The Minnesota Golden Gophers may be an offensive line away from making noise in 2025.
The casual fan may not recognize it, but the Buffalo Bulls should be a good test for that Gopher wonder.
My Buffalo vs. Minnesota predictions and college football picks expect P.J. Fleck to open the season conservatively while relying on his pair of star running backs.
Find out more in our college football picks for Thursday, August 28, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1.
Buffalo vs Minnesota prediction
Buffalo vs Minnesota best bet: Buffalo +17.5 (-112)
Buffalo returns 10 defensive starters, including a pair of sure-tackling linebackers and a veteran secondary. Doubt in the Bulls may seem easy on the surface, but head coach Pete Lembo preaches a fundamental form of football, and that discipline assignment could frazzle Minnesota’s first-time starting quarterback, Drake Lindsey.
There is plenty of anticipation around Lindsey, but a soft start to his debut season makes sense, especially as Minnesota should open the season 4-0 with an idle week in that stretch. Easing him into offensive responsibilities is logically the best approach for long-term success.
But taking the ball out of Lindsey’s hands and putting it in Darius Taylor’s and AJ Turner’s has two flaws this week: The Gophers’ offensive line is, at best, a question. It lost three starters and was already struggling in run blocking last season. Secondly, Buffalo has a quality defensive line that should not be overlooked, backed up by linebackers Red Murdock and Shaun Dolac.
There may be an instinct to read all that and play an Under, but the total of 43.5 is simply too low for that. Instead, staying within the three-score spread is effectively a nod to the Under.
Buffalo vs Minnesota same-game parlay
P.J. Fleck is known for his energy and his catchphrases. He appears to be “all gas, no brakes” at all times. But he isn’t. He is actually a rather conservative coach while the clock is ticking.
Expect Fleck to keep Lindsey out of trouble early, putting the ball in Darius Taylor’s hands often, especially where it matters most.
Our deep-ball SGP: Turner Burner
There is no logical reason adding an AJ Turner touchdown should jump this same-game parlay from +487 to +3450. Even while writing this article — but after filing the pick — the payout increased to +3756.
A Turner touchdown on its own pays +210. Then why the massive jump? Let’s consider that a Week One mistake from FanDuel. Turner scored in four games for Marshall last year, eight total times, and he should be a welcome relief complement to Taylor.
Buffalo vs Minnesota game predictions
Buffalo vs Minnesota moneyline prediction
Buffalo may keep this close, but do not expect an upset. While the program has felt like it is butting against a ceiling, Minnesota has not lost to a Group of Five team in three years.
Buffalo vs Minnesota spread prediction
For that matter, the Gophers have gone 4-1 against the spread against Group of Five teams in the last three years. Fleck has built a solid and reliable program, if also a far from spectacular program.
Buffalo vs Minnesota Over/Under prediction
This total of 43.5 is just too low to hit an Under. Notice the same-game parlays here factor in only a First Half Under 23.5. Once comfortable, Fleck may see value in turning Lindsey loose.
Buffalo vs Minnesota odds
- Spread: Buffalo +17.5 | Minnesota -17.5
- Moneyline: Buffalo +740 | Minnesota -1250
- Over/Under: Over 43.5 | Under 43.5
Buffalo vs Minnesota trend to know
Minnesota has gone 2-5-1 against the spread in its eight season openers under Fleck. Find more college football betting trends for Buffalo vs Minnesota.
How to watch Buffalo vs Minnesota
| Location | Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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