This is a 9* TOP NON-CONFERENCE SIDE PLAY on Miami Ohio.

I'm of course not calling for an outright upset, but I think that the home side will take the foot off the gas in the second half, allowing Miami Ohio to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

The RedHawks went 2-1 last year in the MAC, while the Bearcats went 9-1. They lost to the Georgia in the Peach Bowl by a score of 24-21.

Brett Gabbert saw limited time under center for Miami, but he was efficient, going 23 of 35 for 384 yards, four TD's and no INT's. Seven starters return on offense.

The MAC is an offensive heavy conference, so Miami's defense will be tested each week.

And it'll be tested here by the Bearcats and senior QB Desmond Ridder. Ridder had 2,290 yards, 19 TD's and six INT's last year. He also had 12 rushing TD's.

Cincinnati's defense was a strength last year and it should be again this season.

However, it's a short week for the Bearcats, as they have a Thursday night game at home against Temple. The Owls are a weak team, but the short week to prepare sets up our theory in that the home side will take the foot off the gas in the second half as it starts to prepare for the quick turnaround.

I think Cincinnati wins and wins big. But not by this many points.

Grab as many as you can, the play is MIAMI OHIO.

Good luck, NP