Best Bets for Big ‘MACtion’ Game Tonight

Two teams with possible paths to the MAC championship game will fight for their playoff lives tonight in what amounts to an elimination game. The Miami (OH) RedHawks travel to face the Buffalo Bulls, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Miami (5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS) suffered a serious setback when starting QB DeQuan Finn abruptly left the team before last week’s tilt against Toledo. Finn previously starred at Toledo, and there was plenty of hype heading into the matchup. Without Finn, Miami floundered in a 24-3 loss under the direction of backup quarterback Henry Hesson.

Meanwhile, Buffalo (5-5 SU, 4-6 ATS) got doubled up by Central Michigan, 38-19. Both teams are 4-2 in conference play, trailing MAC leader Western Michigan (6-1). DraftKings is dealing Buffalo as a 2.5-point home underdog with a total of 38.5. Finn’s absence suggests another low-scoring game for Miami, but 69% of the spread handle and 57% of tickets are on the RedHawks.

We’re opting for the points again after Akron cashed a winning ticket for us yesterday, with the Zips defeating Bowling Green as a three-point dog.

Best Bet Miami vs. Buffalo: Against the Spread

Buffalo (+2.5)

This is largely a play against Hesson, who was awful in the blowout loss to Toledo. He completed just 11 of 38 passes for 147 yards and no TDs. Making matters even worse, Hesson was picked off three times.

Buffalo’s defense is also fairly stout. The Bulls rank 34th nationally in team defense, yielding 327 yards per game. Miami ranks one spot better, allowing 325.9 ypg. You can better understand why the total is so low, and losing Finn is a huge blow to Miami’s offense. He’s off to prepare for the NFL Draft, and his teammates will suffer as a result.

Best Bet Miami vs. Buffalo: Against the Spread

UNDER 38.5 (-108 at DraftKings)

Full disclosure: We hate playing UNDERS. But the evidence is overwhelming in this case. Both teams allow MAC foes under five yards per play, and the defensive numbers are nearly even for both teams across the board.

Hold your nose and take the UNDER.

Best Player Prop for Miami vs. Buffalo

Buffalo WR Victor Snow Anytime TD Scorer (+140 at FanDuel)

That’s a heck of a name for a player in Buffalo: Snow.

Simply put, Snow is a dynamic WR. He’s tied for the team lead in catches with 49, amassing 622 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches along the way.

Snow, who also has a pair of rushing TDs, leads the Bulls with nine touchdowns. This is a nice plus-money price for a scorer of his caliber.