The Miami (OH) Redhawks (4-4, 3-1 MAC) and Ohio Bobcats (1-7, 1-3) renew their in-state rivalry Tuesday in Athens. The midweek “MACtion” game at Peden Stadium is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Miami (OH) vs. Ohio odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Miami has won two games in a row, and three of its last four, but will be trying to flip the script on a bumpy road trend. The Redhawks are 1-4 across their last five away games.
The Bobcats’ only win this season came Oct. 2 against a shaky Akron Zips team. Ohio has lost three games since, albeit with all three being of the one-score variety. Despite playing a weak schedule, OU ranks outside the top-100, both in scoring offense (21.1 points per game) and defense (31.1 PPG allowed).
Miami and Ohio did not play last year due to a COVID-19 cancelation, but the Buckeye State neighbors have a storied rivalry that dates back to 1908. The Redhawks lead the all-time series 54-40-2.
Miami (OH) at Ohio odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Miami (OH) -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Ohio +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
- Against the spread (ATS): Miami (OH) -7.5 (-102) | Ohio +7.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Miami (OH) at Ohio odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Miami (OH) 24, Ohio 17
Money line
The Miami offense ranks 75th in total offense and 98th in points. But it is a better offense when led by QB Brett Gabbert who returned from injury to lead the Redhawks to a 24-17 win at Ball State Oct. 23. Gabbert was 20-for-24 passing for 207 yards and 2 TDs against no interceptions in his return. He’s important to Miami because the Redhawks aren’t a strong running team. They could experience trouble clocking a two-score lead late.
Penalties, turnovers, and third-down problems plagued Ohio in its run of three one-score losses. The Bobcats’ chances in this home tilt are perhaps slightly better than what’s indicated by the won-loss records. However, the tag here doesn’t reflect enough return: PASS.
Against the spread
The lean here is slight but has the BOBCATS +7.5 (-122) worth perhaps partial-unit consideration. A plodding pace and potential for a back-door cover make for just enough ammunition, but it’s ammo for a handgun and not a howitzer.
Over/Under
Neither one of these teams cranks out a lot of plays per minute. The Miami defense is solid and creates havoc; it isn’t as effective on pass defense, but that doesn’t figure to hurt MU in this one.
The Under is: 5-1 in MU’s last six games, 5-0 in OU’s last five games and 5-1 in the last six games of this series.
Look for something in the neighborhood of four touchdowns to stand as the winning score on a cool night in Athens. TAKE THE UNDER 54.5 (-110).
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