Game Details:
- Matchup: UMass Minutemen at Ohio Bobcats
- Date: Saturday, November 18
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- Spread: Ohio -33.5
- Total (Over/Under): 51.5
Game Outlook
The Ohio Bobcats enter this late-season matchup as colossal 33.5-point favorites against a UMass Minutemen team that appears to be dealing with significant personnel issues. With a relatively low total of 51.5, oddsmakers anticipate a dominant, grind-it-out performance from the home team. The primary story heading into this game, based on the available information, revolves around the health and availability of players on both sidelines.
Can a Banged-Up UMass Keep it Close?
The Minutemen face a monumental task on the road, and their ability to compete may hinge on who is healthy enough to suit up. Information suggests UMass has been “shorthanded” in previous contests, a trend that could continue. Running back Tim Baldwin Jr. has been listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury, which could impact their offensive attack. Furthermore, there have been injury concerns surrounding cornerback TJ Magee, a key defensive player. Facing a powerful opponent while potentially missing key players on both sides of the ball is a difficult formula for success and helps explain the massive point spread.
Ohio Looks to Handle Business Despite Injury Questions
While heavily favored, the Bobcats are not without their own injury concerns. An Oddstrader injury report lists several players, including wide receivers Eamonn Dennis, Eian Pugh, and Kaden Hurst, as well as quarterback Jacob Winters. The status of these players could affect Ohio’s offensive depth and explosiveness.
However, there is also positive news for the Bobcats. Key player Ryan McDole was previously dealing with an undisclosed injury but was ultimately cleared and removed from the injury report ahead of a past MAC championship game, showing the team has managed injuries to important contributors before. As a 33.5-point favorite, Ohio is expected to control this game from the outset, even if they have to rely on their depth.
Prediction
This game is defined by the massive point spread and the injury situations for both teams. UMass has been described as “shorthanded,” and questions about key players at running back and cornerback make it difficult to envision them keeping pace with Ohio.
While the Bobcats have their own list of injured players, primarily at receiver, they are in a much better position to absorb those absences at home. A 34-point margin is a huge number to cover in college football, but the disparity between these two programs, compounded by UMass’s apparent personnel problems, suggests Ohio can run away with it. The low total of 51.5 points indicates that Vegas doesn’t expect UMass to contribute much to the scoreboard.
Look for Ohio’s defense to stifle a depleted UMass offense while their own offense does more than enough to secure a comfortable victory and cover the spread.
The Pick: Ohio -33.5
Total: Under 51.5
Predicted Score: Ohio 42, UMass 3
Sources:
Georgia-UMass injury report
Iowa football injury report: 5 Hawkeyes are out vs UMass
UMass Minutemen Injuries 2025-2026 – Updated NCAAF Injury Report
Week 7 Match-up Preview Thread: #9 Missouri Tigers vs. UMass …
UMass Minutemen Injuries 2025-2026 – Updated NCAAB Injury Report
Auburn football vs. UMass: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for …
TJ Magee – Football – University of Massachusetts Athletics
TJ Magee Update? : r/umass
Shorthanded UMass Will Shorthanded Again Vs. CMU
TJ Magee – Massachusetts Minutemen Cornerback – ESPN