While people are enjoying their Christmas Day NBA and NFL action, squeezed in at 2:30 PM is the 2020 Camellia Bowl. This year’s game pairs two teams that got off to hot starts before disappointing finishes to their seasons. Last weekend, both Buffalo and Marshall lost their respective conference championship games despite entering the game as favorites. Now, on Christmas Day, both programs will look to end their seasons on a strong note.
How they got here: Buffalo
The Bulls flirted with a perfect season before eventually falling to Ball State, 38-28, in the MAC Championship game. Buffalo enters the Camellia Bowl with a 5-1 record, but have not played a non-conference game. In that championship game, the Bulls moved the ball well but failed to convert their possessions into points. Furthermore, star RB Jaret Patterson was ineffective, running for just 47 yards on 18 carries. After leaving the game with a leg injury, Buffalo is happy to hear they should have the nation’s 11th leading rusher on Friday. Even without Patterson, RB Kevin Marks has been strong all year. Last weekend, he ran for 93 yards on just nine carries. The Bulls will look to get the ball going on the ground against a tough Marshall defense.
How they got here: Marshall
The Thundering Herd got off to a rumbling start, rushing out to a 7-0 record. However, a 20-0 disappointing loss to Rice set them off course. They then fell to UAB 22-13 in the Conference USA championship game. Marshall is a team that is predicated on its defense. It ranks 3rd in total defense and 1st in the nation in scoring defense. Their run defense especially will need to come up big. The other key aspect for the Herd is QB Grant Wells. The freshman had an impressive season, but struggled down the stretch. He was especially ugly against UAB, going 8/23 for 138 yards. Against a Buffalo secondary that was torched last week, he will have to be better.
Gambling picks, prediction
Buffalo is currently a 4.5 point favorite, with the over/under set at 54. Our odds are provided by our friends at BUSR. If you want to get in on the action and place a bet today, head over to Busr.com/studentunionsports.
This is an interesting game to predict. Both teams have been solid defensively, but feature certain aspects offensively that could lead to a shooutout. Buffalo’s secondary has been carved up multiple times. However, although Marshall is great defensively, stopping Jaret Patterson is easier said than done. Historically, Marshall has been great in bowl games. Under head coach Doc Holliday, they are 6-1. Buffalo is new to the bowl season, but did win its first last season. I give Buffalo a slight edge in this one, and lean towards the under. However, I think Marshall keeps it close enough to cover.