The Buffalo Bulls take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Thursday, Aug. 28. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on FS1.
Minnesota is favored by 16.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -900. Buffalo, meanwhile, comes in at +550 to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 43.5 points.
Are the Bulls live with a solid defensive corps and a potential firecracker at the quarterback position?
Here’s my Buffalo vs. Minnesota prediction and college football picks for Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Buffalo vs Minnesota Prediction
- Buffalo vs. Minnesota Pick: Buffalo +17.5
My Minnesota vs. Buffalo best bet is on the Bulls to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Buffalo vs Minnesota Odds, Spread, Line
| Buffalo Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -102 | 43.5 -108o / -112u | +550 |
| Minnesota Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -118 | 43.5 -108o / -112u | -900 |
- Buffalo vs Minnesota Spread: Minnesota -16.5 (-118), Buffalo +16.5 (-102)
- Buffalo vs Minnesota Over/Under: 43.5 Total Points
- Buffalo vs Minnesota Moneyline: Buffalo ML +550, Minnesota ML -900
Buffalo vs Minnesota Week 1 Pick to Bet
I think Buffalo is catching too many points.
I’m actually a fan of Minnesota’s offense, especially running back Darius Taylor. And P.J. Fleck-led teams are 7-3 ATS when laying 10 or more points.
That said, I think the Golden Gopher defense will really miss former defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who took the DC job at Miami in the offseason. He did a fantastic job last season, and I want to fade Minnesota early this season as it adjusts to life without its top lieutenant.
On the other sideline, I adore Buffalo’s defense. The Bulls boast a borderline-elite Group of 5 defense, led by linebacker Red Murdock, edge rusher Kobe Stewart, and boatloads of returning production at all three levels. They should be able to create some negative plays and force Minnesota into clear passing situations.
Meanwhile, I like the pieces on the Buffalo offense. If new quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson hits, the Bulls could become an upper-echelon Group of 5 attack. Top running back Al-Jay Henderson is an elite workhorse, and top wide receiver Victor Snow is an All-MAC talent.
I project the Bulls as only 13-point underdogs.
Pick: Buffalo +17.5 (Play to +17)
