Miami (Ohio) vs. Iowa Prediction
Can No. 20 Iowa find enough offense to cover more than a three-touchdown spread when the Hawkeyes host Miami (Ohio) tonight at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
197 Miami (Ohio) vs. 198 Iowa
Saturday, August 31, 2019
7:30PM ET – Kinnick Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Iowa is the clear favorite in this game, as the Hawkeyes are getting odds of -22.5 points against Miami. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 46.5 points. The public betting currently has 70 percent going on Iowa as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Iowa a defensive power
The Iowa football team is coming off a 9-4 record in 2018 with a 5-4 mark in the Big Ten. It was Kirk Ferentz’ 20th year as a head coach of the Hawkeyes. Iowa was 8-5 against the spread in 2018 while going 9-4 with the over.
The Hawkeyes remain steady in their style, using defense to lead the way in 2018. Iowa gave up 17.8 points and 293.6 yards per game last season, being among the nation’s best in pass and rush defense. Iowa has just four starters back on defense this year, none of which come on the d-line. Offensively, Iowa put up 31.2 points and 375 yards per game last season. Nate Stanley threw for 2,852 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2018 to lead the team and he is back to run the offense this year. The team loses a pair of solid tight ends, both of whom were the top two receivers on the squad. However, leading rusher Mekhi Sargent is back. Sargent rushed for 745 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
Miami hoping for winning season
The Miami (Ohio) football team ended the 2018 season on a high note by winning its last three games. The RedHawks were 6-6 overall and 6-2 in the MAC last year. The team is in its sixth season with Chuck Martin as head coach. Miami was 8-4 against the spread in 2018 while going 7-5 with the over.
Miami didn’t have a terribly strong offense, averaging 28.1 points and 372 yards per game last season. The RedHawks currently have three quarterbacks competing for the starting job and Miami could use all three on Saturday. None of the three have seen time for Miami. The team is also looking to replace its leading rusher, but does have its leading receiver in Jack Sorenson back. He caught 53 passes for 742 yards and two scores. The RedHawks have three starters back on the offensive line as well. On defense, Miami gave up 25.5 points and 368.2 yards per game last season. The RedHawks have six starters back on that unit, including three starters in the secondary.
College Football Betting Trends
Iowa
The Hawkeyes are 5-0 against the spread in their last five non-conference games, but just 2-5 ATS in their last seven against MAC opponents.
Miami (Ohio)
The RedHawks are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine games overall and 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
Prediction:
Iowa isn’t a team you look to often to cover 21+-point spreads, but I think the Hawkeyes can handle themselves tonight. Iowa has a defense that will give Miami and its rotating quarterbacks a lot of problems. The Iowa offense has a capable quarterback running things against a MAC defense, so that should lead to plenty of scoring drives. As long as Iowa doesn’t stop itself on drives, the Hawkeyes should be just fine covering this spread.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Iowa -22.5
Related: Miami (Ohio) vs. Iowa Total Prediction