Despite being a heavy favorite, the Michigan Wolverines will have a tough test against the Buffalo Bulls on Wednesday.
The Bulls are projected to win the MAC this season and kept all but two players while adding a couple key pieces to the roster. Meanwhile, Michigan has one of the best recruiting classes this season.
Buffalo has way more experience on its roster while Michigan features much better talent. Which team can you trust more heading in Ann Arbor?
Read our picks and predictions for Buffalo vs. Michigan on November 10 on the Big Ten Network.
Buffalo vs Michigan odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Michigan opened as an 18.5-point favorite but has now dropped to as low as 15.5 against Buffalo at the time of writing. Meanwhile, after opening at 152.5, the total has shifted a bit less and is now sitting at 150.5.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the fullcollege basketball odds before placing your bets.
Buffalo vs Michigan predictions
Predictions made on 11/10/2021 at 8:55 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Buffalo vs Michigan game info
• Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
• Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021
• Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. ET
• TV: Big Ten Network
Buffalo at Michigan betting preview
Injuries
Buffalo: None reported.
Michigan: Frankie Collins (Probable), Zeb Jackson (Probable).
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Bulls are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Find more NCAA betting trends for Buffalo vs. Michigan.
Buffalo vs Michigan picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
Michigan is going to be a tough handicap to start the season. They’ve lost four key players while retaining four others. On top of that, the Wolverines added a senior guard in DeVante' Jones from the transfer portal and six different freshman who can all make an impact if given the chance.
Michigan is coming into this season with one of the best recruiting classes in America, but that’s all we know about the freshman.
The incumbents include guard Eli Brooks, forward Brandon Johns Jr., and Hunter Dickinson, who scored 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season as a freshman.
Currently, it looks like Caleb Houstan could be the lone freshman getting the start for Michigan, but several more can make an impact coming off the bench.
However, Buffalo has way more experience on their roster and is projected to win the Mid-American. This will be no cake walk for Michigan, despite the lofty spread.
Buffalo’s rotation will consist of eight seniors or redshirt juniors. That wealth of experience could be the difference in this game. I’d rather take 21- or 22-year-olds over 17- and 18-year-olds, especially when I’m getting 15.5 points.
Buffalo lost Jayvon Graves and David Nickelberry, but everyone else returns along with a transfer in Maceo Jack, who should have an enhanced role in comparison to his team at George Washington.
I’m going Buffalo with the points here. Michigan will be a premier team, but you’ve got to give this young squad some time.
Prediction: Buffalo +15.5 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Defensively, both teams will be terrific. Buffalo has Josh Mballa, the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year, who should help keep this game under the massive total of 150.5.
Again, I’m not going to sit here and trust a bunch of freshman to make an insane amount of shots in their first Division 1 basketball game. Michigan's starting lineup looks fantastic on paper, but it's going to rely on DeVante Jones to run the offense. He’s never played a game with Michigan and it might take him some time to get comfortable with new teammates on the big stage.
Prediction: Under 150.5 (-110)
Best bet
I’m sticking with Buffalo +15.5 here. Buffalo’s rotation has so much more experience , and while Michigan clearly has more talent, I’m not sure the offense will move consistently right out of the gate.
Last night, Indiana struggled a bit against Eastern Michigan, and Ohio State didn’t look its best against Akron. Buffalo is supposed to be better than either of those two teams in the MAC.
It’s not going to be hard for Buffalo to get going as they’ve got a bunch of returners who have played with one another and have a feel for one another.
I’m not saying Buffalo will pull off an upset, but I do like this game to stay close.
Pick: Buffalo +15.5 (-110)
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