MIAMI at KENT STATE
Saturday, Nov. 27 -- Noon ET
Dix Stadium -- Kent Ohio
ESPN+
Did the schedule-makers save the best for last?
Well ....maybe. Definitely, maybe! It's huge, for sure!!!
There certainly will be plenty on the line Saturday when Miami visits Kent State. The winner earns a berth in next week's MAC Championship game. Aside from that, the 2021 MU vs KSU matchup figures as a clash of opposites -- crazy strong defense pitted against an often dominating offense.
On a given day, either might prevail, and predictions vary. However, with Kent State playing at home, the Flashes have a slight edge among some prognosticators.
Miami leads the all-time series 50-17 and posted a 23-16 victory in 2019. The two teams did not play in 2020 due to COVID issues. KSU last triumphed over Miami in 2017 (17-14).
Here's more on the two teams . . .
By MIKE SMITH
MIAMI REDHAWKS (6-5, 5-2 MAC)
• A tough non-conference schedule left MU 1-3 heading into conference play. However, the RedHawks reached bowl eligibility with last week's win over Bowling Green.
• With a win, Miami would win the MAC East and a spot in the MAC Championship game Dec. 4 against Northern Illinois at Ford Field in Detroit. The RedHawks defeated Central Michigan for the title in 2019 but only played three games in the 2020 COVID season.
• Miami has won four of its last five games, with the only loss coming Nov. 2 at Ohio. MU trailed 28-0 in that before falling 35-33.
• The RedHawks two conference losses (Ohio and Eastern Michigan) were by a total of three points.
Both were on the road and Miami missed a field goal and/or extra point kick in each. The RedHawks did have four field goals against EMU but failed to score a touchdown for for the only time this year.
Overall, freshman Graham Nicholson has converted 31 of 35 PATs and 9 of 13 field goal attempts with a long of 49 yards.
• Miami last played Nov. 16 when it defeated Bowling Green 34-7. Terion Stewart's 62-yard scamper up the middle gave the Falcons an early lead, but MU dominated the rest of the day on both sides of the ball.
• Quarterback Brett Gabbert completed 10 of 20 for 227 yards with two TDs and one INT against Bowling Green. Since missing significant time earlier in season due to injuries, the sophomore has worked his way up the upper tier of MAC passing stats. He entered this week second in passing (251.6 ypg) and third in passing TDs (20) despite his limited time earlier this year.
• Gabbert has several dangerous weapons at receiver. Senior Jack Sorenson has a knack for finding open spaces and making key plays. His 83-yard TD reception against Bowling Green was just one example of his big play potential. It was Sorenson who scored the winning TD when Miami beat CMU in the 2019 title game.
Complimenting Sorenson is newcomer Mac Hippenhammer, a transfer from Penn State. The junior had one catch against Bowling Green, but that went for 63 yards and a TD. After scoring one receiving TD over the first eight contests, he grabbed four scores of the last three games. Overall, he has 41 catches for 696 yards.
• Hippenhammer and junior Jalen Walker team with Sorenson to give Miami multiple wideout threats. Meanwhile, the RedHawks can -- and will -- find their tight ends. Andrew Homer has battled injuries but is a first down and redzone threat. The senior has five touchdowns among his 12 catches for 151 yards. Freshman Jack Coldiron has filled in to the tune of 11 receptions for 210 yards.
• While Miami is second among MAC teams in passing offense (282.8 ypg), it is eighth in rushing. A very young line and injuries to more experienced running backs have limited the RedHawks ground game. Freshman Keyon Mozee has the most carries (109), yardage (456) and TDs (4).
• Opponents know their biggest challenge is likely against MU's defense. The RedHawks are tied for first (MAC) in scoring defense (21.6 ppg), third in total defense (348.3 ypg), first against the run (136.8 ypg) and fifth in pass defense 211.5).
>> Leading tackler Ryan McWood was lost for the season, but others have stepped up. Linebackers Ivan Pace (103 tackles) and Matthrew Salopek (100 tackles) are among the league leaders. So are linemen Kam Butler (13 TFL) and Lonnie Phelps (12.5 TFL). The latter's 8.5 sacks is second among all MAC defenders.
>> Typically, Miami is strong against the run and able to pressure most quarterbacks. The backside is still a strength, particularly with experienced backs like Mike Brown and Sterling Weatherford.
By EVAN MEYER
KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES (6-5, 5-2 MAC)
• The Golden Flashes rebounded from their loss at Central Michigan by beating archrival the Akron 38-0 last Saturday at InfoCision Stadium. The win was KSU’s third in the last four games, making the Flashes bowl eligible for the second time in three years. Kent State also retained possession of the Wagon Wheel Trophy for the third consecutive year.
• The Flashes owned the game from their first possession as they drove 87-yards for a touchdown on a one-yard run by Marquez Cooper, highlighted by a 62-yard run by QB Dustin Crum.
In fact, KSU scored on seven of its eight possessions in the contest, with four touchdowns and a two point conversion in the first half. It downshifted some after intermission, adding three field goals by PK Andrew Glass in the second half.
• Offensively, the Flashes used the ground game to great effectiveness as they had 410 yards rushing (they had 476 total yards for the game). It was the second time this season they rushed for over 400 yards.
• Both Cooper (25 carries for 135 yards and a TD) and Crum 9 for 114 and two scores) went over 100-yards.
• Crum threw only 13 times, completing eight for 55 yards. Three recievers had a pair of catches, including leading receiver Dante Cephas.
• The defense also was great, holding UA to just 188 yards in total offense. It was Kent State's best effort of the season, with six sacks (a season high), eight tackles for losses, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and two fumble recoveries.
• DB Dean Clark led the defenders with nine total tackles.
• The Flashes swept MAC Player of the Week Honors in the Eastern Division -- Crum on offense, CJ West (two sacks) on defense, and Glass on special teams.
• It was the Flashes first shutout since September 3, 2009 over Coastal Carolina (18-0), their first MAC blanking since October 22, 1994 against Ohio (24-0) and their first over UA since November 12, 1949 (47-0).
• Coming into the Miami game, the Flashes offense is averaging 32.1 points and 474.3 yards of total offense.
• Kent State is first in total offense (474.3 ypg) and rushing garnering (242.2 ypg).
• Cooper leads the ground game with 949 yards on 187 carries with 10 touchdowns. He needs just 51 yards to become the Flashes first 1,000-yard rusher since Dri Archer in 2012 (1,452 yards).
• Crum is completing 64.1 percent of his passes (193-of-301) for 2,469 yards with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions (those coming in the season opener at Texas A&M).
• Cephas leads the receivers with 62 catches for 943 yards and seven scores. The 62 receptions are the most since Darnell Drury had 68 in 2014.
• The KSU defense is allowing 33.3 points and 468.3 yards in their 11 games in 2021.
• Clark leads defenders with 84 total tackles (61 solo) with CJ West leading the team in sacks with four.
• Some other stats on Crum as he plays his last home game. He comes into the Miami game, I just 156 yards shy of the single-season pas record he set in 2019 (2.625).
• He has passed for 6,680 yards in his career (fourth all-time) and his 57 touchdowns is second to Jose Davis’ 57.
• Crum is a threat not only throwing, but running. He has 560 yards with 10 touchdowns this season. For his career, Crum has rushed for 1,928 yards and 20 touchdowns.
• The KSU offense has scored on its first possession of the game in six of the last seven, including last Saturday against Akron. In addition, the offense has gone over 400 yards in six consecutive games and seven of their last eight.
Dix Stadium -- Kent Ohio
ESPN+
Did the schedule-makers save the best for last?
Well ....maybe. Definitely, maybe! It's huge, for sure!!!
There certainly will be plenty on the line Saturday when Miami visits Kent State. The winner earns a berth in next week's MAC Championship game. Aside from that, the 2021 MU vs KSU matchup figures as a clash of opposites -- crazy strong defense pitted against an often dominating offense.
On a given day, either might prevail, and predictions vary. However, with Kent State playing at home, the Flashes have a slight edge among some prognosticators.
Miami leads the all-time series 50-17 and posted a 23-16 victory in 2019. The two teams did not play in 2020 due to COVID issues. KSU last triumphed over Miami in 2017 (17-14).
Here's more on the two teams . . .
By MIKE SMITH
MIAMI REDHAWKS (6-5, 5-2 MAC)
• A tough non-conference schedule left MU 1-3 heading into conference play. However, the RedHawks reached bowl eligibility with last week's win over Bowling Green.
• With a win, Miami would win the MAC East and a spot in the MAC Championship game Dec. 4 against Northern Illinois at Ford Field in Detroit. The RedHawks defeated Central Michigan for the title in 2019 but only played three games in the 2020 COVID season.
• Miami has won four of its last five games, with the only loss coming Nov. 2 at Ohio. MU trailed 28-0 in that before falling 35-33.
• The RedHawks two conference losses (Ohio and Eastern Michigan) were by a total of three points.
Both were on the road and Miami missed a field goal and/or extra point kick in each. The RedHawks did have four field goals against EMU but failed to score a touchdown for for the only time this year.
Overall, freshman Graham Nicholson has converted 31 of 35 PATs and 9 of 13 field goal attempts with a long of 49 yards.
• Miami last played Nov. 16 when it defeated Bowling Green 34-7. Terion Stewart's 62-yard scamper up the middle gave the Falcons an early lead, but MU dominated the rest of the day on both sides of the ball.
• Quarterback Brett Gabbert completed 10 of 20 for 227 yards with two TDs and one INT against Bowling Green. Since missing significant time earlier in season due to injuries, the sophomore has worked his way up the upper tier of MAC passing stats. He entered this week second in passing (251.6 ypg) and third in passing TDs (20) despite his limited time earlier this year.
• Gabbert has several dangerous weapons at receiver. Senior Jack Sorenson has a knack for finding open spaces and making key plays. His 83-yard TD reception against Bowling Green was just one example of his big play potential. It was Sorenson who scored the winning TD when Miami beat CMU in the 2019 title game.
Complimenting Sorenson is newcomer Mac Hippenhammer, a transfer from Penn State. The junior had one catch against Bowling Green, but that went for 63 yards and a TD. After scoring one receiving TD over the first eight contests, he grabbed four scores of the last three games. Overall, he has 41 catches for 696 yards.
• Hippenhammer and junior Jalen Walker team with Sorenson to give Miami multiple wideout threats. Meanwhile, the RedHawks can -- and will -- find their tight ends. Andrew Homer has battled injuries but is a first down and redzone threat. The senior has five touchdowns among his 12 catches for 151 yards. Freshman Jack Coldiron has filled in to the tune of 11 receptions for 210 yards.
• While Miami is second among MAC teams in passing offense (282.8 ypg), it is eighth in rushing. A very young line and injuries to more experienced running backs have limited the RedHawks ground game. Freshman Keyon Mozee has the most carries (109), yardage (456) and TDs (4).
• Opponents know their biggest challenge is likely against MU's defense. The RedHawks are tied for first (MAC) in scoring defense (21.6 ppg), third in total defense (348.3 ypg), first against the run (136.8 ypg) and fifth in pass defense 211.5).
>> Leading tackler Ryan McWood was lost for the season, but others have stepped up. Linebackers Ivan Pace (103 tackles) and Matthrew Salopek (100 tackles) are among the league leaders. So are linemen Kam Butler (13 TFL) and Lonnie Phelps (12.5 TFL). The latter's 8.5 sacks is second among all MAC defenders.
>> Typically, Miami is strong against the run and able to pressure most quarterbacks. The backside is still a strength, particularly with experienced backs like Mike Brown and Sterling Weatherford.
By EVAN MEYER
KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES (6-5, 5-2 MAC)
• The Golden Flashes rebounded from their loss at Central Michigan by beating archrival the Akron 38-0 last Saturday at InfoCision Stadium. The win was KSU’s third in the last four games, making the Flashes bowl eligible for the second time in three years. Kent State also retained possession of the Wagon Wheel Trophy for the third consecutive year.
• The Flashes owned the game from their first possession as they drove 87-yards for a touchdown on a one-yard run by Marquez Cooper, highlighted by a 62-yard run by QB Dustin Crum.
In fact, KSU scored on seven of its eight possessions in the contest, with four touchdowns and a two point conversion in the first half. It downshifted some after intermission, adding three field goals by PK Andrew Glass in the second half.
• Offensively, the Flashes used the ground game to great effectiveness as they had 410 yards rushing (they had 476 total yards for the game). It was the second time this season they rushed for over 400 yards.
• Both Cooper (25 carries for 135 yards and a TD) and Crum 9 for 114 and two scores) went over 100-yards.
• Crum threw only 13 times, completing eight for 55 yards. Three recievers had a pair of catches, including leading receiver Dante Cephas.
• The defense also was great, holding UA to just 188 yards in total offense. It was Kent State's best effort of the season, with six sacks (a season high), eight tackles for losses, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and two fumble recoveries.
• DB Dean Clark led the defenders with nine total tackles.
• The Flashes swept MAC Player of the Week Honors in the Eastern Division -- Crum on offense, CJ West (two sacks) on defense, and Glass on special teams.
• It was the Flashes first shutout since September 3, 2009 over Coastal Carolina (18-0), their first MAC blanking since October 22, 1994 against Ohio (24-0) and their first over UA since November 12, 1949 (47-0).
• Coming into the Miami game, the Flashes offense is averaging 32.1 points and 474.3 yards of total offense.
• Kent State is first in total offense (474.3 ypg) and rushing garnering (242.2 ypg).
• Cooper leads the ground game with 949 yards on 187 carries with 10 touchdowns. He needs just 51 yards to become the Flashes first 1,000-yard rusher since Dri Archer in 2012 (1,452 yards).
• Crum is completing 64.1 percent of his passes (193-of-301) for 2,469 yards with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions (those coming in the season opener at Texas A&M).
• Cephas leads the receivers with 62 catches for 943 yards and seven scores. The 62 receptions are the most since Darnell Drury had 68 in 2014.
• The KSU defense is allowing 33.3 points and 468.3 yards in their 11 games in 2021.
• Clark leads defenders with 84 total tackles (61 solo) with CJ West leading the team in sacks with four.
• Some other stats on Crum as he plays his last home game. He comes into the Miami game, I just 156 yards shy of the single-season pas record he set in 2019 (2.625).
• He has passed for 6,680 yards in his career (fourth all-time) and his 57 touchdowns is second to Jose Davis’ 57.
• Crum is a threat not only throwing, but running. He has 560 yards with 10 touchdowns this season. For his career, Crum has rushed for 1,928 yards and 20 touchdowns.
• The KSU offense has scored on its first possession of the game in six of the last seven, including last Saturday against Akron. In addition, the offense has gone over 400 yards in six consecutive games and seven of their last eight.
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