Miami Ohio faces a thunderous test tonight against Buffalo with everything on the line. The RedHawks and Bulls are both 5-5 overall, 4-2 in MAC play. The winner clinches bowl eligibility and stays alive for the MAC title. There’s no room for error as the stretch closes.
Anadolu Efes faces Barcelona in EuroLeague battle, Larkin leads Turkish powerhouse
Dallas Cowboys get defensive boost as DeMarvion Overshown returns from ACL injury
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Kickoff: Nov. 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET from UB Stadium in Buffalo.
- Bowl berth at stake: Winner gets bowl eligibility for first time this season.
- MAC title still alive: Both teams remain in contention for championship game.
- Backup QB: Henry Hesson starts after Dequan Finn departed program.
- Conference race: Western Michigan leads at 6-1, Ohio at 5-2.
What’s at Stake Tonight
Bowl eligibility represents everything for both programs right now. Neither Miami nor Buffalo has secured bowl status yet. The winner of this matchup changes that immediately. Both schools have been chasing this milestone all season.
World Cup Playoffs draw made: Italy, Turkey, Sweden, Poland learn fate in dramatic reshuffles
FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff draw unfolds today with final berths on line
Coach Chuck Martin’s RedHawks have won plenty of bowl games historically. Miami made bowls in eight of the last nine seasons. That streak matters deeply in Oxford. Missing this year would break momentum.
For Buffalo, the stakes are equally high. The Bulls need the win to keep MAC Championship dreams alive. Losing out knocks them from contention entirely.
The Quarterback Problem
This game changes dramatically without Dequan Finn. The senior quarterback opted out last week to focus on NFL preparation. That departure shook the RedHawks program unexpectedly.
Backup Henry Hesson now leads the offense against one of the toughest defenses left on schedule. Buffalo’s defense has tightened significantly in recent weeks. This matchup heavily favors experience and depth.
The Todd Bowden period of uncertainty should concern Miami fans. Transitioning mid-season tests every roster spot. Starting a backup quarterback makes bowl games harder to win.
MAC Standings & Bowl Math
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan | 6-1 | 6-4 |
| Ohio | 5-2 | 5-5 |
| Toledo | 4-2 | 6-4 |
| Miami | 4-2 | 5-5 |
| Buffalo | 4-2 | 5-5 |
The MAC stands tightly packed through the stretch. Western Michigan controls first place but others lurk close. Miami and Buffalo’s results factor heavily into final seeding.
Bowl algorithms favor teams that finish strong. Winning by two or three games down the line changes bowl quality significantly. Neither program wants the lowest-tier bowl assignment.
Remaining Schedule Reality
The RedHawks finish against Ball State next week. That game looks manageable compared to Buffalo tonight. Miami could still salvage the season with two straight wins.
Time matters more than anything. Losing tonight makes everything harder:
- Bowl eligibility slips to next week’s Ball State game.
- Conference championship chances fade significantly.
- Tournament seeding drops further down.
- Momentum disappears heading into the offseason.
- Coaching evaluations swing on late wins.
Can Miami Survive Without Finn?
The Dequan Finn situation raises major questions about team direction. Why would a quarterback leave mid-season? What does that signal about program culture?
These conversations linger longer than typical roster changes. Players notice when teammates quit on the team. Backups like Henry Hesson now carry impossible expectations.
The RedHawks must prove they move forward anyway. Winning ugly against tough opponents defines championship seasons. Buffalo won’t back down regardless of who throws the football.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.