The Akron's Zips' bid to break a season-long winless streak fell just short Wednesday night as heavily-favored Miami held on for a 20-17 victory at Yager Stadium.
The RedHawks, who had already . . .
Akron, meanwhile, will have another big challenge as it wraps up 2019 Tuesday at home against Ohio.
The Zips managed to test Miami by employing several of the RedHawks 2019 ingredients for success -- effective defense, big plays and a turnover advantage. Akron had been lacking at times through 10 straight losses under a new head coach, but the Zips put it together against MU.
Turnovers, in particular, helped UA's cause. Akron came in last among MAC teams in turnover margin (minus-17, while Miami was plus-5). However, it not only did not commit a turnover, UA forced two RedHawk miscues. One of those was a 64-yard pick six by standout linebacker John Lako.
Down 17-3 at the half, Akron was energized by Lako's interception with 4:29 left in the third period. Defensively, the Zips held Miami to one second half score, and that was a 23-yard field goal by Sam Sloman.
As usual for Akron, touchdowns did not come easy. It managed just five yards of total rushing and the swarming RedHawk defense chased quarterback Kato Nelson all night -- often catching him. Miami registered a record 12 sacks on the night, with six provided by freshman Ivan Pace Jr.
However, when Miami busted a coverage with 13:17 left in the final stanza, Nelson found Timothy Scippion wide open down the middle for a 34-yard touchdown that drew Akron within three at 20-17.
Defenses prevailed the rest of the way, and Miami finally managed to put the game away when Bester found a seam to pick up a first down in the final minute.
Bester, a junior, carried 21 times for 128 yards and a touchdown. Tyre Shelton made 21 trips for 87 yards as the RedHawks totaled 238 yards on the ground. That was more than UA's 202 yards of total offense.
Freshman quarterback Brett Gabbert completed just 10-of-21 passes for 117 yards and was intercepted twice.
Nelson, meanwhile, hit 15-of-21 aerials for 197 yards and two scores. Nearly half of that came on the touchdown and a second quarter play that set up a Zips field goal.