The Miami RedHawks hold a 56-42-2 all-time edge over the Ohio Bobcats and claimed a 30-20 victory in Week 8. But this week, the Battle of the Bricks rivalry reaches new heights with the MAC Championship on the line.
In our MAC Championship Game prediction, we break down this compelling matchup, delivering key betting insights to help you make smarter, more confident picks.
MAC Championship Game Betting Preview
All MAC Championship Game odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and correct as of Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. The CFN FPM Spread is from the College Football Network Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Miami (OH) -1 - Spread
Miami (OH) -2.5 - Moneyline
Miami (OH) -135, Ohio +114 - Over/Under
44 points - Game Time
Noon ET, Saturday, Dec. 7 - Location
Ford Field | Detroit - Predicted Weather at Kick
54 degrees, 11 mph winds, mostly sunny - How To Watch
ESPN
Not only is Ohio 5-0 straight up in its last five, but it’s also 5-0 against the spread. Miami (OH) is on a bit of a heater itself, going 5-2 ATS to close out the regular season.
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The RedHawks have been able to produce fireworks in December, though, with the under cashing in each of their last 10 games in the month. That said, the over has hit in four of the past five Battle of the Bricks matchups.
Ohio’s Winning Probability
Ohio is one win away from its third straight 10-win campaign under Tim Albin, and the program can achieve that win in its sixth MAC Championship game appearance. However, history isn’t on its side, as the Bobcats are 0-5 in the title game, with their last showing a 17-7 loss to the Toledo Rockets in 2022.
- at Miami (OH): 49.4%
Miami (OH)’s Winning Probability
The RedHawks haven’t suffered a losing season since 2017 and will make their fourth straight bowl appearance this year. Perhaps more impressive is their opportunity to go back-to-back in the conference title match after dethroning Toledo 23-14 last year.
- vs. Ohio: 50.6%
Prediction for MAC Championship Game
These teams already crossed paths earlier this season, with the RedHawks claiming a 30-20 victory in Week 8. With so much more on the line this time around, should we expect a similar outcome?
In that first meeting, Ohio QB Parker Navarro struggled mightily, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 88 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions before being pulled. Passing isn’t Navarro’s strong suit—a fact Ohio’s coaching staff knows well, as he’s attempted more than 24 passes in a game just three times all season.
For Ohio’s run-heavy offense (39.34% rush rate, 10th-highest in the nation), falling behind early is a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, that’s exactly the type of game script I expect in the MAC Championship Game.
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While Ohio’s defense has been impressive this year—ranking in the top 20 for yards per play—they couldn’t contain Miami last time. RedHawks QB Brett Gabbert delivered a stellar performance, completing 14 of 21 passes for 178 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Meanwhile, RB Keyon Mozee gashed the Bobcats for 113 yards on just 16 carries.
Miami’s defense, on the other hand, has been a model of efficiency. They rank 14th in early-down EPA, 12th in net points per drive, and are tied for 38th in turnovers forced (19). Scoring opportunities won’t come easy for Ohio.
Take the red-hot RedHawks to control the tempo and grind out a hard-fought victory, becoming the first MAC team to win back-to-back titles since Northern Illinois in 2011-12.
Prediction: Miami (OH) 24, Ohio 17
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