We have already seen the Big Ten struggle in week one matchups from an ATS stand point, this includes Wisconsin having issues against MAC opponent Western Michigan. Look for Miami Ohio to give Northwestern problems as well. The RedHawks were an excellent defensive team last season, and defeated Northwestern on the road just two seasons ago. Grab the points here with Miami Ohio.

While Ryan Field is being overhauled, the Wildcats will be playing their home games in a 12,000-seat former lacrosse field. That's not exactly a home-field advantage. On Saturday they will face a RedHawks team that gets back four-year starting quarterback Brett Gabbert, who was an all-MAC selection last season despite missing the last five games with a leg injury. Gabbert and MAC defensive player of the year Matt Salopek lead a veteran Miami (Ohio) team that is a runaway favorite to win the MAC. The RedHawks are even worth a play on the moneyline.

Miami may win the MAC again with the ninth-best returning production in the country per ESPN but lost its leading rusher, top receiver and Lou Groza Award-winning kicker. Northwestern ranks No. 6 overall in returning production and No. 1 defensively. Per FPI, NW is 57th and Miami 90th. Love the Cats' hire of Zach Lujan as the new offensive coordinator. He was in that role the past two years for back-to-back FCS champion South Dakota State. NW will be playing in a picturesque temporary 15,000-seat stadium on Lake Michigan as Ryan Field is renovated. Hard to think bowls in Week 1, but NW better win or it might not be playing in one. We push, we push. But most books have -3.5 or -4.