OXFORD, OH -- One week after failing to score a touchdown in a narrow loss to Eastern Michigan, the Miami RedHawks tallied five TDs in three quarters to post a 34-21 homecoming victory over Akron at Yager Stadium.
"Obviously, (it was) a tough loss a week ago, and it's (about) how you respond," Miami head coach Chuck Martin said. "It was a very good team win."
The RedHawks (3-4, 2-1 MAC) used a balanced offense to move the ball, registering 229 passing yards and 245 on the ground. Miami's defense also shined, giving up one TD in the second quarter after a turnover and two touchdowns in the final period. Those two scores accounted for 72 yards of UA's 356 total yards.
Miami quarterback A.J. Mayer completed 19 of 17 attempts, totaling 229 yards. Two of his three TD tosses came on the RedHawks first two drives. Mayer finished the first journey with a 23-yard toss to Andrew Homer.
"He's battled more than injuries," said Martin, who at mid-week doubted he would be using the senior. However, his availability gave the RedHawks a key weapon. "Homer makes a difference vertically and in the red zone," Martin noted.
After an Akron punt, Miami then drove 77 yards in five plays for another score. Two of the plays were passes to Jack Sorenson. The senior caught one for 16 yards and later hauled in a 57-yard TD.
An MU fumble six plays into its next drive was recovered by Akron at the RedHawks 36. Three plays later, Gibson found Tristian Brank over the middle for 15 yards and a score.
"We had one turnover in the first half," Martin said. "It set up an easy score for them and made it 14-7, but then (we had) a good response by our offense. (We) bounce right back and score."
Jaylen Best culminated the nine-play, 75-yard drive with a five-yard run. It was his first score since 2019, as multiple injuries kept him off the field all of 2020 and part of this year. He has just 12 carries on the year, with Saturday's score marking his first TD of 2021.
"It was awesome seeing him out there today," Martin said. "It adds so much to our team and our offense when Bester is out there."
Miami led 21-7 at intermission, and when play resumed, the RedHawks resumed their scoring with a six-play, 75-yard drive. Keyon Mozee burst through the line for a 46-yard gallop to finish. The PAT attempt was low and blocked, leaving Miami ahead 27-7.
Another big run - this one by Kevin Davis for 41 yards - highlighted the RedHawks next possession. Two plays later, Mayer hit Homer for a seven-yard TD.
"He played really good and made good decisions," Martin said of Mayer. "The protection was there, too. It all goes together. ... We didn't have guys breathing down his neck every other second."
Though disappointed with the late TD's, Martin noted he was pleased with results while his first defensive unit was on the field. "Our starting defense has given up 37 points in three conference games," he said. "We're going to have to continue to play (well). Ball State is as good as anybody in the league on offense."
Miami travels to Ball State next week, with the preseason favorite Cardinals riding a three-game win streak. MU was the only team to beat Ball State last year as BSU shook off a Week One loss to win the MAC title and pick up a bowl win.
Akron will also tangle with Ball State (Nov. 2), but first it hosts Buffalo this Saturday.