No MAC football team has won two consecutive conference titles since Northern Illinois in 2011 and 2012. Could Miami (Ohio) accomplish the feat in 2024?
Head coach Chuck Martin is fresh off a conference title and returns with a competitive roster led by quarterback Brett Gabbert. The gunslinger returns in 2023 from a season-ending injury. When healthy—he’s struggled with injuries throughout his career—he’s arguably the best quarterback in the MAC.
The offensive line is also one of the best in the conference, which should help the offense. The tackles (Will Jados and Reid Holskey) are two of the best linemen in the league. There is also plenty of talent at the wide receiver position. Slot receiver Javon Tracy (348 yards last year) is a matchup mismatch.
There’s plenty of talent on defense, including edge rusher Brian Ugwu (12 tackles for loss and eight sacks last fall). The RedHawks should at least be in the running for the league title. They’re built to defend their title as MAC champions.
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Miami’s odds to win the MAC are +225 according to BetMGM.
Miami’s overall win odds on the Over/Under are 7.5, with the Over 7.5 being -145 and the Under 7.5 being +120.
31.8. at Northwestern
14.9. against Cincinnati
21 September at Notre Dame
28.9. against UMass
10/5 in Toledo
10/12 in Eastern Michigan
19.10. against Ohio
26.10. against Central Michigan
11/5 at Ball State
11/13 against Kent State
19.11. against Northern Illinois
29.11. in Bowling Green
MAC competitions in bold
2023 All-MAC 1st Team
LB Matt Salopek
2nd team
OL Will Jados
OL Reid Holskey
DL Brian Ugwu
P Alec Bevelhimer
3rd team
QB Brett Gabbert
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Miami has earned its preseason reputation. The RedHawks have been consistent under Martin, appearing in bowl games in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Last year’s 11-win season was phenomenal and winning the MAC title despite Gabbert’s injuries was an impressive accomplishment. Martin and his program deserve a ton of credit heading into 2023.
However, the upcoming season will be a big challenge. With their first three games against Northwestern, Cincinnati and Notre Dame, it is highly unlikely that they will win 11 games.
However, winning the MAC is a realistic goal. Away games against Toledo and Bowling Green could well decide the conference.
If Gabbert stays healthy, it’s hard to imagine the RedHawks falling out of MAC contention. Should he get hurt, the offense and defense still have enough talent to win the conference. Punter Alec Bevelhimer is a formidable weapon for a team that often plays conservatively under Martin.
If I were betting on Miami, I’d be more likely to back the RedHawks to win the MAC. Given the schedule, reaching eight wins will be a challenge, and if they reach that mark, they’ll be firmly in the running to win the conference.
I love the potential of the offense and the defense has some impressive stars. The return of an All-MAC punter only increases my excitement for this team.
Given the parity in the MAC, I probably won’t place any bets on the preseason favorite. However, I understand the hype surrounding the RedHawks, and Northwestern and Cincinnati will have their hands full with this surprise Group of Five College Football Playoff contender.
