The college football bowl season wraps up with the Bahamas Bowl, when the Buffalo Bulls face off against the Liberty Flames at the Atlantis Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas.
The Bulls are heading to the Bahamas with an 8-4 record under first-year coach Pete Lembo. The offense is led by C.J. Ogbonna, who totaled 2,244 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. In addition to his passing skills, Ogbonna is also a threat on the ground, having rushed for 357 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side, the Bulls have the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Shaun Dolac, who leads the FBS in total tackles with 159.
The Flames began their season with a blazing 5-0 start, and despite a setback against Kennesaw State, they finished the regular season with a commendable 8-3 record. Junior quarterback Kaidon Salter emerged amassed a total of 1,886 yards, 15 touchdown passes, and six interceptions. His performance was well-complemented by running back Quinton Cooley, who rushed for 1,254 yards on 205 carries and scored 13 touchdowns this season.
Here is everything to know about the Bahamas Bowl:
More:Ivy League announces conference will play in college football FCS playoffs starting in 2025
Adam Rittenberg writes: “Who wouldn’t want to be in the Bahamas in early January, especially when the alternatives are Buffalo, New York, and Lynchburg, Virginia? The motivation factor here certainly points to the Bulls, who had a strong first season under coach Pete Lembo, recording wins against Toledo and Northern Illinois and sweeping their final four regular-season games. Linebacker Shaun Dolac, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and fellow standout linebacker Red Murdock lead a unit that shined in the Toledo win. Liberty played in the Fiesta Bowl a year ago and are losing quarterback Kaidon Salter to the portal and has a coach in Jamey Chadwell who also might be on his way out.”
Staff writes: “The winning team model predicts Liberty will win this game with 56.9% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.”
The Buffalo Bulls are favorites to defeat the Liberty Flames, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of afternoon of Friday, Jan. 3
How to watch Buffalo vs. Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.…Read more by Elizabeth Flores
