Miami-Ohio Redhawks vs. Ohio Bobcats Prediction and Game Preview - 11/02/2021

Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Peden Stadium, Athens, OH

Where to watch: ESPNU

DraftKings: Miami-Ohio -6.5; O/U 52

BetMGM: NL

Caesars: Miami-Ohio -7; O/U 52

Miami-Ohio: 4-4 (3-1 MAC)

Ohio: 1-7 (1-3 MAC)

Miami-Ohio: Off (won 24-17 at Ball State on Oct. 23)

Ohio: Off (lost 34-27 vs. Kent State on Oct. 23)

Every week becomes more important as it pertains to the Miami-Ohio Redhawks and securing a spot in the MAC Championship game.

With two straight wins, Miami is tied with the Kent State Golden Flashes atop the MAC East standings. The Redhawks can push their winning streak to three games for a rare Tuesday game on the road against the Ohio Bobcats.

Since the Redhawks made the move to Brett Gabbert as their starting quarterback about a month ago, the Miami offense has found a new gear and some confidence in its game. Gabbert, the brother of NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert, completed 20 of 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdown passes in Miami’s seven-point victory at the Ball State Cardinals a little more than a week ago.

Gabbert led a 12-play, 91-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter capped off by Nate Muersch catching a 6-yard touchdown reception to give them the crucial conference victory.

Leading receiver Jack Sorenson continued his terrific season with 138 yards on eight receptions to pace the Redhawks offense.

But perhaps the biggest turnaround has come from the Redhawks defense. Since their loss to the Army Black Knights more than a month ago, Miami has held opponents to 21 points or fewer in the next four games. That loss to Eastern Michigan suddenly becomes a what-if type of situation.

This in-state rivalry, known as the Battle of the Bricks, will not be an easy one for Miami. Although Ohio comes in losing three straight, each of those losses have come by one score. Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke was spectacular with 308 yards on 31 of 38 passing, but ran for two touchdowns to make up for the interception he threw in last week's loss to Kent State.

Isiah Cox had a team-high seven receptions for 73 yards, and O’Shaan Allison also had seven receptions for only 52 yards. If there’s one weak link to this Ohio passing attack, it’s the big plays are limited. Backup quarterback Armani Rogers is usually the option-like, big-play quarterback.

We’re on a collision course for Miami and Kent State to decide things in the division in the final game of the season. This will be Miami’s last road game until that pivotal showdown; they’ll be home against Buffalo next week and Bowling Green the following. That game against Kent State will actually give the Redhawks their first Saturday game in a month, and 11 days to prepare. Gabbert has lit a fire in this team and has given them hope. Miami-Ohio by 14

Miami-Ohio is 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a stretch of three straight conference games.

Miami-Ohio is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 when allowing 125 rushing yards or less in three straight games.

Ohio is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 home games, but 4-8 straight up.

Passing: AJ Mayer -- 946 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT

Rushing: Keyon Mozee -- 342 yards, 3 TD

Receiving: Jack Sorenson -- 703 yards, 5 TD

Defense: Matthew Salopek -- 72 tackles

Passing: Kurtis Rourke -- 962 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT

Rushing: De’Montre Tuggle -- 553 yards, 5 TD

Receiving: Ty Walton -- 277 yards, 2 TD

Defense: Bryce Houston -- 63 tackles