Miami (Ohio) vs. Iowa Prediction
After a successful 2015 season, can No. 17 Iowa make a statement when it hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at 3:30PM ET on ESPNU?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Iowa is the clear favorite in this game, as the Hawkeyes are getting odds of -27.5 points against Miami (Ohio). The over/under total for the game is listed at 51.5 points. These two haven’t met since the 2003 season, when Iowa had a 21-3 victory.
Iowa started last season 12-0 before losing to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship and to Iowa in the Rose Bowl. The Hawkeyes were known for their typical, physical style. Their defense was their strength, as they allowed just 18.6 points per game. Despite that, they still were 8-5-1 with the over last season. Offensively, Iowa will be led by veteran QB C.J. Beathard, who threw for 2,809 yards and 17 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions. Iowa did lose leading rusher Jordan Canzeri, but returns LeShun Daniels Jr., who rushed for 646 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chuck Martin enters his third year with Miami needing a spark after going 3-9 last season. The RedHawks were pretty awful on defense last year, giving up 32 points and 405 yards per game. They really struggled against the run, allowing 168.9 yards per game. The offense was just as bad, averaging just 338 yards and 17.9 points per game. Miami is hoping Billy Bahl can step up this season after throwing for 1,416 yards with 8 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as a freshman in 2015. The RedHawks need to develop some playmakers if they hope to do much of anything this year.
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The total isn’t big, at just 51.5 points. However, Iowa isn’t a team known for racking up the points. The Hawkeyes certainly shouldn’t give up many points to Miami, which is where the concern is with betting on the over I could see this game being something around 31-10, but I just don’t see Iowa scoring enough, and allowing enough, for an over to hit.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: MIAMI/IOWA UNDER 51.5