RedHawks anxious for full/successful season
MIAMI REDHAWKS
COACH: Chuck Martin, 8th year
2020 Record: 2-1
2021 MAC MEDIA PREDICTION: Third in MAC East behind Kent State and Ohio
COACH: Chuck Martin, 8th year
2020 Record: 2-1
2021 MAC MEDIA PREDICTION: Third in MAC East behind Kent State and Ohio
Quarterback Brett Gabbert led Miami to a MAC championship in his freshman season. (MVSmith/MRO) By MIKE SMITH
After winning the 2019 MAC Championship, Miami’s RedHawks had an eye on making another run at the title and a bowl game in 2020. Covid sacked the 'Hawks, however, as MU managed to play just three games. One of those three was to Buffalo, who thumped visiting Miami 42-10 in Week Two.
Of course, MU was also the only team to beat eventual MAC champ Ball State, which downed Buffalo in the title game. It was UB's only loss of the year.
No doubt, 2021 figures to be a dogfight in the MAC East. However, with an abundance of experienced and talented players returning, a healthy Miami is a solid contender.
SCHEDULE
Staying healthy, of course, is a challenge given the schedule. MU opens at area rival Cincinnati, which is now a top 10 team in many polls. A trip to Minnesota (Big 10) follows. After hosting LIU Post, the RedHawks finish non-conference play at Army.
Here's more on the RedHawks . . .
After winning the 2019 MAC Championship, Miami’s RedHawks had an eye on making another run at the title and a bowl game in 2020. Covid sacked the 'Hawks, however, as MU managed to play just three games. One of those three was to Buffalo, who thumped visiting Miami 42-10 in Week Two.
Of course, MU was also the only team to beat eventual MAC champ Ball State, which downed Buffalo in the title game. It was UB's only loss of the year.
No doubt, 2021 figures to be a dogfight in the MAC East. However, with an abundance of experienced and talented players returning, a healthy Miami is a solid contender.
SCHEDULE
Staying healthy, of course, is a challenge given the schedule. MU opens at area rival Cincinnati, which is now a top 10 team in many polls. A trip to Minnesota (Big 10) follows. After hosting LIU Post, the RedHawks finish non-conference play at Army.
Here's more on the RedHawks . . .
Jack Sorenson breaks loose for a touchdown in the 2019 MAC Championship game. (MVSmith/MRO) OFFENSE:
>> It’s a bit difficult to gauge a team’s statistics with only three (2010) games under its belt, but Miami scored 38 points in both of its wins (Ball State and Akron). It managed just 10 points in the (42-10) loss at Buffalo.
>> Starting quarterback Brett Gabbert missed the Buffalo game after taking a hard hit against Ball State. A.J. Mayer stepped in to help the ‘Hawks edge Ball State and is a capable backup, but Miami will be happy to get Gabbert back. The 2019 MAC Freshman of the Year is 8-1 against MAC competition and was a key to helping the Red and White win their 2019 crown. He completed 66 percent of his passes with four TDs and no interceptions last year.
>> After earning Third Team All-MAC honors in 2018, Jack Sorenson stepped up in 2019, garnering Offensive Player of the Game in the MAC Championship tilt. He was a Second Team All-MAC honoree last year. In just three games, he registered 18 catches for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Jaylen Walker (jr) is a big play threat and junior Mac Hippenhammer transferred in from Penn State to give Miami’s passing game another solid target.
>> It’s a bit difficult to gauge a team’s statistics with only three (2010) games under its belt, but Miami scored 38 points in both of its wins (Ball State and Akron). It managed just 10 points in the (42-10) loss at Buffalo.
>> Starting quarterback Brett Gabbert missed the Buffalo game after taking a hard hit against Ball State. A.J. Mayer stepped in to help the ‘Hawks edge Ball State and is a capable backup, but Miami will be happy to get Gabbert back. The 2019 MAC Freshman of the Year is 8-1 against MAC competition and was a key to helping the Red and White win their 2019 crown. He completed 66 percent of his passes with four TDs and no interceptions last year.
>> After earning Third Team All-MAC honors in 2018, Jack Sorenson stepped up in 2019, garnering Offensive Player of the Game in the MAC Championship tilt. He was a Second Team All-MAC honoree last year. In just three games, he registered 18 catches for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Jaylen Walker (jr) is a big play threat and junior Mac Hippenhammer transferred in from Penn State to give Miami’s passing game another solid target.
Tight end Andrew Homer Homer is back after missing 2020 with an injury. (MVSmith/MRO) >> The RedHawks biggest questions are along the offensive line. Tommy Doyle was a First Team All-MAC selection before getting drafted by the Buffalo Bulls this spring. Veteran Danny Godlevske is now at Oklahoma State. Sophomores Rusty Feth and Caleb Shaffer are returning starters on a young line that will face stiff competition early. Staying healthy and learning on the go will be important as MU faces Ball State and the teeth of its MAC East schedule during the final five weeks. Senior tight end Andrew Homer should be a help to both the passing and run games.
>> As with most head coaches, Martin appreciates a balanced offense. However, Miami’s run game suffered a heavy blow in 2020 when both Jaylen Bester (sr) and Tyre Shelton (jr) went down with season-ending injuries. Neither played in a game, but both should return this year. If/When the offensive line can open some holes, the run-game should be productive.
Bester carried 171 times for 741 yards and 14 TDs in 2019. Shelton added 587 yards and two scores in the same year.
>> As with most head coaches, Martin appreciates a balanced offense. However, Miami’s run game suffered a heavy blow in 2020 when both Jaylen Bester (sr) and Tyre Shelton (jr) went down with season-ending injuries. Neither played in a game, but both should return this year. If/When the offensive line can open some holes, the run-game should be productive.
Bester carried 171 times for 741 yards and 14 TDs in 2019. Shelton added 587 yards and two scores in the same year.
Kam Butler works against Akron. (MVSmith/MRO) DEFENSE:
>> Much of Martin’s experience is on the defensive side, and he has a great appreciation for that side of the ball. With a wealth of experience returning, Miami’s “D” should be a team strength.
>> Safeties Mike Brown (sr) and Sterling Weatherford (jr) have been key performers. The latter notched 98 tackles in 2019. Brown, meanwhile, has an eye for the ball and recorded three picks in 2019. Two were returned for touchdowns, tying the national mark.
>> Senior Ryan McWood has also been a “big play” contributor. His late deflection/interception against Ball State last year was a key moment in the RedHawks victory. Sophomore Ivan Pace has experience and the quickness to make plays. He had 26 tackles in three outings last season.
>> Four starters return along the front, and there is enough depth behind them to provide a decent rotation. Kam Butler and Lonnie Phelps earned Third Team All-MAC accolades. Senior Ben Kimpler has played in 39 games, while classmate Dominique Robinson teased some QB rushing skills last year after moving over from offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Henry Beckett took over place kicking last year. He was good on three-of-four field goals and converted all his PATs. Fall camp suggested there may be some depth available if needed. Meanwhile, punter Dom Dzioban returns after averaging 42.7 yards per boot. Jalen Walker is an experienced returner with speed to use if he finds a crease in coverage.
>> Much of Martin’s experience is on the defensive side, and he has a great appreciation for that side of the ball. With a wealth of experience returning, Miami’s “D” should be a team strength.
>> Safeties Mike Brown (sr) and Sterling Weatherford (jr) have been key performers. The latter notched 98 tackles in 2019. Brown, meanwhile, has an eye for the ball and recorded three picks in 2019. Two were returned for touchdowns, tying the national mark.
>> Senior Ryan McWood has also been a “big play” contributor. His late deflection/interception against Ball State last year was a key moment in the RedHawks victory. Sophomore Ivan Pace has experience and the quickness to make plays. He had 26 tackles in three outings last season.
>> Four starters return along the front, and there is enough depth behind them to provide a decent rotation. Kam Butler and Lonnie Phelps earned Third Team All-MAC accolades. Senior Ben Kimpler has played in 39 games, while classmate Dominique Robinson teased some QB rushing skills last year after moving over from offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Henry Beckett took over place kicking last year. He was good on three-of-four field goals and converted all his PATs. Fall camp suggested there may be some depth available if needed. Meanwhile, punter Dom Dzioban returns after averaging 42.7 yards per boot. Jalen Walker is an experienced returner with speed to use if he finds a crease in coverage.
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