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Cincinnati Football: Week 3 preview, odds, predictions vs Miami

ByCharles Post|
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Jadon Thompson makes a catch against the Miami (OH) Redhawks. USA Today.
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Jadon Thompson makes a catch against the Miami (OH) Redhawks. USA Today.

The Cincinnati Bearcats are a couple days away from taking on in-state rival Miami in the annual matchup. Check out our Week 3 preview with odds, predictions and more for the latest Battle for the Victory Bell as the 126th meeting quickly approaches!

Kick off is scheduled for Saturday at noon and will be available to watch on ESPNU and fuboTV. The game will be held at Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium) for the first time since September 8, 2018 when the Bearcats picked up a dominant 21-0 win.

Since the all-time series is even, both teams enter Saturday with an opportunity to reclaim the lead. Even though the Bearcats are expected to win by double digits, Luke Fickell must make sure his team doesn’t underestimate Miami from the opening kick.

Date: Saturday, September 17 at 12:00 PM

Location: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati

Pregame Spread: Cincinnati (-22.5)

TV Broadcast: ESPNU and fuboTV

Cincinnati Football: Week 3 preview, odds, predictions vs Miami

Prior to this year, the last three meetings have been blowouts in favor of the Bearcats and the matchup this week could be as well. According to WynnBET, Cincinnati is currently favored by 22.5 points (-2000) with the over/under projected at 50.5 total points.

The Bearcats have won 10 games in a row versus MAC opponents and should be able to extend that streak but the spread could be difficult to cover. With that said, Miami is just 1-4 against the spread in the last five meetings in the Victory Bell rivalry.

If the RedHawks were completely healthy, I think the game could be more competitive than in recent years but it’s a longshot since quarterback Brett Gabbert and left tackle Sam Vaughan are out with injuries.

It’s a tall task for freshman quarterback Aveon Smith to start just his second game against such a talented defense. I think the Bearcats should be able to create consistent pressure and move the ball effectively en route to a 38-14 win over the rival RedHawks.