It is the battle of Miami as Miami (OH) takes on Miami (FL) in this one. It is time to continue our College Football odds series with a Miami (OH)-Miami prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.

At Miami (OH) Head Coach Chuck Martin has done a great job of turning this program around. After nine years of not making just one bowl game after Terry Hoeppner left the school, Martin has made it to four bowls in nine years Miami (OH) returns a fair amount of production as well. They are sitting 40th in all of college football in returning production, primarily because they are returning 76% of their defense. The offense brings back Brett Gabbert, who was solid in 2021, and 2022 before being knocked out with an injury.

They lose Mac Hippenhammer, but they bring back some other major weapons in the passing game. The defense lost their top corner but brought back four of their other five top guys. Matthew Salopek is back, as is most of a solid defensive line. This was one of the best defenses against the rush last year, and also in terms of points allowed.

The Miami Hurricanes come in off a disappointing first season under Mario Cristobal. They finished 5-7, struggling in the games in which they were favored. They barely beat Virginia Tech, while going to double overtime with Virginia.  The offensive line should be solid this year, with Zion Nelson returning, and two other five start recruits expecting to get work. Tyler Van Dyke is back and expected to break out this year.  The offense has a lot of talent at running back and some quality wide receivers. The defense brings in a new defensive coordinator to improve that unit. One of the worst thrid defenses last year, they will be looking to improve this season.

Here are the college football odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

College Football Odds: Miami (OH)-Miami Odds

Miami (OH): +17 (-110)

Miami: -17 (-110)

Over: 45.5 (-114)

Under: 45.5 (-106)

How to Watch Miami (OH) vs. Miami

TV: ACC Network

Stream: FuboTV

Time: 7:00 PM ET/ 4:00 PM PT

*Watch college football LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why Miami (OH) Will Cover The Spread

The RedHawks offense finished 11th in the conference but they get Brett Gabbert back at quarterback. Last year he had 816 yards passing with four touchdowns before breaking his collarbone and missing the rest of the year. He was the 2019 Freshman of the year in the MAC with 2,411 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. He took off in 2021 with 2,648 yards passing and 26 touchdowns with just six interceptions. If he can get back to where he was in 2021, the Redhawks offense will be much better and have a chance to cover in this game.

If he struggles, Aveon Smith will come into the game. He was not nearly as effective in passing as Gagbert, completing just under 50 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns. Smith still brings a different element to the offense and could see time in this game due to that. He ran for 553 yards last year and six scores and is a quality dual-threat quarterback.

Miami (OH) will also need to get more out of the running game. Keyin Mozee, Kevin Davis, and Kenny Track return, but they were not productive last year. Mozee ran for 471 yards and two scores last year. Meanwhile, Davis and Tracy combined for 341 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Further, the team will need some help in the wise receiver core. Top receiver Mac Hippenhammer is off to the NFL, and the top two receivers returning have just 656 yards and three touchdowns. They do bring in a Freshman in Javon Tracy and transfer Joe Wilkins who will be looking to make an impact in this one.

Why Miami Will Cover The Spread

If Tyler Van Dyke can get back to the form from 2021, this team will take a step forward. In 2021, Van Dyke threw for 2,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Last year was a struggle though, due to a new offense and some injuries. He passed for just 1,844 yards and ten touchdowns with five interceptions. Van Dyke will be looking to regain his form in this one, and if he can, he will put plenty of points on the board for the Hurricanes.

Meanwhile, Henry Parrish Jr. is back. He ran for 617 yards last year with four touchdowns. He ran for 4.7 yards per carry and could be relied on heavily in this game. Miami needs to be more efficient on third downs and making shorter yardage situations. That will be the job of Parrish this year. There is a group of quality returning wide receivers though, Xavier Restrepo looks like he is ready to break out this year after 240 yards and a touchdown last year. Brashad Smith is the returning reception leader. He had 33 receptions last year for 308 yards but did not score last season.

On defense, they should be able to get to the quarterback. Akheem Mesidor is back, and he had seven sacks last year. Meanwhile, he is across from Jahafari Harris who had 5.5 sacks last year. They bring in Branson Deen from Purdue, and Leonard Taylor is a top-quality defensive tackle which will make the line difficult to deal with. Miami may also have the best set of safetys in the ACC. Kamren Kinchens and James Williams come back. Kinchens picked off six passes last year, while Williams led the team in stops. They bring in Dsavonte Brown from UCF who broke up 16 passes over the last two seasons.

Final Miami (OH)-Miami Prediction & Pick

On the surface, this seems destined for a blowout, but there are a few key factors. Miami struggled a lot last year, going just 2-10 against the spread last season. They are at home, but their home stadium does not give them much of a boost. Miami brings back just three offensive starters, so there will be road bumps to run through. Meanwhile, the RedHawks can score and will keep this one close with their offense. The prediction is this Miami (OH)- Miami match-up is the Hurricanes get the win, but the best pick is Miami (OH) to get the cover.

Final Miami (OH)-Miami Prediction & Pick: Miami (OH) +17 (-110)