The last time Ohio took on Miami (Ohio), the RedHawks were in control for most of the game.
Despite a couple of late touchdowns from Ohio, Miami held on to defeat the Bobcats 30-20.
That was a key victory during the RedHawks’ current seven-game winning streak which helped them reach the MAC Championship for the second consecutive year.
But Ohio hasn’t lost since that contest against Miami and won its next five matchups. Because of that, the Bobcats will get a rematch against the RedHawks in the conference title game.
Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) Betting Odds
Ohio is a +2.5 college football betting odds underdog against Miami (Ohio), with the Over/Under being 44.5.
The moneyline for Ohio is +110, while it’s -130 for Miami (Ohio).
Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) On TV
The matchup between Ohio and Miami (Ohio) will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 7. The contest is taking place at Ford Field in Detroit.
Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) Prediction
I predict Ohio will win and cover the spread at +2.5. I also project the game will go Under 44.5 total points.
I’m anticipating this will be a defensive-minded clash.
Miami (Ohio) is 12th in the FBS in scoring defense with 17.33 points per game allowed and is 14th in total defense with 309.2 yards per contest allowed. Ohio, meanwhile, is 13th in the country in total defense (304.1 yards allowed per game) and 17th in scoring defense (18.67 points allowed per contest).
I think the difference will be Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro. He did not have the best game against Miami (Ohio) earlier this season, throwing for just 88 yards and two interceptions.
But I expect he will be much better this time around. He can make plays with his arm and his feet, as he has led the Bobcats in rushing five times this year.
If he can complete some timely throws and sustain drives, that would completely change the complexion of this contest. And if Ohio’s defense helps keep this game close again, I think Navarro will do what his team needs late to earn a conference championship.
