The Bearcats are big favorites coming into Saturday night’s contest against the RedHawks in week three of the college football schedule. Continue reading for a detailed analysis and our Cincinnati vs Miami predictions.
Cincinnati and Miami (OH) Previous Scoreboards
After taking their first loss in over 1,000 days in week one against Arkansas, Cincinnati crushed the Kennewsa Owls by 53 points in their home opener.
The Bearcats are now 1-1 and ninth in the American Athletic Conference. Redhawks, the Miami football team from Ohio, are 1-1 this year.
After coming off a double-digit loss to Kentucky, who is ranked ninth in the country, the Redhawks bounced back with a big win over Robert Morris last week.
Matchup Information
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks Betting Analysis
Cincinnati Bearcats
Although the Cincinnati odds of doing anything but blowing the Kennewsa Owls, Kennewsa is still one of the best FCS programs in the country. A 63-10 win against any team is impressive.
The Bearcats’ defense was phenomenal, holding the Owls to less than 150 rush yards for the first time in 74 games.
Bearcats’ Defense and Offense
Even more spectacular, the Bearcats’ defense outscored the Owls’ offense 14-10. Jabari Parker had a 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and safety Ja’Von Hicks had a 45-yard pick-sick.
The Bearcats’ two touchdowns on defense were the first time they accomplished that feat since 1998 when Shawn Ferguson had two pick-sixes against Memphis.
The Bearcats ended the first half with three straight touchdowns to take a 21-3 lead into the break. In the second half, the Bearcats scored on every drive but kneel down at the end to run out the clock.
Both Cincinnati quarterbacks were coming off bad performances, and both redeemed themselves. Ben Bryant went 16-19 for three scores, and Evan Prater went 4-4 for p2 yards and a 44-yard rushing touchdown.
Although the Owls’ defense is not the Razorbacks’ defense or the upcoming AAC opponents on the Bearcats’ college football schedule, they both looked impressive.
Miami (OH) RedHawks
The Victory Bell is the nation’s longest non-conference rivalry dating all the way back to 1888. The Redhawks have not beat Cincinnati in this contest since a 24-10 win in 2006 and have lost 15 straight against the Bearcats.
Quarterback Brent Gabert was injured in the first game of the season, but his replacement, the redshirt freshman Aveon Smith, has filled in just fine.
RedHawks Dominating Performance
Smith is coming off a dominating performance, throwing 155 yards, three scores, and one interception against Robert Morris last week.
Left tackle Sam Vaughan is also lost for the season, with Will Jados taking his place. Jados seemed to be able to hold his own, as the Redhawks didn’t allow a single sack coming off their win against Robert Morris.
Cincinnati Defense
The Redhawks’ defense has been dominant against the run, allowing only 45 rush yards per game which is fifth in the FBS, and they’re tied for 16th in the FBS in sacks.
The passing defense hasn’t fared as well for the Redhawks. They are currently ranked 87th nationally in yards allowed, but this defense is still one of the better in the country.
NCAAF Injury Report
Cincinnati Injury Report:
- Running back Ryan Montgomery was out of the lineup Saturday vs Kennewsa Owls with a rib injury and is questionable Saturday vs Miami Ohio
- Offensive Landon Fickell has been held out both games this season for the Bearcats with a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he’ll play Saturday vs the Redhawks.
Miami Ohio Injury Report:
- Starting quarterback Brett Gabbert is out indefinitely with an unspecified upper-body injury, and it is unclear when he’ll be able to return to the lineup for the Redhawks.
- Left tackle Sam Vaughan is out for the rest of the season and will not be returning to the lineup this season for Miami Ohio
Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH) Betting Preview
The Cincinnati Bearcats -110 are 22-point favorites in this contest.
One thing to take note of in our Cincinnati vs Miami predictions is the Bearcats are getting 79% of the bets and 95% of the handle to cover the spread signaling some sharp action on them the Bearcats are to win big.
The RedHawks +22 are +110 money line underdogs. 93% of the bets are on the Bearcats and the money line but the RedHawks are getting 22% of the handle.
The total is set at 51 for this contest with the odds being -110 both ways.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami (OH) Redhawks Betting Prediction
Our Cincinnati vs Miami predictions were heavily swayed by injuries in this contest.
Who to Bet On?
This could be a more competitive matchup with Bowl MVP for Miami Ohio, and MAC championship-winning quarterback Brett Gabbert in the lineup. Unfortunately for the RedHawks, he isn’t.
Not having Gabbert changes the dynamics of this offense, and this intimidating Bearcats defense with plenty of experience could really cause some problems for Aveon Smith.
Similarly to the Kentucky team that absolutely decimated the RedHawks in week one, the Bearcats have plenty of weapons at the skill positions to really attack Miami, Ohio.
NCAAF Pick: Bearcats -22 (-110)
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