With a Hurricane warning in effect for Central Michigan, the Chippewas are facing a storm likely more intense than any other they will face this season. Going into South Florida in September to play any game can be difficult but having to play the #5 team in the nation, and last year’s National Championship contender, must be even more daunting. That said, Central Michigan has been able to put up at least a touchdown in its first three matchups and could find a way to do some damage of its own against the Hurricanes.
Central Michigan may get their act together enough to be able to put a score or two on the board, however, it’s likely that Miami will provide the lion’s share of points. This game may end up looking like Miami’s Week 2 win over Florida A&M, a game they won 77-7. True, Florida A&M is an FCS program while Central Michigan competes at the FBS level, but the talent gap between Miami and Central Michigan may not be all that different from the one between the Hurricanes and Florida A&M. As a result, it's hard to envision the Chippewas doing much to slow down Miami's speed, physicality, and explosive playmaking ability.
Miami may not need much help to threaten this total, but the over offers a bit more margin for error than laying 41.5 points. While it’s likely Central Michigan will struggle, the Hurricanes have shown they can generate explosive scoring outputs on their own, meaning the over can still cash even if the final margin falls short of the spread. If Miami's offense performs close to expectations and the Chippewas contribute even modestly, the path to the over becomes even clearer. Either way, my money’s on the over.
Central Michigan vs Miami prediction: Over 53.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to 54.5.
