Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks prediction: Caleb Heavner inherits Miami's big-play passing game against Akron's toothless rush
Miami lost its record-setting starter and its backup, but the RedHawks' third quarterback draws the pass defense least able to bother him.
| Spread | Miami (OH) -9.5 |
|---|---|
| Total (over/under) | 46.5 |
- Akron's run blocking, 7th nationally in line yards, faces a Miami front that ranks 29th in stuff rate.
- Our model doesn't price this game yet.
Down to the third quarterback
Miami spent September with one of the nation's more dangerous passing games, and most of it ran through David McComb. He threw for 1,120 yards in four games at 10.9 yards per attempt. Chuck Martin announced on Oct. 2 that McComb is out for the season, and Thomas Gotkowski had already been lost in fall camp. Martin said the team is "down two quarterbacks."
That leaves Caleb Heavner, who made his first start Oct. 3 and started again in the 20-19 escape at UMass. Miami's season numbers still carry McComb's fingerprints: passing EPA (expected points added per dropback) ranks 27th, and explosiveness ranks 9th. Recent form tells a flatter story. Over the last three games the offense produced 0.08 EPA per play. Its success rate, the share of plays that keep an offense on schedule, sat at 37.5%.
Heavner could hardly ask for a softer landing. Akron allows 0.439 passing EPA, 131st of 138. The Zips also average 0.33 sacks per game, dead last in FBS. A new starter usually gets rattled by pressure, and Akron hasn't generated any.
Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks: quick answers
Who is favored in Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks?
Miami (OH) is favored by 9.5 points (Miami (OH) -9.5).
What is the over/under for Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks?
The total is 46.5 points.
When is Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks?
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET.