A MAC football team hasn’t won consecutive conference titles since Northern Illinois in 2011 and 2012. Could Miami (Ohio) accomplish the feat in 2024?
Fresh off a conference title, head coach Chuck Martin returns a competitive roster led by quarterback Brett Gabbert. The gunslinger returns from a season-ending injury in 2023. When healthy – he’s struggled with injuries in his career – he’s arguably the top quarterback in the MAC.
The offensive line is one of the best in the conference as well, which should help the offense cruise. The tackles (Will Jados and Reid Holskey) are two of the best linemen in the league. There’s ample talent at wide receiver, too. Slot receiver Javon Tracy (348 yards last year) is a matchup mismatch.
Defensively, there’s a ton of talent, including edge rusher Brian Ugwu (12 tackles for loss and eight sacks last fall). The RedHawks should be in the mix to win the league at the very least. They’re built to repeat as MAC champions.
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Miami (Ohio) Football’s MAC Title Odds
Miami’s odds to win the MAC are +225, via BetMGM.
Miami (Ohio) Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Miami’s win total Over/Under is 8, with Over 8 at -105 and Under 8 at -115.
Miami (Ohio) Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 at Northwestern
9/14 vs. Cincinnati
9/21 at Notre Dame
9/28 vs. UMass
10/5 at Toledo
10/12 at Eastern Michigan
10/19 vs. Ohio
10/26 vs. Central Michigan
11/5 at Ball State
11/13 vs. Kent State
11/19 vs. Northern Illinois
11/29 at Bowling Green
Bold indicates MAC contests
Key Miami (Ohio) Football Returners
2023 All-MAC 1st Team
LB Matt Salopek
2nd Team
OL Will Jados
OL Reid Holskey
DL Brian Ugwu
P Alec Bevelhimer
3rd Team
QB Brett Gabbert
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Miami (Ohio) Football Is A Logical MAC Favorite
Miami is deserving of its preseason billing. The RedHawks have been consistent under Martin, making bowl games in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Last year’s 11-win season was phenomenal, and winning the MAC title despite dealing with injuries to Gabbert was an impressive feat. Martin and his program deserve loads of credit for 2023.
This upcoming season, however, will be a major test. Winning 11 games is highly unlikely, given an opening three-game stretch of Northwestern, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame.
Winning the MAC, however, is a realistic goal. Road games with Toledo and Bowling Green could very well decide the conference.
If Gabbert stays healthy, it’s hard to see the RedHawks falling out of MAC contention. If he gets hurt, the offense and defense still have enough talent to win the conference. Punter Alec Bevelhimer is a massive weapon for a program that often plays conservatively under Martin.
2024 Miami (Ohio) Football Season Prediction
If I’m playing a Miami wager, I’d lean toward taking the RedHawks to win the MAC. Reaching eight wins is going to be a challenge given the schedule, and if they do reach that mark, they’re going to be firmly in contention to win the conference.
I love the offense’s potential, and the defense boasts impressive star power. Bringing back an All-MAC punter only increases my love for this team.
Given the parity in the MAC, I’m likely staying away from any bets on the preseason conference favorite. I understand the hype for the RedHawks, however, and Northwestern and Cincinnati will have their hands full with this Group of Five College Football Playoff sleeper.
