I don’t know if there was ever a doubt that Miami (Ohio) would eclipse last year’s win total. College football betting odds had the RedHawks at Over/Under 6.5 wins, and they hit the Over in Week 7 before finishing the year 11-3.
In head coach Chuck Martin’s 10th year at the helm of the program, Miami finally reached double-digit wins. It was a long time coming after Martin’s inaugural team won just two games. This year, the RedHawks’ win total Over/Under is 7.5 with the under at +120 and the over at -145.
Can Miami not only hit its win total but get to double-digit wins for the second consecutive season?
How Many Games Will Miami (Ohio) Win In 2024?
While there are three Power Four opponents to open the season, I like the RedHawks’ chances in two of these games. Week 1 features a trip to Northwestern before Miami hosts non-conference rival Cincinnati in Week 3 off an early Week 2 bye. Miami beat Cincy in OT last year, and I think the RedHawks win again to start the season 2-0.
With a victory against UMass in Week 5, the RedHawks have a great chance to enter MAC play at 5-1. Following a visit to Toledo, Miami will travel to Eastern Michigan before hosting Ohio and Central Michigan. I won’t guarantee a win over Toledo, but the RedHawks should handle business against the other three opponents, especially since Ohio may take a step back this season.
Next up are two easier games against Ball State and Kent State before closing out the season against Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. I expect Miami to win the first two, but the final two games of the season could turn out to be tricky, and it could easily go 1-1.
How Many Games Will Miami (Ohio) Lose In 2024?
This is where things will get interesting. I don’t see the RedHawks pulling off the upset at Notre Dame in Week 4, and I think they will lose two more conference games. Which games will those be, though?
The most likely scenarios for a loss will be against Toledo, NIU, and BGSU. The matchup against the Rockets will be a battle of two stout defenses, but it is on the road and the Rockets are coming off a bye. The same can be said for the meeting with the Huskies — two premier defenses on the field. Miami will get NIU at home, however. I think both of these games will come down to whichever offense can find any type of rhythm.
And BGSU is a tough opponent to close out the season against, especially on the road. There’s a chance BGSU could be playing for a spot in the MAC title game, which could make this clash even more difficult.
Miami (Ohio) Football Bet Prediction
If the RedHawks do lose against Notre Dame and then drop two conference games, that still puts them at 9-3. There’s also a chance they win another conference title and then capture a bowl win.
Eleven wins is a lot, but it’s within reach. I don’t know if the MAC is as strong as it has been in the past, meaning Miami may not even struggle as much as I’m anticipating.
I would bet on Over 7.5 wins, and I’d even wait to see if the number moves to 8 to hopefully get a better price.
