The first bowl game of the season is always a big one. A new season for gambling, amazing bowl game names, and learning too much about teams you may never hear from again. This year, we kick it off with the 2019 Bahamas Bowl pitting the Buffalo Bulls (MAC) against the Charlotte 49ers (C-USA). Both teams enter Friday afternoon with a 7-5 record and will look to capture their first-ever bowl game victory. The Bulls are 0-3 all-time, most recently losing the Dollar General Bowl to Troy, 42-32, last season. The 49ers will appear in their first bowl game in their fifth season as an FBS program.

How they got here: Buffalo Bulls

The Bulls started off their 2019 campaign with a 2-4 record, including an 0-2 start in MAC play. But after winning five of their last six games, they finished the season at 7-5, making a bowl game for the second straight season under esteemed head coach Lance Leipold. Leipold is no stranger to big games, capturing six Div. III national championships in just eight seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater. With Buffalo, Leipold has won at least six games in three of his first five seasons, including a program-best 10 last year. He has the program headed in the right direction with a solid recruiting class coming in next season.

Much like the pro team in the same city, Buffalo prides itself on defense. The Bulls rank 7th in the nation, allowing just 293.1 yards per game and adding 20 turnovers. They are especially good against the run, allowing the 4th fewest yards per game in the country. Their defense is led by high-flying safeties Joey Banks and Tyrone Hill, as well as sack master Taylor Riggins (8.5 sacks). There really are not many holes in this Bulls defense.

Offensively, Buffalo is run-heavy. The Bulls feature two running backs that rushed for over 1,000 yards in Jaret Patterson and Kevin Marks. They have led the Bulls to 254.3 rushing yards per game, ranking ninth in the nation. Buffalo does not pass very often, but when they do it comes from sophomore Kyle Vantrease, who doesn’t jump off the page with flash but does a good job taking care of the ball. He replaced injured freshman Matt Myers, who has been out since Week 5. When the Bulls do throw the ball, it is often to junior speedster Antonio Nunn, who leads the team with 634 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. This Buffalo team plays a very old-school brand of football. Run the ball down your throat and play good defense. That formula has worked pretty well thus far.

How they got here: Charlotte 49ers

It had been a rocky road for Charlotte after joining the FBS and C-USA in 2015. But the program seems to be setting new standards under head coach Will Healy. The 49ers were reeling after a 30-14 loss to Western Kentucky put them at 2-5 on the season, but Charlotte then ripped off five straight wins en route to a 7-5 record and bowl appearance.

The recent success of the 49ers comes from an improved defense that has allowed 22.8 points per game its last five games as opposed to 39.4 points per game during the 2-5 stretch. Although they don’t force a ton of turnovers, Charlotte does a great job getting to the quarterback, ranking 15th in the country in team sacks. They are led by stud DE Alex Highsmith, who’s 14 sacks are second in the country only behind Heisman finalist Chase Young. Highsmith has put himself in a position to be a sleeper pick in the upcoming NFL draft and is helped by LB Markees Watts (9.5 sacks). The run defense will have to be stout against an elite rushing attack from the Bulls.

Charlotte features a very balanced offensive attack, passing for 212 yards and rushing for 210 per game. QB Chris Reynolds doesn’t usually throw for monster games but did finish the season with 2,366 yards, 21 TD, 10 INT, and a 62.2 completion percentage. Reynold is at his best when he uses his legs. The sophomore was second on the team in rushing with 757 yards, adding six more touchdowns on the ground. Leading rusher Benny LeMay turned in a solid senior year with 1,027 yards and nine touchdowns, going for over 100 yards in each of the 49ers final three games. Both sides of the ball have been coming together at the right time for Charlotte.

Player to Watch: Buffalo

It’s a pretty easy pick for the Bulls. Jaret Patterson will be the best player on the field this Friday afternoon for either side. The nation’s sixth-best rusher is coming off a game against Bowling Green where he rushed for 298 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 11.5 yards per carry. If you haven’t watched the sophomore yet this season, pay attention. Don’t let his 5 foot 9 frame fool you. This kid is a baller- period. Using a combination of speed and power, Patterson should have a field day against that 49ers defense.

Player to Watch: Charlotte

If the 49ers want to come away with their first bowl victory, WR Victor Tucker will have to have a big day. He is not only their leading receiver (848 yards) but also the team’s best deep threat. Tucker’s job will be to create openings deep in the Buffalo secondary. Averaging 17.3 yards per catch and coming off of a game in which he caught three passes but turned it into 118 yards, Tucker is the guy to watch for Charlotte.

Gambling picks (Buffalo -6.5, O/U 52.5)

The moment many of you have been waiting for. I feel pretty confident taking the Bulls to cover (-6.5). They have been a machine of late and have to be hungry for that first bowl game win. The over/under here is interesting. There’s one of two ways this game can go. Both teams average over 30 points per game, so the over seems to be a play. But, this could also turn into a Buffalo grind it out 28-7 final. With the wind expected to be howling at up to 40 MPH, expect the ball to run for the majority of the contest. I’d take the under here, with it dropping quickly. Grab it while you can. 62.2% of games with winds averaging over 20 MPH end in the under. I hate taking bowl game unders, but this seems to be the safe play