College Football News Preview 2020: Miami University RedHawks Keys To The Season
Biggest Key To The Miami University RedHawks Offense
Use that big, tough, experience offensive line and start running the ball. It’s been a long, long, long time since the Miami University program was able to consistently do anything for the ground game, but things have been better lately – almost ten years ago, the RedHawks struggled to get to 1,000 yards for the season. Even so, they need to do more.
There are plenty of decent backs, QB Brett Gabbert can run, and the offensive line is as good as any in the MAC. Now it’s time to FINALLY get over 2,000 yards after running for 1,833 last season.
MU ran for 125 yards or more six times – and won all six games. Up the yards a bit, and over the last three years it’s 14-1 when it runs for 145 yards.
Biggest Key To The Miami University RedHawks Defense
Don’t make the safeties make all of the big plays. There’s not a lot of size on the MU D, but there’s a whole lot of quickness in the 4-2-5 alignment. Sterling Weatherford and Mike Brown are big safeties – both go over 210 pound – but a rotation has to be found a the Nickel spot.
It’s not that the linebackers don’t do their part – Ryan McWood seems to get in on everything – but three of the top four tacklers were in the secondary. It all worked – MU managed to win the MAC title – and that’s the defensive style under Chuck Martin. Even so, the more help from the front six would be a plus.
Key Miami University RedHawks Player To A Successful Season
PK/P Jacob Swartz, Jr.
If you can make it out of Highland Park, IL – The Jungle – you can handle the pressure of replacing two fantastic kickers. He hit two extra points last season, and now he’ll get the first look at replacing all-star PK Sam Sloman, who nailed 26-of-30 field goals.
He also attempted a punt, and now he’ll get a shot at taking over for all-star Kyle Kramer, who averaged 43.4 yards per kick. For a team that struggles to score and needs good field position to win, the former Giant has to play a role in some way.
Key Game To The Miami University RedHawks Season
Ohio, Oct. 17
The RedHawks catch a bit of a break early on in the MAC season. If you’re going to have two conference road games, get them out of the way against Akron and Bowling Green. However, with a road date at Buffalo later on, taking care of Ohio in Oxford could be a must.
Last year’s 24-21 RedHawk win over the Bobcats – helped also by a win over UB – ended up getting MU to the MAC Championship. It should be the same thing this year.
– Miami University RedHawks Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2019 Miami University Fun Stats
– Miami Opponent 1st Quarter Scoring: 33 – Miami Opponent 2nd Quarter Scoring: 145
– Penalties: Opponents 100 for 810 yards – Miami University 80 for 683 yards
– Touchdowns Scored: Opponents 52 – Miami University 37