A fascinating matchup is set to occur on Saturday afternoon with a clash between the MAC and Big Ten.
The reigning champions of the MAC, the Miami (OH) RedHawks, travel to Northwestern on Saturday to take on the Wildcats at 3:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Given the dismissal of former head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats had a year with meager expectations in 2023. However, the Cats exceeded expectations, winning their bowl game and finishing 8-5.
Oddsmakers currently have Miami as a 3.5-point underdog and the total set at 39.5 points. The RedHawks won their last matchup in Evanston in 2022, thanks to a game-winning field goal by elite kicker Graham Nicholson, who now plays for Alabama.
Let's break down the matchup with a Miami (OH) vs Northwestern prediction, odds and pick for Saturday, August 31, down below.
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Prediction
- Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Prediction & Pick: Miami (OH) +3.5 or Better
My Miami (OH) vs Northwestern best bet, prediction and pick is on the RedHawks to cover, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Odds
| Miami (OH) Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -122 | 40.5 -115o / -105u | +125 |
| Northwestern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 +100 | 40.5 -115o / -105u | -150 |
- Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Point Spread: Miami (OH) +3.5 (-122) · Northwestern -3.5 (-100)
- Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Total: Over/Under 40.5
- Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Moneyline: Miami (OH) +125 · Northwestern -150
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Preview
Miami RedHawks Betting Preview: The Return of Gabbert
The RedHawks are a fascinating story entering the 2024 season. However, Nicholson's departure has seriously damaged their special teams unit, so automatic field goals are now a thing of the past.
The good news for the Hawks is that quarterback Brett Gabbert will return for his sixth season after being limited to four games last season. Without Gabbert, they still managed to win the MAC and become one of the country's best Group of 5 teams.
The RedHawks rank 29th in returning production, so despite some roster questions, there's a lot of reason to be optimistic about heading into the matchup. Also, the game is in a stadium that only holds 15,000 people since the Wildcats' new stadium is set to open in 2026.
Miami will be without top running back Rashad Amos and top wide receiver Gage Larvadain, who departed after the 2023 season. However, the RB and WR rooms replenished depth, and the offensive line returns four starters.
It's a tough matchup for the RedHawks offense, which ranked sixth nationally in offensive explosiveness in 2023. The Wildcats, meanwhile, sat 30th in defensive explosiveness allowed.
Gabbert might be a bit rusty after injury, but I feel he will find his groove toward the end of the game. I don't expect many points in the game, especially given that the total has sunk to 39.5.
Defensively, the RedHawks have many advantages. Fortunately for them, they face a Wildcats team that overperformed offensively in 2023. They have an experienced defensive front and have revamped their secondary.
Expect a rock fight between these two teams. I tend to lean toward the team catching points with such a low total.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview: A New-Look Offense
The biggest change for Northwestern entering 2024 is the change at quarterback. Graduate transfer Mike Wright will be handed the keys to begin the season.
Wright comes from Vanderbilt and Mississippi State and is a dual-threat player under center. I expect a much more gimmicky offense from the Cats, relying heavily on the run game.
There's also a new offensive coordinator in town, as Zach Lujan takes the job after leading South Dakota State's offense to back-to-back national titles in FCS play. It'll be interesting to see what Lujan dials up for the dual-threat Wright.
Let's face it, folks — the Wildcats were extremely fortunate last season. Not to take anything away from their success, but they had a +13 turnover margin in FBS play.
They lost just one fumble all season long, ringing alarm bells for future regression on offense.
The Cats also lost their leading tackler, Bryce Gallagher, so the defense certainly took a dip.
These teams are power-rated pretty evenly, and with a new coordinator and quarterback, there could be an adjustment period on the offensive side of the ball. I don't expect the offense to gel immediately, and I believe people overlook Miami (OH)'s defensive unit.
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Pick & Prediction
I expect the game to play out like a rock fight, so I am going against our Action Network projections and taking the Red Hawks. Our projections make Northwestern nearly a seven-point favorite, four points higher than the current market.
The Hawks losing Nicholson may cost them in a close game like this, but I always lean toward taking the points in games with low totals. I do not expect much offensive explosiveness throughout the contest, and it could very well result in whichever team wins outright.
Due to these projections, I expect the line to continue to steam up, so I would advise waiting and bet the Hawks to ensure getting the best possible number.
Pick: Miami (OH) +3 or Better
How to Watch Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Betting Trends
- Forty-three percent of the public is backing Miami (OH) to cover the spread, however, it's generating 56% of the money.
- The 0ver is creating lots of interest — 79% to be exact — yet generating 66% of the money.
Miami (OH) vs Northwestern Weather
