Miami-OH RedHawks vs Central Michigan Chippewas prediction: Miami narrowly, spread a Pass
Miami-OH will beat Central Michigan 23-20, with its MAC-leading run defense providing the strongest matchup advantage against an offense awaiting clarity on Angel Flores’ injury. The RedHawks also enter after consecutive wins, but Central Michigan’s home results and Miami’s pass-defense weakness make this a low-confidence forecast. Neither Miami-OH -3.5 (-110) nor the supplied total of 40.5 offers a convincing wager.
Miami-OH RedHawks vs Central Michigan Chippewas prediction and best bet
Miami gets the winner’s call because its recent rushing production and conference-leading run defense offer a credible route to controlling this matchup. The RedHawks rushed for a season-best 324 yards in their 34-14 victory over Akron. Central Michigan enters with its quarterback situation unsettled after Flores left the Western Michigan game injured.
The best betting decision is Pass. Miami’s last road victory was only 20-19 at Massachusetts, and Central Michigan is 3-1 at home this season. Those results temper the temptation to treat the Akron win as Miami’s expected performance. A 23-20 forecast favors the RedHawks outright but leaves them short of covering -3.5.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Miami-OH at Central Michigan, 2026 college football season. Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. ET.
Venue and broadcast: Kelly/Shorts Stadium; ESPN+.
Records: Miami-OH RedHawks 4-3; Central Michigan Chippewas 3-3.
SportsJaw odds: Miami-OH RedHawks -3.5 (-105); Central Michigan Chippewas +3.5 (-115). Moneyline: Miami-OH RedHawks -165; Central Michigan Chippewas +140. Total: Over 40.5 (-110); Under 40.5 (-110).