Miami (OH) vs. Buffalo Prediction, Game Preview

Miami (OH) vs. Buffalo prediction and game preview. The RedHawks seek a fifth consecutive victory when they visit the Bulls on Saturday.

Miami (OH) vs. Buffalo Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 – Noon ET
Where: UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY.
TV Broadcast: ESPN3

It appears Gus Ragland’s absence was the problem all along. Ragland’s surprisingly quick return from an ACL injury suffered in April has sparked Miami (OH) to four consecutive victories following an 0-6 start without him. Wins over Buffalo and Ball State next week would make the RedHawks eligible for a bowl game, something that seemed unthinkable as they struggled through the first half of their schedule.

The Bulls are hoping to play spoilers with a dismal 2-7 record. They shocked Akron two weeks ago before failing to score in the second half of last week’s 34-10 loss to Ohio. They also committed two turnovers, missed a field goal and had another blocked.

What To Know About Miami (OH)

Ragland has been the reason for the turnaround. He’s thrown 10 touchdowns, including four in last week’s 37-17 blowout of Central Michigan. Ragland, who hasn’t thrown an interception in his four starts, also added 60 rushing yards. Miami has hit the 400-yard mark in each of the last three games after not doing so in any of its previous four, and Ragland’s passing ability has helped open up the run game.

The RedHawks have rushed for over 200 yards in each of the last three after finishing with fewer than 100 in four of the previous five. The defense has stuffed the opposition’s running game lately, too, not allowing more than 57 yards on the ground in any of the last three.

What To Know About Buffalo

Quite deceivingly, Buffalo is allowing the fewest passing yards per game in the MAC. The reason being is that opposing offenses realize how terrible it is stopping the run. The Bulls are allowing an average of 256.4 yards on the ground per game, total that ranks 123rd in the nation. Teams have compiled at least 300 rushing yards against the Bulls five times.

Advantages

Offense: Miami (OH) – Ragland showed last week he can get it done with his legs, too, despite coming off the injury.

Defense: Miami (OH) – The RedHawks are allowing an average of 3.56 yards per rush, second-fewest in the MAC. JT Jones has 11 tackles for loss.

Special Teams: Miami (OH) – Nick Dowd has hit eight of his nine field goal attempts, while Buffalo’s Adam Mitcheson has missed six.

Coaching: Miami (OH) – Chuck Martin kept his team focused through the rough start to the season.

Intangibles: Buffalo – The Bulls have won four straight meetings.

Matchup To Watch

Ragland vs. Buffalo’s defense

The RedHawks likely will try to get Ragland going early in the passing game. If he does, they’ll open it up to the run against the Bulls’ defense that won’t be able to stop them.

Betting Odds

Spread: Miami (OH) -10.5
Over/Under: 46