The 2024 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl is set to captivate football fans as the Colorado State Rams face off against the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Saturday, December 28, 2024. With kickoff scheduled at 4:30 p.m. ET at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, both teams are vying for redemption after disappointing finishes to their regular seasons.
The Miami RedHawks come to this bowl game with a season record of 8-5, including seven victories within their Mid-American Conference (MAC) schedule. Unfortunately, their season ended on a sour note with a disheartening 38-3 loss to Ohio, which knocked them out of the MAC Championship. Miami's chances are complicated by the loss of top wide receivers, Reggie Virgil and Javon Tracy, as they have already entered the transfer portal. Head coach Chuck Martin, known for establishing Miami as consistent MAC challengers, will be relying on quarterback Brett Gabbert to navigate these challenges. Gabbert had a solid season, throwing for 2,737 yards and 21 touchdowns but will need to build rapport with new targets to find success against the Rams.
On the other hand, the Colorado State Rams, who finished with an 8-4 record and were 6-1 within the Mountain West conference, enter this matchup riding the momentum of six wins out of their last seven games. Under the guidance of head coach Jay Norvell, who has shown consistent improvement during his tenure, the team is eager to secure its first bowl victory since 2004. The Rams' running back Avery Morrow has been pivotal, averaging nearly six yards per carry and totaling 956 yards over the season. His ability to dominate on the ground will be key against Miami's defense, which has proved effective against the pass, allowing fewer than 19 points per game.
Despite their respective records and strengths, both teams come with vulnerabilities. Miami may struggle against Colorado State's versatile offense, particularly if the game turns high-scoring. Conversely, the Rams' defense, ranked 131st for pass success rate allowed, must tighten up against Gabbert's passing game for Colorado State to maintain their upper hand.
Betting lines for the game show Miami (OH) favored by 2.5 points, with the over/under set at 40.5. Sports analysts are predicting nuances to the matchup with some leaning toward the Rams, citing their late-season form. Expectations run high as analysts expect Colorado State to strike early, with predictions such as, "Colorado State will press right away with two good early scoring drives." At the same time, others comment, "Miami doesn't move the ball... it's awful on third downs," which dictates Miami's need to improve their offense significantly to control the game.
With the game featuring notable shifts due to player transfers and injuries, it's set to be closely contested. The stakes are heightened as both teams look not only to win this bowl game but also to bolster recruiting momentum moving forward.
Fans hoping to catch the action can tune in via The CW network or stream it live on Fubo, which offers free trials. This bowl game promises entertainment, showcasing two teams eager to regain their form and add some positivity to their seasons. For the RedHawks, overcoming adversity will require ingenuity and execution, all eyes will be on Gabbert as he leads Miami's offense against the formidable Rams' ground game.
Expectations are high for this match up, leaving fans eager to see which team can secure the win and claim bragging rights as the victor of the 2024 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl.
