Buffalo @ Tennessee preview

THE STORY: Tennessee came away from another loss to Florida with more than its pride hurt. The Volunteers begin life without star wide receiver Justin Hunter on Saturday when they try to end a four-game October losing streak against Buffalo. Prior to their bye week, the Volunteers suffered a 33-23 loss to the Gators in their SEC opener. Hunter, who entered the game ranked 10th nationally in receiving, was lost early in the first quarter to a torn ACL. Still, Tennessee shouldn't feel the effects of Hunter's absence against Buffalo, which has lost 10 of its last 11. This is only the second game against an SEC foe for the Bulls, who beat Rutgers in 2002 for their only win over a BCS opponent. Tennessee, meanwhile, is a perfect 7-0 against schools from the Mid-American Conference.

TV: CSS. LINE: Tennessee –28.5

ABOUT TENNESSEE (2-1): Tennessee, which is looking to go 3-1 for the first time since 2006, has scored 110 points. That is its highest three-game total since 2004 (114). Sophomore Tyler Bray has thrown at least two touchdowns in a school-record nine straight games. WR Da’Rick Rogers (20 catches, 262 yards, 4 TDs) is plenty capable of stepping up in the absence of Hunter.

ABOUT BUFFALO (1-3): The Bulls ranks 102nd in the FBS in scoring (18.0 ppg). Red-zone troubles were the culprit in a 17-3 loss to Connecticut. Buffalo managed just one field goal in three trips and lost despite outgaining the Huskies 319-293.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tennessee hasn’t won in the season’s second month since Halloween of 2009. The Volunteers went 0-4 in October last season.

2. The Volunteers are opening October against a non-conference opponent for just the second time since 1994 (2008, Northern Illinois).

3. Buffalo was routed by Auburn, 38-7, in its only other contest against an SEC school in 2006.

PREDICTION: Tennessee 41, Buffalo 13 – The Volunteers are way too big and athletic for Buffalo.