Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan MAC Championship Prediction and Game Preview
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Western Michigan and Miami (Ohio) meet on Saturday in Detroit to decide the MAC Championship for the 2025 college football season. These two teams have already met once this year, with the RedHawks edging the Broncos 26-17. Miami (Ohio) is making its third consecutive appearance in the MAC title game, while this game marks Western Michigan’s first trip since ‘16.
Miami coach Chuck Martin is 72-72 overall since taking over in ‘14. However, Martin is one of the best at getting his team ready for conference action, as the RedHawks are 57-34 in MAC play since his arrival. Also, Miami is 20-4 in conference games since ‘23. After an 0-3 start this year, the RedHawks reeled off seven victories over their last nine games, including a 37-20 win over Buffalo on Nov. 19 and a 45-24 blowout of Ball State on Nov. 29 to clinch a spot in the title game.
Similar to Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan started slow in ‘25. The Broncos opened 0-3 but reeled off eight victories over their last nine contests. Included in that stretch were wins over rivals Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan, along with victories over Toledo and Ohio. Coach Lance Taylor’s squad is now 14-11 over the last two years and is making its first bowl trip in back-to-back seasons since 2018-19.
Miami (Ohio) holds a 39-24-1 series edge over Western Michigan. The RedHawks have won two in a row over the Broncos.
Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan Odds and Info (MAC Championship)
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 6 at Noon ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Western Michigan -2.5
Over/Under: 43.5
Announcers: Roy Philpott, Sam Acho, Taylor Davis
Miami (Ohio) vs. Western Michigan Keys to Victory
Why Miami (Ohio) Will Win
Defense. In the first meeting between these two teams, the RedHawks limited Western Michigan’s standout ground game to just 144 yards over 39 carries. Miami (Ohio) ranks second in the MAC against the run and is holding conference opponents to just 20 points a game this year. Martin’s group also leads the conference in sacks (38) and fourth in tackles for a loss (73). The combination of being able to create negative plays and stuff the run is a good formula against a Broncos’ offense that leans heavily on the ground game (524 rushing attempts to 273 passes this year).
After quarterback Dequan Finn opted to depart the team, and Henry Hesson struggled in limited snaps, Martin turned to true freshman Thomas Gotkowski under center. So far, so good. Gotkowski has passed for 411 yards and four touchdowns on just 25 completions and added 90 yards and a score on the ground. With Gotkowski getting more comfortable as the No. 1 quarterback, the offense can take a few more shots downfield to big-play target Kam Perry (24.7 yards per catch) and Cole Weaver (40 catches). Running back Jordan Brunson (665 yards) leads the way on the ground.
Defense and an improving quarterback outlook are two on-field reasons to believe Miami can pull off the small upset. Throw in the RedHawks’ ability to win the turnover battle (plus-eight this year), along with Martin’s track record in getting the most out of his teams in MAC play, and it’s easy to see why they can spoil Western Michigan’s chances on Saturday.
Why Western Michigan Will Win
Although Western Michigan stumbled at Miami (Ohio) earlier this season, Taylor’s squad was arguably the best in the conference in the ‘25 campaign.
The offense is led by a punishing ground game, ranked No. 25 nationally in success rate. Quarterback Broc Lowry paces the attack with 875 rushing yards and 14 scores, but backs Jalen Buckley (636 yards), Devin Miles (346), and Ofa Mataele (208) will also contribute. Finding success against a RedHawks’ defense that ranks among the best in the MAC against the run won’t be easy. However, WMU should have a better read on this unit after their first matchup in late October.
Although Gotkowski has held up well in limited time, playing in the conference championship against one of the better defenses in the MAC is not an easy assignment. The Broncos could take advantage of the young quarterback with a pass rush that’s generated 34 sacks this year, while the front is allowing under 127 yards (126.3) per contest on the ground. Lineman Nadame Tucker (12 sacks) took home MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors and has a chance to create plenty of havoc on Saturday afternoon.
Final Score Prediction: Western Michigan 24, Miami (Ohio) 20
Points are likely to be at a premium in this one. Miami got the better of Western Michigan in the first game, and Martin is tough to beat in this spot. However, the Broncos should have a homefield edge with this game less than 150 miles from campus. Look for Western Michigan’s ground game and defense to find a way to seal a close victory on Saturday.
ATS: Western Michigan -2.5
Over/Under: Over 43.5
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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