Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames January 4, 2025, NCAAF Bahamas Bowl Top Predictions

Buffalo Bulls (8-4) vs. Liberty Flames (8-3)

Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames January 4 2025 – Buffalo Bulls will meet Liberty Flames at the Bahamas Bowl, a rivalry that has been long waited. Both squads have good seasons, but the Bulls are coming in hot after winning four games in a row whereas the Flames have been inconsistent recently. Considering that the odds makers have made the Bulls 2.5 point favorites, it seems fans and bettors will be in for a treat in Nassau.

Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames January 4 2025 Game Info

Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames Betting Odds

Buffalo’s odds indicate faith in their recent results but Liberty remains an underdog and surprises during big matches. It is understandable for bettors to be tempted to bet the over on the total because of some of Buffalo’s last games and the scores that Liberty was able to put up. Where the odds seem to support Buffalo, Liberty’s Saturday winning streak makes it even more compelling.

C.J. Ogbonna QB vs. Kaidon Salter QB

C.J. Ogbonna has proved that he can be a consistent quarterback for the Buffalo Bulls, having managed an offense that has breached the 40-point mark on several occasions in the ongoing season. While his completion percentage,” which of 57.1% with 19 touchdowns, means that he has the ability to come through in the clutch, he has still faced significant pressure which led to him being sacked twenty times. Ogbonna does well in his deeper throws as shown by his 90 yard longest pass and will be useful against Liberty as they bring out their zone defenses but his propensity to panic under pressure is something his opponents could take advantage of As we move into playoffs.

Kaidon Salter, quarterback for the Liberty Flames, brings a slightly different skillset with emphasis on playmaking on the move. Salter did not appear as a stat monster himself a majority of his statistics being 1,886 yards and only a slightly lesser completion percentage than Ogbonna at 56.3% but his movement inside the pocket has helped him in skin the risk of turnovers and he was only intercepted six times this season. With his best throw being a 70 yarder, Salter will be aggressive in Buffalo’s defense for sure. Buffalo’s aggressive defense should be no reason for Salter to lose focus and accuracy as it will only lure him into throwing opportunities.

Buffalo’s Dominant Streak Continues

Buffalo’s high-scoring offense is well represented in their last five games. They blew out Kent State (43-7) and Eastern Michigan (37-20) and managed to squeeze out a win 51-48 against Ball State. They were able to win thanks to Al-Jay Henderson and his attempts rushing and Victor Snow and his ability to make big plays.

Liberty’s Inconsistent Run

The Flames have had some great wins but then again, they have suffered equally staggering losses. However, the performance shown in the major wins over Western Kentucky and UMass was redeeming for them (38-21 and 35-34, respectively), but the loss to Sam Houston (18-20) indicated some vulnerabilities too. Quinton Cooley’s rushing explosiveness is their absolute best attacking option further strengthing their offense.

Buffalo Bulls Betting Trends

Buffalo’s offensive flair makes them a compelling pick for overs, having exceeded totals in eight of their last nine games. Their 4-1 SU record in recent outings, coupled with strong performances against Conference USA opponents, solidifies their standing.

Liberty Flames Betting Trends

Liberty’s perfect Saturday streak (10-0 SU) is impressive, as is their strong ATS performance against MAC opponents. However, a 3-9 ATS record in their last 12 games hints at struggles covering spreads.

Buffalo Bulls vs. Liberty Flames Betting Previews

Comparing the odds for the Buffalo Bull vs Liberty Flame, the Buffalo is only -2.5 which means from their past performances, they have the slightest of chances over Liberty. But as Liberty has a robust Saturday record and the ability to outperform against Mac teams, the game could swing towards them. The close Moneyline odds suggest a feasible tight game and that implies a perfect selection for the bettors. 

Based on the recent scoring trends concerning Chicago, the over on 50.5 points seems attractive, as it has been both teams’ strengths to score heavily in crucial encounters. Bettors should be on alert for shifts in the lines around game time as they tend to fluctuate due to fresh news about a specific team or change of mind among the majority of the bettors. If you are considering prop bets, trying to predict more conservative statistics such as Cooley’s rushing yards or Ogbonna’s passing touchdowns can be good sources of value.

Score Prediction: Buffalo Bulls 34, Liberty Flames 28.