The matchup at Yager Stadium seven weeks ago on October 19 deceived a bit as the RedHawks were cruising with a 30-6 into the 4th Q before a couple of late decorative TDs from the Bobcats, including a TD in the last six seconds, made the scoreline look more respectable. Vet Miami QB Brett Gabbert tossed 3 TD passes in the game while top RedHawk RB Keyon Mozee ran for 111 yards as the RedHawks were in control almost the entire way. Ohio has not run effectively either of the past two meetings vs. Miami, and the Bobcats gathered momentum mostly vs. the vast bottom of the MAC down the stretch. Strikingly similar wins for Miami last two years. Play Miami-Ohio (at Detroit)

Both of these teams come in red hot (five straight wins for Ohio, seven for Miami) so don’t underestimate how good this game could be on Saturday. Miami won the conference title game last year, while Ohio is 0-5 lifetime in MAC Championship Games. The Redhawks won 30-20 earlier this season, but I expect the result flipped on Saturday. The Bobcats have the best rushing defense in the conference (98.7 yards allowed) and the best rushing offense (210.5) in the MAC. They also enter this game 5-0 straight up and against the spread since losing to Miami. Underdogs are 11-3-1 ATS in MAC Championship Games since 2008. Add another one to the list in 2024. Ohio 23, Miami (OH) 16.