Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Prediction: Can Kaedin Robinson, Mountaineers Dominate in Cure Bowl?
Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Prediction: Can Kaedin Robinson, Mountaineers Dominate in Cure Bowl?
Miami-Ohio took down Toledo in the MAC Championship game behind a very strong defensive performance. While their defense and special teams are strong, Miami (OH) may be down to their 3rd string quarterback on offense, which could spell trouble for them. Who has the edge in this matchup? Let's break it down.
Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date:Â December 16, 2023
- Game Time:Â 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch:Â ABC
Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Odds
- Spread: Miami (OH) +6 (-110), Appalachian State -6 (-110)
- Total: Over 46.5 (-110), Under 46.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami (OH) (+185), Appalachian State (-225)
Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Prediction
Miami-Ohio's starting quarterback, Brett Gabbert, went down earlier in the season with a broken leg which meant it was up to Aveon Smith to lead the team and lead them he did. Smith did a fantastic job at managing the game as he knew his limitations in the passing game, and utilized his speed and rushing abilities to the fullest to get the job done. Smith and Gabbert led the RedHawks to an 11-2 record this season and they have not lost since late October.
Miami-Ohio's defense has been spectacular since that time, as they allowed just 16 points to Ohio, zero to Akron, 10 to Buffalo, 15 to Ball State, and 14 to Toledo in the MAC title game. Their defense has been the anchor of their team this season but all of the teams I just listed (except Toledo) are simply a tier below the rest and were some of the worst teams in the nation this season.
App State played a much tougher schedule and had been playing some of their best ball down the stretch of the season including a road win over an undefeated JMU squad and a blowout victory over Georgia State. This App State team also played a much tougher schedule than Miami (OH) did. Appalachian State went into overtime with North Carolina and Miami (OH) was blown out by Miami (FL) in their lone non-conference test in their first game of the season, and that was even when they had their All-MAC starting quarterback, Brett Gabbert.
There are simply levels to this, and App State is on a different level when it comes to their overall talent and the types of teams that they have played this season. Miami (OH) had an excellent season and I do respect their defense, but this was a terrible season for the MAC overall. A lot of the worst teams in college football this season were in the MAC and the RedHawks were able to boost some of their metrics with wins against these subpar teams.
App State has gotten hot at the right time and now Miami (OH) will be onto their 3rd or 4th string quarterback with the departure of Aveon Smith. I do not foresee Miami having a ton of offensive success with whoever plays QB, as they struggled to move the ball consistently this year with Gabbert/Smith at the helm anyways.
With that being said, I am rolling with Appalachian State -6 at -108 odds for 1.5 units as one of my most confident college football plays of the day as I think the Mountaineers take care of business and win this game by 7-17 points. This feels like a 31-17 type game.
Miami (OH) vs. Appalachian State Pick
Pick: Appalachian State -6 -108Â Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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Article Author
Joey has spent the last 6+ years betting on sports with a focus on basketball and baseball. Basketball is his main focus, and not many people know more about mid-major basketball than him. Whether you need advice on a Saturday night primetime game or a Tuesday night back-alley SWAC/MEAC game, Joey is your man.