Miami Ohio at Iowa – Preview and Prediction
IOWA 27.5 MIAMI OHIO (51.5)
Implied Projected Score: Iowa 39.5 Miami Ohio 12
MEGALOCKS LINE – Iowa 30
The Game
Iowa will try and start another 12-0 winning streak as they take on Miami Ohio in their home opener. The Hawkeyes had a fine season winning the Big 10 West but have a bad taste in their mouths after losing a tough one to Sparty and then getting pummeled by Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Better things are ahead for Miami Ohio but this is a tough place to start the season.
The Match-Up
Iowa offense vs Miami Ohio defense
The Iowa offense is going to be very similar to last season’s version. Run the ball. Do not make any mistakes. Efficient QB play. Senior QB CJ Beathard did a really nice job last season and has a strong running game and leading WR from 2015 Matt Vandeberg to help him out on Saturday.
The Redhawks had a pretty decent MAC defense last year and return 6 starters to the unit. They only allowed 169 yards rushing per game last season and tallied 30 sacks. Basically, we cannot see a HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER scenario unfolding on Saturday.
Miami Ohio offense vs Iowa defense
The Redhawks have a chance to grind out some first downs. They still have nine returning starters in this game even though WR Jared Murphy will not be playing. QB Billy Bahl got his feet wet last season but needs to be better than 44.5% completions and 13 INT. In a nutshell, there is a lot of experience on this side of the ball but do not think they can consistently move the ball on Iowa. Or hit many big plays. Their implied team total of 12 looks about right.
The Iowa defense looks better than last season’s version. At least on paper. Miami is going to get nothing through the air and would probably need field position via turnovers or special teams to exceed 10 points.
Tasty Tidbits
Last time Iowa faced the Redhawks it was BIG BEN at QB….You know how we always make fun of CROWD-WILL-BE-ROCKING GUY….well here is a good example…Iowa is fantastic at home but yet only 8-17 (32%) ATS as a home favorite the last four seasons….Iowa has played an FBS team before Iowa St twice in the last five seasons and failed to cover in both games..#smallsamplesize. Just saying, yo.
Summary
This is not a game to jump on Iowa in our opinion. The power rating says yes, but we like HC Chuck Martin (14-9-1 ATS at Ball St) and think that the Redhawks could slide in under the number provided they do not give the game away with multiple turnovers. We like both teams ATS this season. Gonna take a pass on this one.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: No leanage.