RedHawks face big test in ‘Battle for the Bell’
By MIKE SMITH
While the Miami RedHawks entered 2017 with their eyes on a Mid-American Conference championship, there is another valued prize on the radar. That prize is a Victory Bell, and it is there for the earning this Saturday when Miami squares off against Cincinnati at Yager Stadium in Oxford.
It’s the 122nd meeting between . . .
While the Miami RedHawks entered 2017 with their eyes on a Mid-American Conference championship, there is another valued prize on the radar. That prize is a Victory Bell, and it is there for the earning this Saturday when Miami squares off against Cincinnati at Yager Stadium in Oxford.
It’s the 122nd meeting between . . .
. . . the two schools, making it the longest-lasting collegiate football rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains. It is also the fifth most-played rivalry among Division I (FBS only) programs and, as announced this week, will now carry on to at least the 2029 season. Not only will both schools continue hosting games, but three future contests will be played at Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati (1-1) at Miami (1-1)
Saturday Sept. 16 -- 8 p.m. ET
Yager Stadium – Oxford, OH
ESPN3, WXIX TV19(Cincinnati), WUAB TV43 (Cleveland)
Saturday Sept. 16 -- 8 p.m. ET
Yager Stadium – Oxford, OH
ESPN3, WXIX TV19(Cincinnati), WUAB TV43 (Cleveland)
Regardless of site, a simple question of “For whom does the bell toll?” can be answered with a simple answer. The winner! That team rings the bell at the game and takes it home to ring throughout the year.
With the schools approximately 35 miles apart and many local athletes mixed into the rosters, bragging rights are also on the line.
Quarterback Gus Ragland is one of the local area products on Miami’s roster. Now a redshirt junior, he led prep powerhouse (Cincinnati) Moeller to consecutive Ohio football championships before signing on with the RedHawks.
Miami has an edge in the all-time series 59-55-7, but the Bearcats have now won 11 straight Victory Bell games, so gaining possession of the bell once again would be a considered a sweet accomplishment not only within the program, but by thousands of MU alumni who work in the Greater Cincinnati area.
With the schools approximately 35 miles apart and many local athletes mixed into the rosters, bragging rights are also on the line.
Quarterback Gus Ragland is one of the local area products on Miami’s roster. Now a redshirt junior, he led prep powerhouse (Cincinnati) Moeller to consecutive Ohio football championships before signing on with the RedHawks.
Miami has an edge in the all-time series 59-55-7, but the Bearcats have now won 11 straight Victory Bell games, so gaining possession of the bell once again would be a considered a sweet accomplishment not only within the program, but by thousands of MU alumni who work in the Greater Cincinnati area.
CLOSE GAMES IN MARTIN ERA
While there have been blowouts, notably by UC from 2006-2012, relatively close games have been more common.
Moreover, Miami has been much more competitive – even in defeat – since Chuck Martin took over as head coach in 2014. Starting then, Miami lost by 7, 4 and 7 points.
In his Monday press conference, Martin acknowledged a win on Saturday would be “special” for MU’s senior class. That would include players like defensive back Health Harding, a Dayton Ohio product and NFL prospect.
Harding is part of a Miami defense that ranked atop the MAC last year and is off to a pretty good start in 2017 despite trying to adjust to the graduation of standout defensive ends J.T. Jones and Austin Gearing.
As a team, Miami has yielded 41 points through two games. However, 21 of those points were scored directly off special teams or the pick-six interception in the 31-26 opening night loss at Marshall. Take away those points, and the RedHawks’ defense (aka “The Mob”) would rank 10th in the country with a 10.0 ppg. average. Using just yardage, Miami is 24th nationally, allowing 268.5 ypg).
Cincinnati, meanwhile, is averaging 25.0 ppg., good for 68th nationally. The Bearcats 363.5 ypg of total offense is 66th among FBS teams.
While there have been blowouts, notably by UC from 2006-2012, relatively close games have been more common.
Moreover, Miami has been much more competitive – even in defeat – since Chuck Martin took over as head coach in 2014. Starting then, Miami lost by 7, 4 and 7 points.
In his Monday press conference, Martin acknowledged a win on Saturday would be “special” for MU’s senior class. That would include players like defensive back Health Harding, a Dayton Ohio product and NFL prospect.
Harding is part of a Miami defense that ranked atop the MAC last year and is off to a pretty good start in 2017 despite trying to adjust to the graduation of standout defensive ends J.T. Jones and Austin Gearing.
As a team, Miami has yielded 41 points through two games. However, 21 of those points were scored directly off special teams or the pick-six interception in the 31-26 opening night loss at Marshall. Take away those points, and the RedHawks’ defense (aka “The Mob”) would rank 10th in the country with a 10.0 ppg. average. Using just yardage, Miami is 24th nationally, allowing 268.5 ypg).
Cincinnati, meanwhile, is averaging 25.0 ppg., good for 68th nationally. The Bearcats 363.5 ypg of total offense is 66th among FBS teams.
COMMON OPPONENT
One thing that is somewhat helpful in comparing the two teams is the fact that through two games, MU and UC have one opponent in common. The Bearcats opened with a 26-14 home win over FCS opponent Austin Peay in Week One. Miami then knocked off the Governors in Oxford last week, 31-10.
MU held a 21-7 lead at halftime and limited APU to a field goal after starting QB JaVaughn Craig left the game due to injury.
Cincinnati’s 26-14 victory over Austin Peay gave new head coach Luke Fickell his first win, but it didn’t come easy – even on home turf. It was a 20-14 UC lead in the fourth quarter before Cincinnati added a final TD against the stubborn Governors with 5:13 remaining.
Cincy’s defense was again impressive last week, limiting Michigan to a 17-14 advantage deep into the third quarter. The Wolverines eventually posted a 36-14 victory.
While the defenses for both teams have been generally reliable, neither the Bearcat nor RedHawk offenses seem to have hit full stride yet.
One thing that is somewhat helpful in comparing the two teams is the fact that through two games, MU and UC have one opponent in common. The Bearcats opened with a 26-14 home win over FCS opponent Austin Peay in Week One. Miami then knocked off the Governors in Oxford last week, 31-10.
MU held a 21-7 lead at halftime and limited APU to a field goal after starting QB JaVaughn Craig left the game due to injury.
Cincinnati’s 26-14 victory over Austin Peay gave new head coach Luke Fickell his first win, but it didn’t come easy – even on home turf. It was a 20-14 UC lead in the fourth quarter before Cincinnati added a final TD against the stubborn Governors with 5:13 remaining.
Cincy’s defense was again impressive last week, limiting Michigan to a 17-14 advantage deep into the third quarter. The Wolverines eventually posted a 36-14 victory.
While the defenses for both teams have been generally reliable, neither the Bearcat nor RedHawk offenses seem to have hit full stride yet.
OFFENSES
Cincinnati junior quarterback Hayden Moore completed 17 of 28 passes in the opener. His three TD passes put UC in front and the Bearcats benefited from two APU turnovers.
It was tougher going for Moore and the offense against Michigan. He completed just 15 of 40, with one TD and two picks against the Wolverines.
As for the ground game, Cincinnati may get it untracked at some point, but the Bearcats have totaled 165 net yards rushing through two outings. Senior Mike Boone leads the way with 144 yards and two scores. Kahlil Lewis tops the receiving corps with eight catches for 70 yards and a pair of TDs. Boone owns seven receptions for 37 yards.
Miami, meanwhile, is averaging 28.5 ppg and owns a 362.0 -- 224.0 ypg advantage in total offense after two games. The RedHawks rush for an average of 140.5 ypg., and when things are going well, the ground attack keeps drives moving.
Cincinnati junior quarterback Hayden Moore completed 17 of 28 passes in the opener. His three TD passes put UC in front and the Bearcats benefited from two APU turnovers.
It was tougher going for Moore and the offense against Michigan. He completed just 15 of 40, with one TD and two picks against the Wolverines.
As for the ground game, Cincinnati may get it untracked at some point, but the Bearcats have totaled 165 net yards rushing through two outings. Senior Mike Boone leads the way with 144 yards and two scores. Kahlil Lewis tops the receiving corps with eight catches for 70 yards and a pair of TDs. Boone owns seven receptions for 37 yards.
Miami, meanwhile, is averaging 28.5 ppg and owns a 362.0 -- 224.0 ypg advantage in total offense after two games. The RedHawks rush for an average of 140.5 ypg., and when things are going well, the ground attack keeps drives moving.
TIME OF POSSESSION
A side benefit that Martin appreciates is time of possession. Miami has held the ball for just over 35 minutes in each of its first two games. While he has a good defense, Martin prefers to keep opponent offenses off the field as much as possible.
Stirring it all is Ragland at quarterback. It was Ragland who invigorated the ‘Hawks last year, returning from a spring ACL injury to lead MU to six straight victories, a MAC East co-championship and a bowl game.
The RedHawks are far from an option offense, but Ragland’s running skills frequently come in handy for things like escaping pressure or scrambling to pick up a first down and keep a drive moving. He was, however, sacked four times last week by Austin Peay.
A side benefit that Martin appreciates is time of possession. Miami has held the ball for just over 35 minutes in each of its first two games. While he has a good defense, Martin prefers to keep opponent offenses off the field as much as possible.
Stirring it all is Ragland at quarterback. It was Ragland who invigorated the ‘Hawks last year, returning from a spring ACL injury to lead MU to six straight victories, a MAC East co-championship and a bowl game.
The RedHawks are far from an option offense, but Ragland’s running skills frequently come in handy for things like escaping pressure or scrambling to pick up a first down and keep a drive moving. He was, however, sacked four times last week by Austin Peay.
THROUGH THE AIR
Miami values its passing game, which is providing 221.5 ypg. That is close to what MU got over Ragland’s seven starts in 2016. What isn’t the same is the completion percentage. Ragland completed 64.2 percent of his passes last year and is at 51.5 percent now.
He tossed 17 TDs in 2016, and did not throw an interception until the bowl game. His one interception so far this season came back 70 yards for a Marshall touchdown.
Once again this year, Third Team All-MAC wideout James Gardner (13 receptions, 228 yds, 2 TDs) has been a prime target. Tight end Ryan Smith is also a key weapon, especially in the red zone. Though he was held without a catch last week, he registered seven catches for 98 yards and two scores against Marshall.
Jared Murphy (7 receptions, 82 yards) is usually good for a couple chunk plays to keep drives moving.
Miami values its passing game, which is providing 221.5 ypg. That is close to what MU got over Ragland’s seven starts in 2016. What isn’t the same is the completion percentage. Ragland completed 64.2 percent of his passes last year and is at 51.5 percent now.
He tossed 17 TDs in 2016, and did not throw an interception until the bowl game. His one interception so far this season came back 70 yards for a Marshall touchdown.
Once again this year, Third Team All-MAC wideout James Gardner (13 receptions, 228 yds, 2 TDs) has been a prime target. Tight end Ryan Smith is also a key weapon, especially in the red zone. Though he was held without a catch last week, he registered seven catches for 98 yards and two scores against Marshall.
Jared Murphy (7 receptions, 82 yards) is usually good for a couple chunk plays to keep drives moving.
BOTTOM LINE
Miami is actually favored to win, but even with a homecoming crowd behind them, the RedHawks will need to accomplish several things. Signs point to a close game.
● Turnovers and penalties dragged the RedHawks down early last year before Ragland took over. Suddenly, both those areas improved dramatically, and MU began winning the close games. Thanks to some big time playmakers (e.g. Tony Reid, Heath Harding) on defense, Miami has broken even in turnover margin through two 2017 outings, However, the ‘Hawks had one very costly turnover against Marshall and lost three fumbles last week. Avoiding turnovers will boost Miami’s chances of wresting the bell from its rival.
● Special teams must execute. Kick return defense put the RedHawks in a huge hole at Marshall. A blocked kick cost Miami a win in the bowl game. Cincinnati has some speed and talent that is likely to show up on special teams. MU needs to make sure any opponent scoring goes through its defense. Placekicker Samuel Sloman is thus far perfect on PATs and three field goals (long of 42). His work in those areas and kickoffs will likely be important.
● Get a good showing up front! Alonzo Smith serves Miami well as a power back and Kenny Young can be a game-breaker, as he was on several occasions last season. Establishing a run would help the passing game and maybe keep some of the pressure off Ragland. As mobile as he is, any quarterback prefers to have the time to let plays develop.
● Trick play? It’s a rivalry game, so pulling out a trick play, whether on special teams or otherwise, could be added to the mix. Disciplined football makes a defense less susceptible to “trickery.”
The RedHawks have been close, but close won’t ring the bell in your own house for a year. Can they take the next step?
Miami is actually favored to win, but even with a homecoming crowd behind them, the RedHawks will need to accomplish several things. Signs point to a close game.
● Turnovers and penalties dragged the RedHawks down early last year before Ragland took over. Suddenly, both those areas improved dramatically, and MU began winning the close games. Thanks to some big time playmakers (e.g. Tony Reid, Heath Harding) on defense, Miami has broken even in turnover margin through two 2017 outings, However, the ‘Hawks had one very costly turnover against Marshall and lost three fumbles last week. Avoiding turnovers will boost Miami’s chances of wresting the bell from its rival.
● Special teams must execute. Kick return defense put the RedHawks in a huge hole at Marshall. A blocked kick cost Miami a win in the bowl game. Cincinnati has some speed and talent that is likely to show up on special teams. MU needs to make sure any opponent scoring goes through its defense. Placekicker Samuel Sloman is thus far perfect on PATs and three field goals (long of 42). His work in those areas and kickoffs will likely be important.
● Get a good showing up front! Alonzo Smith serves Miami well as a power back and Kenny Young can be a game-breaker, as he was on several occasions last season. Establishing a run would help the passing game and maybe keep some of the pressure off Ragland. As mobile as he is, any quarterback prefers to have the time to let plays develop.
● Trick play? It’s a rivalry game, so pulling out a trick play, whether on special teams or otherwise, could be added to the mix. Disciplined football makes a defense less susceptible to “trickery.”
The RedHawks have been close, but close won’t ring the bell in your own house for a year. Can they take the next step?
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