It’s Tuesday, which means another slate of MACtion is on tap for college football fans. Tonight’s matchup pits two in-state rivals with winning records. Ohio (7-2, 5-0) is vying for its sixth win in a row, looking the part of a conference champion in the process. The Bobcats will face stiff competition on the road this week against Miami University (5-4, 3-2). Today’s contest presents an opportunity for the RedHawks to earn bowl eligibility for a fifth straight season.
The Bobcats are listed as 1.5-point favorites over the RedHawks, with the total set at O/U 47.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for Tuesday’s Ohio vs. Miami OH matchup.
Ohio vs. Miami (OH) prediction, preview
It all starts on the ground for this efficient Bobcats offense. They’re currently averaging a MAC-best 5.0 yards per rush attempt, keeping opposing defenses off balance. It’s been a group effort out of the backfield, with four different players gaining over 200 rush yards this season. That includes quarterback Nick Poulos, a dual-threat outside of the pocket. Through six games this season, the senior has also thrown for 978 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. As a unit, Ohio is averaging a solid 29.4 points per game. That’s good enough for second-best in the conference.
On paper, getting stops could prove difficult for the RedHawks. They’re allowing 375.2 yards per game on defense, ninth-worst in the 13-team MAC. With that being said, Miami (OH) leads the conference with a minuscule 95.56 rush yards allowed per game. Opponents have found far more success through the air, gaining 7.6 yards per pass attempt and 18 passing touchdowns. This defensive line is third-worst in the MAC with 37.0 tackles for loss. In comparison, Ohio’s offensive line has allowed the conference’s second-fewest TFLs (35.0).
Miami (OH) will hope to counter with a potent scoring attack of its own. This offense is gaining a whopping 8.3 yards per pass attempt this season. Among conference foes, only Toledo (8.4) is better. With that being said, starting quarterback David McComb (upper/lower-body) is out for the remainder of the season. In his place, backup Caleb Heavner has been inconsistent. The senior has recorded 769 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions over eight games played.
If the RedHawks are going to win this one, it’ll likely take a strong effort on the ground. Running back Rodney Nelson has put together a decent season, accounting for 436 rushing yards and four touchdowns. With that being said, this is a middle of the round unit when it comes to toting the rock. Miami (OH) is gaining 4.32 yards per rush attempt, sixth-best in the MAC.
Their offense gets most of the attention, but the Bobcats are stingy on defense. They’re only giving up 21.7 points per game to opponents, second-best in the conference. This crew has already racked up 58.0 tackles for loss, one behind conference-leading Toledo (59.0). Ohio is at its best against opposing quarterbacks, surrendering just eight passing touchdowns over nine contests. That’s not ideal for a Miami University team leaning on its QB2 this evening.
Ohio vs. Miami (OH) Best Bet
Ohio hasn’t played the stiffest competition this season, but they deserve to be favored coming into tonight’s game. Granted, Miami’s run defense can be stifling. Still, the Bobcats are more than comfortable going with a pass-heavy approach. In comparison, the RedHawks will need to lean on the middling arm of Heavner on Tuesday. Even at home, that doesn’t inspire confidence against one of the MAC’s best squads.
Best Bet: Ohio ML (-115)
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