Miami-OH vs Northwestern Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

Northwestern (0-0) vs Miami-OH (0-0)

Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 3:30 pm (Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium)

Betting Odds: Northwestern -2.5 / Miami-OH +2.5 --- Over/Under: 42.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

Where to Watch: BTN Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! Advertisement

In this article, we will formulate a Miami-OH vs Northwestern prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup. 

Miami-OH Redhawks Betting Preview

The Miami-OH Redhawks went 11-3 (8-1) last season and they finished first in the MAC East standings. Miami opened last year with a 38-3 loss against Miami (FL), but they won the next six games, including a great win against Cincinnati. The Redhawks dropped a very close game against Toledo in mid-October, but they won the final four regular season games, before beating Toledo in the MAC Championship. The Redhawks played in the Cure Bowl, where they lost to Appalachian State by a score of 13-9. 

Miami does return starting quarterback Brett Gabbert, who was injured last season, but he should be one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. Gabbert did lose the Miami leading receiver last season, but they did add a receiver and tight end in the transfer portal. The Redhawks leading rusher is also gone, so they will most likely go with a committee approach to open the season. 

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats went 8-5 (5-4) last year and they finished tied for second in the Big Ten West behind Iowa. Northwestern opened the season by losing two out of their first three games against Rutgers and Duke, but they picked up an overtime win against Minnesota to get on the board in Big Ten play. Northwestern also picked up wins against Maryland, Wisconsin, Purdue and Illinois, while losing close games to Nebraska and Iowa. The Wildcats defeated Utah by a score of 14-7 in the Las Vegas Bowl to close out a very successful season. 

Northwestern’s offense did not have a ton of success putting up yards last season, but they were able to do enough to pick up eight wins. The Wildcats will have a new starting quarterback this season, but two of the top three receivers do return. The leading rusher is back for Northwestern and the offensive line should be decent. Northwestern’s defense was fantastic last season and while I do think they will be solid this year, I think we could see a drop-off. 

Why Northwestern will beat Miami-OH

  • Northwestern has won each of its last four games.
  • Miami (OH) has lost each of its last three season openers.
  • Miami (OH) has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four road openers as an underdog.
  • Northwestern has covered the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Miami (OH)'s last five games have gone UNDER the total points line.
  • Six of Northwestern's last seven games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Northwestern ranked 30th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (4.2).
  • Northwestern recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team last season (2).
  • Miami (OH) ranked 8th among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (7.3).
  • Miami (OH) ranked 10th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (8.6).

Miami-OH vs Northwestern Prediction 

Northwestern comes into this game after having a great season in 2023, but they will be tested against one of the best teams in the MAC. Miami (OH) should be very solid offensively and they have a veteran quarterback, but it will not be easy to face this Northwestern defense. The Wildcats offense is a bit of a mystery going into this season, but I do think they have a pretty big advantage when it comes to the skill positions. This will be a very tight game in the first half, but I expect Northwestern to escape with a win. 

David’s Pick Northwestern ML

Get Premium Picks Start Winning Now »
The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

Mitch's Take...

NFL, NCAAF, MLB Best Bets for Today Picks & Predictions Thursday 9/12/24 | 7 Picks in 5 Minutes

18+ Has gambling become a problem for you? Call the National Problem Gambling Hotline.
1-800-522-4700 | ncpgambling.org

Credit Guaranteed Packages

Packages with Credit Guarantees automatically give you a credit if the package does not turn a profit—the sum of betting all individual picks. THESE ARE NOT PARLAYS UNLESS OTHERWISE CLEARLY STATED. If a credit guaranteed package does not profit, a credit for its full purchase price is automatically issued after picks are graded and verified.

For example, if you purchase a $39.95 package that doesn’t profit, you’ll get a $39.95 credit towards any future purchase(s) on our site. Credits are usually issued within hours of a game’s conclusion, so please allow a few hours for final verification.

To use your credits, log in to your account and add another package or pass to your cart. Credits will automatically reduce what you owe. Any remaining balance will be settled through our payment system, with any leftover credits available future purchases. Credits do not expire.

Dismiss