Butler Bulldogs vs Presbyterian Blue Hose Predictions

Butler vs. Presbyterian odds

SportsPicksForum lists Butler at -440 on the moneyline and -11.5 against the spread. Presbyterian is +320 and +11.5, while the total is 60.5 with the over at -110 and the under at -113. Butler is the likely winner, but neither Bulldogs price offers enough value.

Butler’s run defense meets a mobile quarterback

Butler University Athletics reports that the Bulldogs lead the FCS in rushing defense at 88.9 yards allowed per game. That unit will have to contain Presbyterian quarterback Landon Sharpe, who has thrown for 1,676 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 464 yards and four scores. Limiting his running lanes would give Butler its clearest path to a road win.

The Bulldogs can also control the game on the ground. They rank ninth in the FCS at 210 rushing yards per game, average 33.3 points and have a plus-13 turnover margin through eight games. Butler improved to 6-2 with a 33-21 win over Drake, when quarterback Gabe Passini contributed 118 passing yards, 87 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.

Why the spread is a pass

Presbyterian College Athletics reports that the Blue Hose have won 11 straight home games. Presbyterian also averages 179 rushing yards and 415 total yards per game, although it enters this matchup after a 24-7 loss at Valparaiso.

Each of the three previous conference meetings was decided by 10 points or fewer. That doesn’t guarantee another close result, but it matters when Butler is laying 11.5 points on the road. Butler is the straight-up pick; the spread, moneyline and total are passes.