The No. 8 Cincinnati Bearcats have plenty of reason to feel optimistic about their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff, and their journey towards that goal begins this Saturday against the visiting Miami (OH) RedHawks. Will the Bearcats take care of business? Or will the RedHawks score a giant upset right away? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Miami (OH) Redhawks vs Cincinnati Bearcats NCAA Week 1 College Football Game on September 4, 2021
Where: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati
When: Saturday, September 4, 2021, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Miami (OH) Redhawks (+23) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (-23) – view all 2020 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Miami (OH) Redhawks (+23)
Record: 0-0 Overall / 0-0 Conference
There’s nothing special about the RedHawks based on what they did in 2020. That season, they averaged 28.7 points and 365.3 total yards per game. But you could only tell so much based on statistics collected from only three games played. That’s the total number of games Miami played a season ago, as COVID-19 messed with the team’s schedule. The RedHawks are much more prepared this season, though, so things should be looking up for them. Although an anemic rushing game has been holding Miami’s offense back for several years now, running back Jaylon Bester returns for his senior season after missing all of 2020 because of injury. In 2019, he rushed for 741 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. With him back, Miami can stretch the field a little bit at least together with wide receiver Jack Sorensen, who has 1,664 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons with the team so far.
Miami is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games overall.
Betting on the Cincinnati Bearcats (-23)
Record: 0-0 Overall / 0-0 Conference
This could be the year the Bearcats break through and make it to the College Football Playoff. For one, Cincinnati has 12 starters back in action, including quarterback Desmon Ridder, who’s one of the most electrifying signal-callers out there. In 2020, Ridder passed for 2,296 yards and 19 touchdowns against six interceptions. He also was second on the team with 592 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. Apart from Ridder, Cincinnati’s offense is also generating excitement and hype because star tight end Josh Whyle is back. Whyle led the team with 353 receiving yards and six touchdowns. There are concerns about the new-look offensive line of Cincinnati, but Ridder’s athleticism and ability to make plays on the run could buy the unit enough time to develop chemistry and cohesion.
Cincinnati is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Cincinnati wins, 36-9.
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