So, if you’re looking at the schedule and seeing Miami Ohio vs Buffalo, you might just see another Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup. But honestly, you’d be missing the point. This isn't just about two schools in the Rust Belt grinding it out on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. It's about a bizarrely consistent power struggle in one of the most unpredictable conferences in college sports.
When people talk about the "Cradle of Coaches" at Miami or the resurgence of Buffalo athletics, they often treat them as separate timelines. They aren't. They’re constantly colliding.
The Recent Football Fireworks
Let’s talk about what just happened. On November 19, 2025, these two met at UB Stadium in a game that basically decided who was still relevant in the MAC title race. Miami (OH) walked away with a 37-20 win, but the score doesn't tell the whole story.
Thomas Gotkowski, the RedHawks' freshman quarterback, stepped into a massive role and looked like a seasoned pro, accounting for two touchdowns. It was a "welcome to the big leagues" moment that left Buffalo fans wondering "what if." The Bulls actually fought back to tie it 17-17 in the third quarter after Ta’Quan Roberson found Victor Snow and Jasaiah Gathings for scores. But then the wheels came off. Miami’s D’Shawntae Jones pounded the rock for two late touchdowns, and just like that, the RedHawks secured their bowl eligibility while Buffalo was left staring at a 5-6 record.
It was classic MACtion. Messy. High stakes. Cold weather.
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A History of "Wait, They Did That?"
If you look at the all-time series, Miami Ohio has historically had the upper hand, leading with 18 wins to Buffalo's 9. But that’s a bit misleading because Buffalo didn't even have a team for a big chunk of the mid-20th century.
- The 2003 Blowout: Most Miami fans still talk about the 59-3 drubbing they gave the Bulls back in 2003. It was peak Ben Roethlisberger era.
- The 2020-2025 Swing: Recently, it’s been a dogfight. Over their last 10 meetings, Miami holds a 6-4 edge.
- The Turnover Factor: In their most recent clash, Buffalo’s two interceptions were the literal nail in the coffin. You simply can't give a Chuck Martin-coached team extra possessions.
The "RedHawks" vs "Bulls" dynamic is basically a battle of identities. Miami prides itself on a "bend but don't break" defense and efficient, if sometimes boring, offensive execution. Buffalo? They’re usually the high-variance team. When they’re hot, they can drop 40 on anyone. When they aren't, they struggle to convert third downs—something that plagued them all through the 2025 season.
The Hardwood Is Where the Real Hate Is
While football gets the TV slots, the Miami Ohio vs Buffalo basketball rivalry is where things get genuinely spicy. As of January 2026, the RedHawks are on a historic tear. They’re currently 18-0 (6-0 in the MAC) and haven't lost a home game in 25 tries. That’s insane.
But here comes Buffalo.
The Bulls are currently 13-4 and led by Daniel Freitag, a sophomore who’s basically a walking bucket. He just dropped 33 points against Kent State and is averaging over 20 points a game. When these two meet on the court, it’s a clash of styles. Miami is averaging 93.3 points per game—which is wild for the MAC—while Buffalo plays a much more physical, defensive-minded game.
Historically, the basketball series is almost perfectly even. Buffalo has 27 wins; Miami has 31. It’s the kind of rivalry where the home-court advantage actually matters. Buffalo is 15-13 at home against Miami, but they’ve struggled significantly when traveling to Oxford, Ohio.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that Miami is the "prestige" school and Buffalo is the "scrappy" newcomer. That’s outdated.
Buffalo has invested millions into their facilities over the last decade. They aren't the doormat of the MAC anymore. In fact, in the 2025 preseason coaches poll, Buffalo was picked to finish 4th, only a few points behind Miami. The gap has closed. The "talent" difference you might have seen in the early 2000s is gone. Now, it comes down to coaching and who can handle the "Mid-week MACtion" travel schedule better.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're watching or betting on the next Miami Ohio vs Buffalo matchup, keep these specific factors in mind:
- The 130-Yard Rule: In football, Miami is 5-0 when they rush for over 130 yards. If Buffalo’s front seven can’t plug the gaps early, the game is usually over by halftime.
- The Freitag Factor: In basketball, if you can’t keep Daniel Freitag under 15 points, you aren't winning. He’s the engine for the Bulls.
- Home Ice/Court/Field: Miami’s current 25-game home winning streak in basketball isn't a fluke. It’s one of the toughest places to play in mid-major sports right now.
- Weather Matters: UB Stadium is notoriously windy. If you see a late-season football game scheduled there, expect the "Under" to hit. Kicking becomes a nightmare, and the passing game usually turns into a series of short slants and screens.
To stay ahead, keep an eye on the transfer portal. Both schools have been aggressive lately. Miami just lost their veteran QB to the portal but found a gem in Gotkowski, while Buffalo has been raiding the JUCO ranks for defensive linemen. The rosters change every year, but the intensity of this matchup is one of the few things in the MAC you can actually count on.
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Keep your eyes on the January 17th basketball game at Millett Hall. It’s the first time this season these two conference leaders face off, and with Miami’s undefeated streak on the line, the atmosphere is going to be electric. Whether it's on the gridiron or the court, this rivalry has officially moved past "regional interest" and into "must-watch" territory for any real college sports fan.