Miami (Ohio) vs. Iowa Total Pick
Can No. 20 Iowa lock in defensively and keep the score low when it hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday 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 -21.5 points against Miami. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 47 points. The public betting currently has 63 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.
Miami built momentum
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.
Iowa remains steady
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.
College Football Betting Trends
Miami (Ohio)
Miami is 4-1 with the over in its last five road games and 5-2 with the over in its last seven against Big Ten opponents.
Iowa
The Hawkeyes have hit the over in five of their last six games overall and six of their last eight games on fieldturf.
Prediction:
Not an offensive power, Iowa put up 45 points on Miami a few years ago when they met. The Hawkeyes have been able to beat up on MAC teams in recent meetings. Miami has a lot of questions on offense. Using three quarterbacks doesn’t seem like it will be very effective against this Iowa defense, but the RedHawks will still find a way to get some points. Iowa should light up Miami with ease, taking the pressure off the RedHawks needed to score much to hit the over.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Miami/Iowa Over 47