Albany vs Buffalo Prediction 9/3/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Albany vs Buffalo prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, September 3rd at Broadview Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup. 

Albany Great Danes Betting Preview

The Albany Great Danes are 1-0 this season after they defeated New Hampshire by a score of 28-14 last week. Albany led 21-7 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite only scoring seven points in the second half. The Great Danes out gained New Hampshire by a total of 431-297, went 5-12 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Kai Colon threw for 57 yards and one interception, while Tavahri Groves caught two passes for 22 yards. Joey Koch had seven carries for 144 yards and one score in the win. 

The Albany Great Danes were 2-10 (1-7) last season and they finished second to last in the CAA standings. UAlbany started the 2025 season with a 34-7 loss against Iowa, which was the only FBS team they played. The Great Danes picked up two wins last year: a 13-10 win over Cornell and a 31-24 win over Monmouth. Albany really struggled defensively, as they allowed 29+ points in eight of their 12 games, while they scored 20 or fewer in nine of 12. The Great Danes do have one win over an FBS opponent, which came against Buffalo in 2016 by a score of 22-16. 

Buffalo Bulls Betting Preview

The Buffalo Bulls went 5-7 (4-4) last year and they finished tied for sixth in the MAC standings. Buffalo started the season with a hard fought loss to Minnesota by a score of 23-10, but they followed that up with a 45-6 win over FCS St. Francis. The Bulls were 4-3 through seven games, but they lost four of their last five to end the season. Buffalo finished the season by allowing 38, 37, and 31 points, but their defense was pretty solid the rest of the year. The Bulls averaged 24.0 points per game last season, while they allowed 23.5 points against per game. 

This year, Buffalo has some question marks at the quarterback spot and they don’t have a definitive starter quite yet. The Bulls should be decent along the offensive line and the running game should be average, but they are going to need to find some playmakers in the wide receiver room. On defense, Buffalo should be very solid at defensive back, but I am not sure how the linebackers or defensive line will be. Buffalo is a team with plenty of unknowns, but they have a solid coaching staff and should finish above .500. 

Why the Buffalo Bulls will win

• Buffalo has covered the spread in each of its last three season openers as a favorite.

Why the UAlbany Great Danes will win

• Buffalo has lost five of its last six games at Broadview Stadium.
• Buffalo has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Buffalo’s last four home games against teams from New York have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Buffalo ranked T122nd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage last season (40.0).
• Buffalo ranked 20th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game last season (9.5).

Albany vs Buffalo Prediction 

Buffalo comes into this matchup as a pretty big favorite to get the win and they really shouldn’t have any issues here. The Bulls may start slow, but this is a great chance to find what works against an inferior opponent. Albany is not expected to compete very well in the CAA this season, so I doubt they can make this a game. I fully expect Buffalo to run away with this game in the second half, so I will take the Bulls to cover.

David Racey's Pick: Buffalo -24.5