UAlbany Great Danes vs Buffalo Bulls Picks and Prediction for Thursday, September 3, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/30/2026, 10:13 PM ET

The UAlbany Great Danes visit the Buffalo Bulls on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET at Broadview Stadium in Buffalo. UAlbany finished 2-10 overall and 1-7 in CAA play last season, while Buffalo went 5-7 overall after a disappointing year in the MAC. The Great Danes finished 2025 with a 31-24 road win over No. 11 Monmouth, while Buffalo closed with three straight losses, including a 31-26 defeat against Ohio. Buffalo enters as a 24.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 48.5 points. Find your opening-week betting angle with our free NCAAF picks.

UAlbany Great Danes Preview

UAlbany struggled offensively last season, averaging only 16.8 points and 275 total yards per game. The Great Danes produced 187 passing yards and 88 rushing yards per contest while converting just 28.8% of third downs. Colin Parachek enters 2026 as the leading quarterback option after throwing for 308 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Griffin Woodell returns after leading the team with 389 rushing yards, while Jojo Uga added 297 yards and two touchdowns.

The Great Danes allowed 32.3 points per game last season and return only 33.3% of their defensive production. UAlbany did limit explosive plays well, ranking second among FCS teams in that category, but the defense had difficulty consistently getting offenses off schedule. With substantial turnover throughout the unit, the Great Danes will need their returning defenders to handle larger roles immediately.

Buffalo Bulls Preview

Buffalo averaged 23.8 points per game in 2025 but needs more consistent quarterback play after finishing 5-7. Elijah Holmes arrives after throwing for more than 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions at Wingate, while Jason Wright is also competing for the job. Terrance Shelton returns after rushing for 244 yards, and veteran receiver Jasaiah Gathings brings 124 career receptions for more than 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns.

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The Bulls allowed 22.8 points per game last season and generated one of the country's better pass rushes, although several leading defenders have departed. Buffalo returns safety Miles Greer after his 74-tackle season and adds multiple transfers to the defensive front and secondary. The challenge is replacing production from players such as Red Murdock and Junior Poyser while maintaining the pressure that made the defense difficult to handle in 2025.

UAlbany Great Danes vs Buffalo Bulls Prediction

Buffalo has plenty of roster turnover, but the Bulls have a favorable matchup against a UAlbany offense that averaged only 16.8 points and 4.38 yards per play last season. The Great Danes also return just 42% of their overall production, leaving major questions on both sides of the football.

Buffalo's quarterback competition adds some uncertainty, but Holmes brings proven production and ball security to an offense that desperately needs both. The Bulls also have the stronger defensive foundation and home-field advantage against a UAlbany team that struggled badly to sustain drives in 2025. Buffalo will control the game defensively and create enough scoring opportunities to build a comfortable margin. Final Score Prediction: Buffalo Bulls win and cover ATS, 38-7.