COLLEGE FOOTBALL
UMass enters this game at 4-0 with a four-game win streak, coming off a 37-10 win over Sacred Heart and a 35-6 road win at Sacramento State, before a 38-14 loss to Eastern Michigan that still showed its offense could move the ball. Miami (OH) is 2-3 and has been more uneven, with a 59-14 loss at Pitt, a 35-31 loss at Cincinnati, a 24-21 win over UConn, and a 24-20 loss to Bowling Green. The RedHawks are averaging 26.8 points and 6.4 yards per play, but their defense is giving up 29.2 points per game, while UMass has paired strong scoring with a defense that has been much stingier.
UMass should have enough offensive balance and defensive stability to turn this into a tight home win. The Minutemen’s rushing efficiency and stronger scoring defense give them a better chance to control field position and shorten the game, while Miami (OH) has been less reliable on the road. Final projection: UMass 27, Miami (OH) 24.
