Chasing a spot in the Mid-American Conference title game, the Miami (OH) RedHawks seek a sixth straight win as they host the Northern Illinois Huskies tonight at Fred Yeager Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Miami's recent offensive output has our attention and is why our Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) predictions favor the RedHawks.
Read on for my full college football picks on Tuesday, November 19.
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) prediction and best bet
Who will win Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH)?
It’s not like the schedule got especially soft for the Miami (OH) RedHawks during this 5-game fun run.
They have dusted two of the conference's Top 4 scoring defenses in Ohio and Eastern Michigan, while equally laying to waste Ball State (6th), Central Michigan (10th), and Kent State (last).
This offensive surge complements a defense that currently ranks right behind the top-ranked Northern Illinois Huskies in points allowed.
The results speak for themselves: no team has scored more than 21 points against them during this streak, and they’ve won all but one of these contests by double digits.
The Huskies can provide some resistance, but the RedHawks have something to play for. In a three-way logjam at the top of the MAC, there’s still work to be done, and I see them taking care of business at home for an important win.
My best bet
Miami (OH) -2.5 (-112 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
After failing to score more than 24 points in any of its first five games of the season, Miami (OH) has been lighting up the opposition, scoring at least 27 points in five straight (all wins).
The RedHawks have scored 30 or more points four times, including the last game when they whipped lowly Kent State 34-7.
They’re currently 3-3-0 against the spread as a betting favorite this season, with each of their spread losses failing to cover a line of 13 points or greater.
However, anything 10.5 points or lower, they’re 3-0-0, so Tuesday’s matchup fits right into their wheelhouse.
Northern Illinois rides into Ohio on a hot streak of its own, having won two in a row, both by double digits.
Its bread and butter is a defense that ranks first against the pass, allowing just 170.2 yards per contest, while leading the conference in sacks with 28.
The Huskies also hold up vs. the run, allowing 114.2 yards per contest (second only to Ohio in the MAC).
Both teams will lean heavily on the run. Miami has unlocked its rush attack with senior Keyon Mozee piling up five straight 100+ yard rushing games, while NIU ranks first in rushing at 219.7 yards per game.
Miami's passing game is its strongest advantage. Brett Gabbert should be able to make plays against a good defense, and where the Huskies fall short with Ethan Hampton, who has thrown for fewer than 170 yards in six straight starts.
It will be close, but Miami makes enough plays to eke one out and stay in the conference title game mix.
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) same-game parlay (SGP)
Brett Gabbert Over 1.5 passing TDs
Telly Johnson Jr. Over 75.5 rush yards
Reggie Virgil anytime TD
After throwing for just five touchdowns through the first five games of the season, Gabbert has thrown for 13 over his last five. He’s thrown at least two TDs in four games during the win streak, and five of six overall.
With injuries hampering the running back room, Telly Johnson Jr. has taken the opportunity as the Huskies’ lead back the last two games. He’s rushed for better than 100 yards in each, and with NIU’s commitment to running the ball, he should be in line to top his 75.5 rushing line.
One constant during the RedHawks’ win streak has been receiver Reggie Virgil getting into the end zone. The junior has caught at least one TD in each of the last five games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) odds
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) live odds
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) opening odds
- Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) spread: Miami (OH) -2.5
- Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) moneyline: Northern Illinois +125, Miami (OH) -150
- Northern Illinois vs. Miami (OH) Over/Under: 43.5
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) spread and Over/Under analysis
- The RedHawks are 8-1-0 against the spread in its last nine games vs NIU.
- The Huskies are 4-0-0 ATS as an underdog this season.
- The Over has cashed in four of the last five meetings.
- NIU has gone over the total in four straight.
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) betting trend to know
Miami (OH) has won three of its last four at home. Find more college football betting trends for Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH).
Northern Illinois vs Miami (OH) game info
| Location: | Fred C. Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH |
| Date: | Tuesday, 11-19, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
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