Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joey Aguilar, Mountaineers Dominate Cure Bowl?
The Miami-Ohio Redhawks will duel with the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl on Saturday afternoon. Can Joey Aguilar and the Mountaineers control the pace against Miami-Ohio's backup quarterback? Jason Radowitz provides his best bet in Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State in the Cure Bowl.
Jason Radowitz - December 11, 2023, 9:30 AM EST
5 minMiami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joey Aguilar, Mountaineers Dominate Cure Bowl?
The Miami-Ohio RedHawks will take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl. But the RedHawks will be without their quarterback, Aveon Smith, who helped the RedHawks earn the MAC Championship over Toledo during Championship Week. Smith was the backup to former starter Brett Gabbert. Therefore, the RedHawks, who just won the MAC, will have to turn to their third quarterback this season. That quarterback will be Henry Hesson, who has just five attempted passes in his collegiate career. Meanwhile, Appalachian State will be missing starting running back Nate Noel, who rushed for 834 yards this season. He entered the transfer portal along with WR Dashaun Davis, who added 29 catches for 381 yards this season. Which team will be more affected by these departures?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's matchup between the Miami-Ohio RedHawks vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers.
Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 16, 2023
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ABC
Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Odds
- Spread: Miami-Ohio +6 (-110), Appalachian State -6 (-110)
- Total: Over 46.5 (-110), Under 46.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami-Ohio (+185), Appalachian State (-225)
Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Injury Report
Miami-Ohio
Out: QB Brett Gabbert (Leg), TE Jack Coldiron (Lower Body)
Appalachian State
Out: QB Ryan Burger (Finger)
Miami-Ohio vs. Appalachian State Prediction
The Miami-Ohio RedHawks haven't lost a game since October 21. But they're now nearly a full touchdown underdog against an eight-win Appalachian State team. That's because there are concerns with Miami-Ohio at quarterback. Henry Hesson would get the start with Aveon Smith in the portal and Brett Gabbert injured. He's done nothing this season for the RedHawks and has just five passing attempts from last year's season. Therefore, this Miami-Ohio team that added nearly 27 points per game and won the MAC looks a lot different heading into this game. Appalachian State's defense has given up 28.38 points per game. The defense has also allowed 194.92 yards in the air, which isn't bad. However, the run defense has allowed over 175 yards per game. That's where Miami-Ohio could have some success. However, the RedHawks got a lot of running from Aveon Smith. He's unavailable, hurting the Red Hawks' ability to run the football. Rashad Amos added 895 yards and 12 touchdowns. But with Hesson, it's unlikely that Miami-Ohio can run as well as they did throughout the season with Smith. On the other hand, Appalachian State won't have its top running back. Nate Noel has entered the transfer portal, which will promote Kanye Roberts to the starting role. He's a freshman who added 5.7 yards a carry on 113 attempts. He's got plenty of reps as a freshman and should be fed the ball heavily in this game. Miami-Ohio's defense was terrific this season. The RedHawks held teams to 180.23 yards in the air and 128.77 yards on the ground this season. It's just unlikely that the RedHawks can stick around offensively against Joey Aguilar of Appalachian State. Aguilar threw for 3,546 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. His QBR of 73.2 was the 24th-best in the nation. I'll gladly take Aguilar over an unknown quarterback in Hesson.
Miami-Ohio RedHawks vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Pick
- PICK: Appalachian State -6 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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