It came down to the final game of the regular season, but with a win over Ball State and some scenarios playing out in its favor, Miami (Ohio) is headed to its third consecutive MAC Championship game.
The RedHawks split the last two trips, losing to Ohio last year after beating Toledo in 2023. They are 4-3 all-time in MAC title tilts.
This will be Western Michigan’s fourth-ever trip to the MAC Championship and its first since 2016, where it defeated Ohio. The Broncos’ only conference loss of the season came to the RedHawks on Oct. 25, which was a win that propelled Miami here.
Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan Spread & Betting Odds
WMU is a 2.5-point college football betting odds favorite against Miami (Ohio), as of this writing. The Over/Under is at 43.5, and the moneyline is -130 for WMU and +110 for Miami (Ohio).
Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan On TV
The MAC Championship between Miami (Ohio) and WMU will be televised on ESPN. The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
Miami (Ohio)-Western Michigan Coaches & Records
MU: Chuck Martin (146-79 overall, 72-72 at Miami)
WMU: Lance Taylor (18-19 overall/at WMU)
Last meeting: Miami won 26-17 at home in Week 9. Miami leads the all-time series 39-24-1.
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Miami (Ohio) Preview
For the second year in a row, the RedHawks have found themselves playing for a MAC title following an 0-3 start.
Miami (7-5, 6-2) followed that losing skid with a five-game win streak before dropping back-to-back games to Ohio and Toledo. At that point, it was looking unlikely that the RedHawks would be playing for a conference championship.
But they won their final two games of the regular season, and with it came the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback Thomas Gotkowski. He entered the game in the RedHawks’ third series against Buffalo and provided a spark to an offense that needed it at the time.
Gotkowski replaced Henry Hesson, who filled in this season when Dequan Finn was sidelined. Finn also unexpectedly left the program three weeks ago meaning it was anticipated Hesson would be QB1 for the remainder of the season. Gotkowski’s play has kept him on the field, however, and he has 411 yards and five total touchdowns in two games.
The RedHawks scored 37 and 45 points in those outings. For the season, they are averaging 26.1 points and 355.2 yards per game.
The RedHawks’ offense was humming early last week against Ball State as they scored three first quarter TDs. One of those was a 12-yard rush from running back Jordan Brunson, who is pacing Miami with 665 yards and three TDs.
Wide receiver Kam Perry has been the big-play threat this year and has 865 yards and six touchdowns on only 35 receptions. He’s averaging 24.7 yards per reception and has a catch of 50 or more yards in six games.
One area the RedHawks can hang their hats on is getting into opposing backfields. They lead the MAC with 38 sacks, and 14 players have recorded at least one. Linebacker Adam Trick has a team-high 8.5 sacks to go with 55 tackles. Eli Blakey leads the team with 90 tackles and eight pass breakups.
The defense is allowing 26.1 PPG and 324.3 YPG, both the third-best marks in the conference. Miami also only allows 118 YPG on the ground, which is where the RedHawks could be tested against an offense with a strong rushing attack.
Western Michigan Preview
Now in Taylor’s third season, the Broncos have gradually improved each year. This season’s eight wins are the most since 2021, and with another victory, the Broncos will have their most wins since 2016 when they finished 13-1.
Like the RedHawks, WMU also started the season 0-3 with losses to Michigan State, Illinois, and an overtime loss to North Texas. It won eight of its next nine with the only loss during that stretch coming to Miami. That includes narrow victories over Toledo and Ohio.
The Broncos’ defense has been consistent throughout conference play and is allowing 14.5 PPG in league games and 18.7 PPG on the season. They’re also surrendering 302.3 YPG and have been sturdy on third downs, allowing opponents to complete a mere 31.3% of their attempts.
Linebackers James Camden and Sefa Saipaia Jr. lead the Broncos with 70 and 64 total tackles. They’re a pair of veteran defenders who have experience playing for national championships at their previous stops.
Defensive end Nadame Tucker has been one of the biggest disruptors in the league this year and leads the MAC with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Tucker and WMU’s defense could create some havoc against a young QB making his second career start.
No team in the league has run the ball more than the Broncos, who rank in the top 10 in the FBS in that category with 524 attempts. They’re second in the MAC with 189.2 rushing YPG but are averaging 256.5 rushing YPG in their last four contests.
Redshirt sophomore QB Broc Lowry is pacing the Broncos with 875 rushing yards and has 14 rushing TDs — tied for the most in the conference. He has 1,572 yards and seven TDs through the air.
Running back Jalen Buckley is second on the roster with 636 yards and six scores while Devin Miles has chipped in with 346 yards. Talique Williams is WMU’s top pass-catcher and has 478 yards and two TDs on 35 receptions.
WMU is averaging a modest 23.7 PPG and hasn’t been winning in high-scoring affairs but has instead been victorious by controlling the trenches and playing physical.
Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan Prediction
I predict WMU wins the MAC Championship and covers the spread in a low-scoring contest.
I believe Martin is the more experienced coach, knows how to win in these situations, and will have his team prepared. However, I think WMU’s experienced defense will be the difference and its ability to make things difficult on Gotkowski will be a key storyline in this game.
I think the Broncos are overall the better team and will capture their second MAC Championship behind a gritty performance.
