The Miami RedHawks are 56-42-2 all-time against the Ohio Bobcats and just beat them 30-20 in Week 8. However, the Battle of the Bricks rivalry will have heightened stakes this week, with the conference title on the line.
In our MAC Championship Game prediction, we dive deep into this intriguing matchup, providing essential 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 are correct as of Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Miami (OH) -1 - Spread
Miami (OH) -2.5 - Moneyline
Miami (OH) -130, Ohio +110 - Over/Under
44.5 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.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
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 met this season, with the RedHawks posting a 30-20 Week 8 victory. Should we expect a similar result with far more at stake?
In that game, Ohio QB Parker Navarro was pulled after completing just 13 of 22 passes for 88 yards, zero TDs, and two INTs. Throwing the ball is far from his strong suit, and the coaching staff knows it, as he’s attempted 24+ passes just three times this season.
A negative game script is a death knell for the Bobcats’ run-centric offense (39.34% rush rate, 10th-highest in the nation), and I believe that’s what they’ll face in the MAC Championship Game.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Ohio’s defense has played well this year, ranking in the top 20 for yards per play, but they couldn’t stop the RedHawks last time out. Miami QB Brett Gabbert connected on 14 of 21 passes for 178 yards, three TDs, and zero INTs, while RB Keyon Mozee took 16 carries for 113 yards.
Miami’s defense is 14th in early-down EPA, 12th in net points per drive, and tied 38th in turnovers forced (19) — points won’t be easy to come by for Ohio. Take the red-hot RedHawks to grind out a slow-burn victory to become the first MAC team to win back-to-back titles since the Northern Illinois Huskies in 2011-12.
Prediction: Miami (OH) 24, Ohio 17
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