Miami (OH) vs. Rutgers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 6, 2025
It’s a big time matchup between a MAC and Big Ten school on Saturday, Sept. 6. Read our Miami (OH) vs Rutgers prediction along with with our other NCAAF Betting Picks! The RedHawks are 0-1 after losing to Wisconsin last week. They were in the game thanks to their defense, but their offense couldn’t do anything resulting in a 17-0 loss. The MAC has defeated a Big Ten school in 16 of the previous 18 years. Could this possibly be the matchup? Rutgers is not hoping for the upset, but they did serve a scare against Ohio last week when they won by just a field goal. These two teams will meet with kick-off set for 3:30 P.M. EST.
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Miami (OH) pushes Wisconsin in first game of the season
The RedHawks started the season with a road test against Big Ten foe Wisconsin. Miami (OH) pushed their opponents, but ultimately fell. There are high expectations for Miami this season. They were picked No. 2 in the MAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll just ahead of Ohio. The RedHawks went 9-5 last year losing to Ohio in the MAC Championship game, but they did defeat Colorado State by 26 points in the Arizona Bowl to close out the season.
In the first game of the season, Miami lost 17-0 to Wisconsin on the road on Thursday, Aug. 28. Obviously, the offense was not good enough as the RedHawks were unable to score any points. They finished with just 117 yards of offense and went 0-for-9 on third down. The Miami turned the ball over twice thanks to two interceptions from quarterback Dequan Finn.
Finn, who is in his seventh year of college football, was making his debut for the Red Hawks. He played for Baylor last year before playing five seasons for Toledo. Finn threw for 83 yards on 9-for-18 passing and was picked off twice. He also rushed for 13 yards and had a team-high 12 carries.
The defense was the star of the show for the RedHawks last week. They only allowed 17 points to a solid Wisconsin team. They gave up just three points in the first half. Miami allowed 353 yards of offense, but a majority of these yards came in the second half.
"Defensively, I loved our approach," head coach Chuck Martin said after the game against Wisconsin. "I loved that they didn't get pushed around by a Big Ten offense; they fought like crazy and they did a lot of really good things."
Miami did cover the spread as they were a 17.5 point underdog. The under hit in the game with the total set for 41.5 in their first matchup against Wisconsin.
Rutgers survives scare against Ohio last week
Rutgers have started the season with 1-0 record. They were in a battle with Ohio in their Week 1 matchup on Thursday, Aug. 28. The Scarlet Knights were picked No. 13 in the preseason Big Ten rankings coming into the season. Last season, Rutgers finished with a 7-6 record as they lost 44-41 to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl to end the year.
In their first game, Rutgers defeated Ohio 34-31 at home. It was a massive first half for Rutgers as they led 31-17 at halftime. The offense went cold in the second half as Ohio made their comeback. The Bobcats scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter to tie the game. Rutgers took the lead and eventual win thanks to a 26-yard field goal with 11:11 left in the game.
Ohio received the ball and took 4:26 off the clock going just 29 yards before punting. They would never see the ball again as Rutgers bled the clock with 6:41 left. They went 55 yards in 13 plays before kneeling out and sealing the win.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 252 yards on 18-for-23 passing and two touchdowns. Ian Strong led the receivers group with seven passes for 100 yards. The rushing attack was key with Antwan Raymond leading the team with 87 yards and a score. The offense went just 1-for-10 on third down, but they did go 5-for-5 on fourth down.
The defense for the Scarlet Knights struggled to contain Ohio. The allowed 440 yards of offense as allowed the Bobcats to go 5-for-10. Rutgers played a tough Ohio team, but they have another tough opponent in Miami (OH) this week.
“Yeah, a lot of the same ways, actually. It’s not a very different challenge. We just have to do it better, for sure. We’re not gonna be in a spy all the time or anything like that. I mean, because when you start doing that, you take away from other things. So, but we have to be disciplined in our pass rush, right? We have to strain in our pass rush. You can’t allow yourself to get washed out of your pass rush lane,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said about slowing down Miami’s quarterback.
Rutgers was a 15.5 point favorite against Ohio, but they obviously did not secure the cover. The over did hit in the first game of the season. The total was set at 51.5 and both offenses lit up the scoreboard for the over to be the move in Week 1.
Miami Ohio vs. Rutgers Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Earle Sports Bets | +2,298.00 |
| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
| 4 |  David Hess | +1,745.00 |
| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
Spread Pick for Miami Ohio vs. Rutgers
- Miami (OH) RedHawks +15 (5 Units)
The MAC has defeated a Big Ten school in 16 of their previous 18 seasons. I think this could be the game that the streak could extend to 17 of their last 19 years. Miami (OH) played a tough Wisconsin team last week just losing 17-0. Yes, the RedHawks offense was really poor, but the Badgers should have a top-tier defense this season. On the other hand, Rutgers’ defense is one of the worst in the conference and they showed it last week giving up 30 points to Ohio and barely hanging on. The RedHawks should find more enjoyment on the offensive end and should put up points. Miami’s defense is what performed at a high level last week and I think they can do it again against Rutgers. Rutgers' offense was strong, but they did go just 1-for-10 on third down. A few more stops for Ohio on fourth down and they could have won. Last week’s performances should give Miami confidence rolling into New Jersey.
Take the RedHawks to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Miami Ohio vs. Rutgers
- Under 45.5 (5 units)
The rushing attack for Miami (OH) will be key in this game. They have a run-first offense led by one of top scrambling quarterbacks in the conference. Wisconsin neutralized Miami’s run game and did not allow them to score at all, but Rutgers struggled against Ohio’s run game. No matter what happens, Miami will be relying on the run which will force the clock to tick and possessions to be played at a minimum. I expect the RedHawks defense to perform well again and force Rutgers into some tough positions while this game is played as a low scoring affair.
Take the under on Saturday.
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