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2009 International Bowl Odds – Buffalo v. Connecticut Football Picks & Predictions

It has taken a half-century, but Buffalo will be making its first ever bowl appearance when it takes on Connecticut in the International Bowl on Saturday January 3rd. The Bulls have certainly had a season to remember, coming off an improbably MAC Championship, but college football odds makers don’t think a bowl win is in the cards. The Buffalo Bulls are 6.5-point underdogs with the total set at 52.

This game marks Buffalo’s first bowl appearance in its 94-year history, but it is its second bowl invitation. The 1958 Bulls team went 8-1 and was invited to the Tangerine Bowl, but Buffalo declined the invitation because its African-American players wouldn’t have been able to participate. As near as a few seasons ago, another bowl invitation did not look like it would come anytime soon. In its first seven seasons in the FBS prior to Turner Gill taking over in 2006, the Bulls were only 10-69. And the Bulls did not see instant improvement under the former Nebraska star QB. The Bulls went 2-10 in his first season and 5-7 in 2007. The Bulls got off to a slow start again this season, losing four of their first six games, but a five game winning streak helped the Bulls gain bowl eligibility. It was remarkable enough that the Bulls won the MAC East title, but they clearly were not satisfied. On December 5th, Buffalo upset then-undefeated Ball State 42-24 to capture its first ever MAC title. If you think the Bulls can cap off their magical season with a win, bet Buffalo at +6.5 at BetUS.

The 7-5 UConn Huskies are making their second straight bowl appearance. UConn lost to Wake Forest in last year’s Meineke Bowl but it defeated Toledo on the 2004 Motor City Bowl. UConn got off to a fast start this season, winning its first five games, but it only went 2-5 the rest of the way out to finish fourth in the Big East. An inconsistent offense held the Huskies back at times. It scored 79 points in its final two wins while only tallying 58 in those last five losses.

Both quarterbacks, Tyler Lorenzen and Zach Frazer, have struggled, but running back Donald Brown has carried the offense. Brown led the FBS with 1,822 rushing yards, scored 17 touchdowns and was named the Big East offensive player of the year. He went over 100 yards in 10 games and over 200 yards twice. The Huskies can breathe a sigh of relief as he announced that he would come back for his senior year. Brown figures to have a good opportunity to rack up yards on a Buffalo defense that is allowing 158.8 rushing yards per game to rank 83rd in the country. If you like the Huskies to take advantage of Buffalo’s soft run defense, bet Connecticut at -6.5 at BetUS.

Buffalo’s defense has been susceptible, but its offense has more than held its own. It ranked second in the MAC in scoring with a 31.1 ppg average. Senior QB Drew Willy had an impressive season throwing for 3,091 yards and 25 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Willy was at his finest down the stretch, throwing 13 touchdown strikes against just one pick in the finals seven games.

Running back James Starks, who earned first team all-MAC honors, provides the balance. The junior rushed for 1,308 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He has been a big reason why the Bulls have a shot to win nine games for the first time 1986.

History is on the side of the Huskies with a 12-4 all-time mark against the Bulls. UConn has also won four straight in this series.

Ride Jimmy Boyd’s football picks throughout the bowl season to help you get more bang for you buck with your college football betting.

Editor’s Note: Jimmy Boyd’s 5* International Bowl BOMB goes on this matchup. Don’t miss it!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• 2009 Connecticut Football Predictions
• Florida International 2009 NCAA Football Predictions
• Bowling Green at Buffalo Football Odds & Picks
• Odds To Win The 2009 NCAA Tournament: Connecticut Huskies
• 2009 Buffalo NCAA Football Predictions

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