It’s the MAC Conference against the biggest Independent in college football when the Miami Ohio Redhawks square-off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The non-conference match-up is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 30th at 5:00 p.m. EST. The game’s over/under came out at 53.5 and hasn’t budged since this article. Las Vegas also has the Fighting Irish as a 21 point favorite. This interesting contest can be seen on the NBC Sports Network.
The Miami Ohio Redhawks evened their record on the year by claiming victory in their conference opener, 31-14 over Central Michigan at home last Saturday. In the match-up, the Redhawks jumped out to a 28-14 lead at halftime and kept the Chippewas at bay in the second half. Neither school really could get much going on offense, so the first half lead was all that Miami Ohio needed.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish rolled over the Michigan State Spartans 38-18 on the road in East Lansing. Although the Irish didn’t record 400 yards of offense, they made the most of the three turnovers they created. As a result, they jumped out to a 20 plus point lead at half-time and never looked back. This will mark the first time the two schools have met on the gridiron.
Miami Ohio Redhawks (2-2)
The Miami Ohio Redhawks were a couple of plays from being 4-0 as their two losses came by a combined nine points. The Redhawks are looking to pull off a big-time upset on the road in South Bend this Saturday.
Quarterback Gus Ragland has been doing what he does best. He leads the offense efficiently, while not making crucial errors that could cost his team the game. Last week, Ragland connected on just 11 passes for 217 yards with two touchdowns and no picks.
Overall, he has completed 61 throws for 881 yards with eight endzone tosses and two interceptions. He will need to have the best game of his career if he hopes to will the Redhawks to a major upset against Notre Dame.
Tailbacks Alonzo Smith and Kenny Young split carries out of the Miami Ohio backfield. Smith has 50 carries for 204 yards this year. Unfortunately, he has yet to reach the end zone this season. Teammate Kenny Young also contributes with 52 carries for a team-leading 220 yards and three touchdowns. Both will need to contribute to keeping the Notre Dame defensive line at bay.
Wide receiver James Gardner is the go-to guy in the passing game for the Redhawks. So far, he has brought in 16 balls for 294 yards and two scores. On the other side, wideout Jared Murphy also has 10 more catches for 144 yards and two more trips to pay-dirt. Let’s not forget about Ryan Smith, he has 10 receptions for 144 yards and two more scores. Obviously, Gus Ragland has plenty of options when he looks to light up opposing secondaries.
The Miami Ohio defense has been playing pretty good heading into this game against the Irish. In fact, they rank in the top 40 in all five major statistical categories. They are 27th in the country in yards allowed per contest (310ypg). Also, they are effective at keeping offenses off the scoreboard, giving up 19 points a match (34th).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-1)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish put together a convincing effort as they handled Michigan State on the road. The Fighting Irish will look to avoid a letdown with their rivals the fifth-ranked Trojans coming up in two weeks.
New signal-caller Brandon Wimbush has definitely done well in his first four games under center for the Golden Domers. Altogether, Wimbush has passed for 663 yards with three touchdowns and two picks. The talented youth is also good with his feet. Since the beginning of the season, he has toted the rock 57 times for 366 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.
Running back Josh Adams has been a great option for head coach Brian Kelly’s rushing attack. The shifty back has carried the pigskin 66 times for almost 500 yards and four scores. Adams is questionable with an ankle injury coming into this game against the Redhawks. He is not the only show in town as three other tailbacks have eclipsed the 100-yard mark and all have at least found the end zone once.
Wideout Alize Mack is tied for the team lead on the Fighting Irish with 11 receptions for 116 yards but has yet to score. His partner in crime Equanimeous St. Brown, also has 11 grabs for another 160 yards and the lone touchdown from the receiving department. Both of these players have the ability to break plays off in big chunks if the play-action pass is working for the Irish.
Secondary standout Julian Brown led Notre Dame with a 59 interception return for a score last week against the Spartans. Even with last week’s performance, the Irish’s secondary ranks 76th in the country allowing 236.5 yards per game. The front seven isn’t fairing that well either, giving up 151 yards a contest which places them at 72nd in the nation.
Prediction
It’s tough to get a read on the Miami Ohio Redhawks. First of all, they lose to Marshall and Cinncinati but only by nine points. Also, they had that Bearcats game in the bag but allowed them to move down the field in closing minutes and win the game. On the other hand, their two wins aren’t that special either. The Redhawks beat Central Michigan and Austin Peay.
No matter what, the Redhawks are going to have their hands full with the Notre Dame rushing attack. Especially, if Josh Adams is suited up and ready to rumble. The bottom line is Notre Dame is a team that is racking up the rushing yards so far this season. Dual-threat quarterback Brandon Wimbush can hurt you through the air or with his feet. So, that is another factor to consider when one thinks about points in this game.
Line setters have that over/under mentioned above at 53.5. I suggest that you play this over because Gus Ragland is consistent and Notre Dame will run the football effectively at home. Also, both clubs have talented wideouts who can make some big plays over the course of a full 60 minutes.
Odds-makers have the Redhawks as a +21 point underdog. I also am suggesting that you consider putting Miami Ohio on your board. If it makes you feel better you can buy it up to 21.5 but it probably won’t be necessary. The Redhawks lose a closer game than people think it will be to the tune of 33-24. #moneytreesgrow
Trends
The Redhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
The Redhawks are 5-2 ATS in games following a straight up win.
The Under is 9-4 in the Redhawks last 13 games overall.
The Fighting Irish are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games following an ATS win.
The Over is 5-1 in the Fighting Irish last six games overall.
