The importance:
Obviously, it's a rivalry game, but also, if Ohio can win this game, they will put themselves in the driver's seat to get into the MACC game. If Ohio loses, the pressure will be on, because then Ohio will most likely have to win the rest of the conference games.
Can Ohio win it?
Absolutely. We saw an Ohio team that is capable of beating Miami in both the second half against Akron, and in the first half against CMU. The winning Ohio is an Ohio with a strong rushing game, an adequate passing game, and a strong defense. Ohio needs to stop Miami's running game, and force them to become one dimensional.
Can Ohio lose?
That is also possible. If we see fumbles, or a running game that can't move the ball, it will be difficult for Ohio to prevail. We don't know much about the status of injuries, and if there are key players who are injured, that will make the task harder. Lastly, Miami played their best game of the year last week, so they will have some confidence and momentum.
The early signs
The weather here has been calm all summer. Yesterday, there was a very, very strong wind from the West, over 20 MPH. That is evidence that something east of here sucks.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus