Miami (OH) at Central Michigan Football Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Game Information

• Matchup: Miami (OH) RedHawks (4-3, 2-1 MAC) at Central Michigan Chippewas (3-4, 1-2 MAC)
• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
• Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET
• Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium — Mount Pleasant, Michigan
• TV/Streaming: ESPN+
• Tickets: As low as $25
• Line: Miami (OH) -2.5
• Over/Under: 43.5

Miami (OH) vs. Central Michigan Prediction & Matchup Preview

Miami visits Mount Pleasant seeking a third consecutive victory and another MAC win. The RedHawks (4-3) defeated Massachusetts 20-19 and Akron 34-14, while Central Michigan (3-4) has dropped consecutive games against Ohio and Western Michigan.

Injuries have reshaped Miami’s offense. With Thomas Gotkowski and David McComb sidelined for the season, Caleb Heavner has taken over, making the rushing attack essential. Miami rushed for 324 yards against Akron, including Rodney Nelson’s 142 yards and two touchdowns.

Central Michigan prefers a ground-oriented approach, averaging 184.3 rushing yards but only 108.1 passing yards per game. Quarterback Angel Flores left the Western Michigan loss with an apparent injury, leaving his availability uncertain. Slow starts also concern the Chippewas: they trailed Western Michigan 21-0 before rallying late.

Miami averages 26.9 points per game, compared with Central Michigan’s 16.6. Expect field position, turnovers and rushing efficiency to decide this game.

Players to Watch

Miami (OH) RedHawks

Caleb Heavner — Quarterback: Heavner has thrown for 394 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 159 yards. His mobility offsets limited passing production.

Rodney Nelson — Running Back: Nelson has 348 rushing yards this season, including 142 and two touchdowns against Akron. He is Miami’s top weapon.

Grant Lyons — Linebacker: Lyons recorded two sacks against Akron. His pressure could disrupt Central Michigan’s run-heavy attack.

Central Michigan Chippewas

Angel Flores — Quarterback: Flores leads a run-oriented offense and rushed for 117 yards against Western Michigan before departing with an apparent injury. His status matters.

Jadyn Glasser — Quarterback: Glasser could start after replacing Flores and scoring a rushing touchdown against Western Michigan.

Langston Lewis — Wide Receiver: Lewis caught four passes for 74 yards against Western Michigan and owns a 71-yard touchdown reception against Akron.

Keys to the Game

Miami Keys to Victory

Establish Nelson. Central Michigan allows 184.3 rushing yards per game. Miami should challenge that defense early.

Protect Heavner. Avoiding sacks and long-yardage situations will help its inexperienced quarterback manage the offense.

Force turnovers. Four interceptions against Akron helped Miami convert takeaways into 21 points.

Central Michigan Keys to Victory

Resolve the quarterback question. Flores’ health—or Glasser’s readiness—will determine the offensive plan.

Stop the run. Containing Nelson and Heavner is essential to preventing lengthy Miami drives.

Start faster. Consecutive slow starts have forced the Chippewas into difficult comebacks.

Betting Prediction

Point Spread: Miami (OH) -2.5

Miami brings momentum, rushing production and defensive playmaking. Central Michigan’s home field matters, but its offensive uncertainty gives the visitors an edge.

Betting Pick: Miami (OH) -2.5

Over/Under: 43.5 Points

Both offenses lean on the run; Central Michigan averages 16.6 points. Long possessions and limited passing production point toward a lower-scoring afternoon.

Betting Pick: Under 43.5

Four Prop Bets to Consider

College player-prop availability varies by sportsbook, so these are target numbers to consider if offered near these ranges.

Prop Bet #1: Rodney Nelson Over 54.5 Rushing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Nelson Over 54.5 Rushing Yards

• 142 Yards vs Akron
• 70 vs Bowling Green
• CMU Allows 184.3 Rushing Yards Per Game

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Nelson has rushed for 70, 52 and 142 yards over his last three games. With Miami prioritizing the ground game against a vulnerable rushing defense, his workload should remain substantial.

Prediction: Rodney Nelson — 76 rushing yards

Prop Bet #2: Caleb Heavner Under 149.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Heavner Under 149.5 Passing Yards

• 65 Yards vs Akron
• 95 vs Massachusetts
• Miami Rushed for 324 vs Akron

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Heavner has combined for only 160 passing yards across his last two games. Miami’s successful rushing approach makes a major increase in passing volume unlikely.

Prediction: Caleb Heavner — 118 passing yards

Prop Bet #3: Langston Lewis Over 29.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Lewis Over 29.5 Receiving Yards

• 74 Yards vs Western Michigan
• 71-Yard TD vs Akron
• Miami Allows 276.9 Passing Yards Per Game

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Lewis’ 74-yard performance against Western Michigan demonstrated his explosive potential. Miami allows 276.9 passing yards per game, so a few catches could clear this modest target.

Prediction: Langston Lewis — 43 receiving yards

Prop Bet #4: Caleb Heavner Over 24.5 Rushing Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Heavner Over 24.5 Rushing Yards

• 45 Yards vs Akron
• 54 vs Massachusetts
• 159 Season Rushing Yards

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Heavner ran for 45 yards against Akron and 54 against Massachusetts. Designed runs and scrambles should remain important against a defense susceptible to rushing production.

Prediction: Caleb Heavner — 37 rushing yards

The Verdict

Miami’s revitalized running game and turnover-producing defense give it the advantage, even on the road. Central Michigan can compete if Flores returns healthy and its offense controls possession, but another slow start would be costly.

Expect a close, physical game decided by late rushing success and defensive execution.

Final Score Prediction

Miami (OH) 24, Central Michigan 17

Miami should move the chains consistently enough to secure a third consecutive victory. The 41-point projection supports the under while covering the narrow spread.

Betting Picks Summary

Market Pick Spread Miami (OH) -2.5 Total Under 43.5 Moneyline Miami (OH)

Prop #1 Nelson Over 54.5 rushing yards

Prop #2 Heavner Under 149.5 passing yards

Prop #3 Lewis Over 29.5 receiving yards

Prop #4 Heavner Over 24.5 rushing yards

Prop thresholds are illustrative targets, not verified sportsbook offerings. Confirm betting markets and Flores’ status before wagering.