DraftKings · as of July 10, 2026
Minnesota defeated Buffalo 23–10 in a double-digit victory. Buffalo covered by 3.5; Game went Under by 12.5. The market closed at Minnesota -16.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Minnesota -17.4. The two were within a point of each other, so there was no meaningful edge in this line.
Buffalo's defense, led by linebacker Red Murdock's 16 tackles and a sack, held Minnesota to 23 points and forced a fluke interception, showing they can pressure quarterbacks and limit scoring, which bodes well for upcoming games.
Star running back Al-Jay Henderson, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, was held to just 25 yards on 11 carries, indicating the offense struggled to establish the run against a tough Gophers defense.
Ta'Quan Roberson, in his first start for Buffalo after transferring, completed 12 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, but the passing game lacked consistency, which may need improvement for future success.
The Bulls' defense, with most starters returning from a 9-4 season, caused problems for Minnesota's offense and created a turnover, suggesting they can be a disruptive force in MAC play.
Buffalo plays at home on Sept. 6 against FCS opponent Saint Francis, a team dropping to Division III in 2026, providing a chance to build confidence and correct offensive issues before conference games.
Lindsey passed for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first start, showing poise despite one interception on a fluke play. His connection with receivers like Jalen Smith (60-yard TD) and Jameson Geers (TD) bodes well for the passing game.
Darius Taylor rushed for 141 yards on 30 carries, and the Gophers ended the game with a 16-play, 58-yard drive that consumed 9:45, showcasing their ability to control the tempo and wear down defenses.
Defensive coordinator Danny Collins' unit held Buffalo's 1,000-yard rusher Al-Jay Henderson to just 25 yards on 11 carries, and the defense overall stifled the Bulls' offense, limiting them to 10 points.
Kicker Brady Denaburg made all three field goals and two extra points, but the Gophers struggled in the red zone, settling for field goals on three drives and failing on a fourth-down attempt. This area needs improvement.
Minnesota hosts FCS foe Northwestern State on Sept. 6, a team with a 20-game losing streak. This provides an opportunity to build on the win, refine red zone execution, and give backups experience.
At kickoff, conditions at Huntington Bank Stadium were Partly cloudy, 67°F with winds of 4 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Partly cloudy
67°F
| Measure | BuffaloAway | MinnesotaHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 732 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Bye week | Bye week |
| Season total | 732 miles | 0 miles |
| Body clock | 20:00 | 19:00 |
| Rest | Season opener | Season opener |
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