Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
The Miami RedHawks have some of both, and they will look for some answers Saturday when they battle the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City.
Topping the questions for the 2019 RedHawks is who will replace departed Gus Ragland as the RedHawks quarterback. Head coach Chuck Martin indicate the quarterback battle could continue into the regular season, and this week’s two-deep listed three possibilities - a sophomore, a redshirt freshman and a true freshman.
The latter, ironically is Missouri native Brett Gabbert. His older brother Blaine starred for the Hawkeyes before seeing action in the NFL. None of the RedHawk quarterback candidates have any appreciable collegiate game experience, but Gabbert’s experience in the system started when he arrived for fall camp. He did see considerable action in MU’s fall showcase event.
Sophomore Jackson Williams and redshirt freshman A.J. Mayer battled through spring drills and again through fall camp. Ultimately, the question can only be answered on the field, so seeing more than one RedHawk quarterback playing against Iowa is almost probable.
The Hawkeyes own a 4-0 series advantage and are restocking after the 2018 team posted a 9-5 record that included a victory over Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl.
A three-game losing streak that started in late October, kept UI from having an even better season. Losses to No. 17 Penn State, Purdue and Northwestern came by a total of 12 points.
ABOUT IOWA
➤➤ The Hawkeyes took some serious hits with graduation, particularly at tight end and along the defensive line, Safety Amani Cooper was one of the Big Ten’s top defensive backs.
➤➤ Is there ever a year when Iowa does not have a solid offensive line? This year should be no exception.
➤➤ Iowa head coach Kirk Ferenz is in his 21st season, putting him at the Hawkeyes helm before many of the players on each team were born.
➤➤ Quarterback Nate Stanley returns for the Hawkeyes. The senior completed 59.3 percent of his passes last year, producing 2,582 yards and 26 touchdowns.
➤➤ Pretty much everybody returns at running back, with Mekhi Sargent (5-9, 212, jr) leading the group with 159 carries for 745 yards and a team-high nine TDs. Toren Young was also active, logging 136 carries for 637 yards and five scores.
➤➤ The Hawkeyes lost not one, but two NFL-calibre tight ends. Together, they combined for 78 catches, 1,279 yards and a dozen touchdowns. There is talent in the wings, so a rebuild is no doubt in progress. Brandon Smith is back at wide receiver after averaging 12.9 ypc on 28 receptions for 361 yards.
➤➤ Defensive end A.J. Epenesa was a force last year, registering 10.5 sacks among 37 tackles. However, the Hawkeyes must replace a chunk of their D-line.
ABOUT THE REDHAWKS
➤➤ Three-year starter at quarterback Gus Ragland is gone, so sorting out that position is job one for MU.
➤➤ Miami also lost its top two running backs, both of whom were very productive. However, several talented options have been waiting in the wings and should allow Miami to continue a strong running game on most outings. Maurice Thomas has battled injuries through much of his career, but career, but carried 61 times for 233 yards and a score last year. The fifth-year senior could see time as a receiver, where he could use his speed to stretch the field. He is also a dangerous kickoff returner who could go the distance on any return. Jaylen Bester has also picked up some valuable experience over the last couple seasons and redshirt sophomore Davion Johnson showed some potential last year, as well.
➤➤ Junior Jack Sorenson led the ‘Hawks in receiving last year with 53 catches for 742 yards and a pair of TDs. Luke Mayock is also an experienced target and tight end Andrew Homer grabbed 16 aerials for 231 yards and three scores.
➤➤ The RedHawks defense was hit hard but injuries last year, but younger players picked up valuable experience.
➤➤ Senior Doug Costin will anchor the MU defensive front. He notched 52 tackles in 2018, fourth best among RedHawk defenders, and also topped MU in sacks (6).
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