is 7-3 in the Thundering Herd’s last 10.
Betting on the Buffalo Bulls (-3)
Record: 5-1 Overall / 5-0 Conference
Like Marshall, Buffalo walked away empty-handed from a recent conference championship game, as the Bulls lost to the Ball State Cardinals at the MAC title game last Saturday, 38-28. That was the Bulls’ first loss of the season after winning five games in a row to start their 2020 campaign. Despite the loss, Buffalo managed to show how lethal it can be on offense. Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease had 365 passing yards and a touchdown with an interception on 29-of-42 completions. The backfield also scored three touchdowns and racked up 134 rushing yards on 29 carries. Buffalo knows that the Thundering Herd’s strength is their defense, but having seen that stop unit struggle last week should only bolster the confidence of Vantrease and company. Plus, the Thundering Herd’s offense isn’t scary enough for Buffalo’s defense to feel threatened. Marshall is averaging 27.0 points per game, with an offense that’s decent, but not special.
Buffalo is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Buffalo wins, 33-29.
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