The Miami-Ohio Redhawks and the Kent State Golden Flashes meet in week 5 college football MAC-tion from Dix Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Miami-Ohio Wins Three Straight

The Miami-Ohio Redhawks snagged their 3rd straight win, improving their record to 3-1 on the year after a 62-20 win over Delaware State in their last matchup. Brett Gabbert has thrown for 846 yards, 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 62.2% passing while Rashad Amos has a team-high 222 rushing yards and Jordan Brunson’s added 131 rushing yards as well. Gage Larvadain has a team-high 18 receptions for 438 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns and Joe Wilkins Jr. has added 116 receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Matt Salopek has a team-high 38 total tackles while Michael Dowell leads Miami-Ohio with 2 interceptions. As a unit, Miami-Ohio has 6 sacks and 4 interceptions as well this season.

Miami (OH) RedHawks Team Facts

The underdog has won each of Miami (OH)’s last three games at Dix Stadium.
The underdog has covered the spread in each of Miami (OH)’s last five games at Dix Stadium.
Miami (OH) has won the first half in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
Each of Miami (OH)’s last three games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Kent State Gets Routed Again

The Kent State Golden Flashes dropped to 1-3 on the year after ending up on the wrong side of a 53-10 loss at the hands of Fresno State last time out. Michael Alaimo has thrown for 593 yards, a touchdown and 3 interceptions on 54.4% passing while Gavin Garcia has 288 rushing yards with 2 TDs and Xavier Williams has 126 rushing yards as well. Trell Harris leads Kent State’s receiving group with 13 grabs for 233 yards and a touchdown while Chrishon McCray has 129 receiving yards. On defense, Devin Nicholson has a team-high 29 total tackles while Kent State’s defense as a whole has combined for 3 sacks and 4 interceptions this season.

Kent State Golden Flashes Team Facts

Kent State has lost each of its last 28 September games as an underdog.
The underdog has covered the spread in each of the last five games between Miami (OH) and Kent State at Dix Stadium.
Kent State has won the first half in eight of its last 10 home games against conference opponents.
Nine of Kent State’s last 10 games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Kent State ranked 25th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (5.1).
Kent State was one of only 26 FBS teams to win 2+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
Miami (OH) was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Miami (OH) ranked 13th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (4.8).

Chris’ Pick

I’m not a fan of this number, especially on the road, but I have to lay the points with Miami-Ohio here. The Redhawks are just the far better team, and Kent State’s given us no reason to back them, even against a conference opponent. The Golden Flashes have lost each of their three games against FBS competition by at least 22 points and this Miami-Ohio team is one of the better MAC teams out there right now. I think Miami-Ohio runs away with this one. Give me the Redhawks laying the points.