The Miami (Oh) Redhawks (6-6) battle the UAB Blazers (6-6) in the Bahamas Bowl Friday. Kickoff from Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau is set for 11:30 a.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Miami vs. UAB odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Redhawks ended their season with a 18-17 win over Ball State, outscoring their MAC opponent 12-0 in the final quarter to win their 6th game of the season. Miami was 5-7 against the spread (ATS). Led by QB Aveon Smith, who threw 9 TD passes as was team’s top rusher with 503 yards and 6 TDs, Miami was 3-3 straight up on the road.
UAB took down Louisiana Tech 37-27 in its last game, but failed to cover as 18.5-point favorites. UAB was 4-8 ATS this season and just 1-5 straight up on the road. The Blazers’ main strength is in the rushing game, finishing 5th in the FBS with 199.1 rushing yards per game.
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Miami (Oh) vs. UAB odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:44 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Miami (Oh) +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | UAB -410 (bet $410 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Miami (Oh) +11 (-112) | UAB -11 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Miami (Oh) vs. UAB picks and predictions
Prediction
UAB 27, Miami (Oh) 20
Moneyline
PASS.
UAB has 1 of the best running games in the NCAA, and it is doubtful Miami will be able to keep pace. At (-410), it is unplayable to win outright. I would rather take the points with the Redhawks than the (+320) moneyline odds.
Against the spread
BET MIAMI (OH) +11 (-112).
Yes, the Blazers have an elite run game, but if there’s 1 thing the Redhawks’ defense can do, it is stop the run. The Redhawks ranked 40th in the nation in opponents’ rushing yards per game, allowing just 135.8.
The Redhawks’ strength, using Smith in the run game, is also the Blazers’ weakness as they rank 95th in opponents’ rushing yards per game (171.2).
That strength on weakness on both sides of the ball coupled with the Redhawks having been better than UAB against the spread for the entirety of the season makes Miami (Oh) the better play here.
Back MIAMI (OH) +11 (-112).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 44.5 (-112).
The UAB offense ended the season on fire, going over in its last 4 straight games. It scored 37 or more points in 3 of its last 4 games.
The Redhawks went over in 2 of their last 3 and scored at least 18 in their last 4 straight which suggests they should be able to contribute enough to help the Over be the better play.
The Redhawks also give up 371.7 yards per game which the UAB offense, which is averaging 442.3, should abuse.
Combine it all and how well the offenses were playing down the stretch, and take the OVER 44.5 (-112).
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