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For me, capping this game became pretty simple when looking at two things.... UConn's run game and Buffalo's run defense.
UConn is a one-dimensional offense. Donald Brown is a pretty nice dimension though, as he has 1800 yards and 17 TDs and is the nation's leading rusher. They cannot throw the ball a lick.
The inability to throw made it impossible for them against some pretty good Big East competition. When they could keep the game close or take the lead, they could allow the running game to control the clock and whittle out some wins. They are by no means a great team. But that's also why they are less than a TD favorite over one of the weakest teams in any bowl game.
Buffalo finished the season winning 5 out of 6, but aside from a stunning (and wacky and improbable) win over Ball St, those wins were worthless contests against the cellar-dwellers of the MAC.
The one game they lost -- to Kent State. The key statistic -- Kent State rushed for 312 yards. Yes, 4-8 Kent State had TWO running backs go for 150 yards+ against the Buffalo run defense. They haven't seen anything like UConn's rushing attack, and when they have seen a poor man's version, they have gotten burned.
UConn to win this game handily.
Good luck.
UConn is a one-dimensional offense. Donald Brown is a pretty nice dimension though, as he has 1800 yards and 17 TDs and is the nation's leading rusher. They cannot throw the ball a lick.
The inability to throw made it impossible for them against some pretty good Big East competition. When they could keep the game close or take the lead, they could allow the running game to control the clock and whittle out some wins. They are by no means a great team. But that's also why they are less than a TD favorite over one of the weakest teams in any bowl game.
Buffalo finished the season winning 5 out of 6, but aside from a stunning (and wacky and improbable) win over Ball St, those wins were worthless contests against the cellar-dwellers of the MAC.
The one game they lost -- to Kent State. The key statistic -- Kent State rushed for 312 yards. Yes, 4-8 Kent State had TWO running backs go for 150 yards+ against the Buffalo run defense. They haven't seen anything like UConn's rushing attack, and when they have seen a poor man's version, they have gotten burned.
UConn to win this game handily.
Good luck.
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