Yager Stadium -- Oxford, OH
There were many lessons to be learned from the Miami RedHawks past two seasons, Two stand out.
1. Quarterback Gus Ragland’s presence -- or absence -- had a high correlation to the RedHawks fortunes. When he was in the lineup, they usually won. When he was out, they often lost. .
2. It is a lot easier to let wins slip away than to put opponents away.
Miami dropped at least three games last year that were potential wins. Reversing those outcomes alone would have put the RedHawks at 8-5 -- enough to put them in a second straight bowl game. Several other games were within reach, such as last year’s opening contest at Marshall. That 31-26 outcome changed on three plays. Two were long kickoff returns by Keion Davis -- one on the game’s first play. Another huge play was a 72-yard third quarter interception return.
One year later, Miami hosts Marshall, with a chance to do something of a “reset” by starting off the new season on a positive note. With both teams bringing back the bulk of their starters, this meeting will play out with many of the same characters. Both teams are talented, and Miami coach Chuck Martin expects a hard-hitting game that “won’t be for the faint of heart.”
That would fit right in with a lot of Miami vs Marshall battles over the years.
Here’s more on Marshall . . .
➤➤ The Thundering Herd got off to a good start in 2017, winning six of their first seven games. However, they won just two of the next six. Three of the four losses were by a total of eight points.
➤➤ At least on the surface, Marshall’s biggest departure is that of quarterback Chase Litton. He completed 266 of 443 passes, good for 3115 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. However, Alex Thomson transferred in from Wagner and was soon named to the Johnny United Golden Arm Award Watch List.
➤➤ Senior Keion Davis returns at running back after picking up 812 yards and scoring six TDs. Tyler’s 820 yards and seven scores for a combined total of 1,632 yards.
➤➤ One of Marshall’s biggest threats is wide receiver Tyre Brady. He led the team in receptions (62), receiving yards (942) and was second in receiving TDs (8) while earning first team Conference USA honors last year. The former Miami Hurricane receiver was MVP of the New Mexico Bowl, which MU won 31-28 over Colorado State.
➤➤ Marshall finished second in Conference USAin points allowed (19.9 ppg). The Herd allowed 121.2 rushing yards per outing. It was second in C-USA in points allowed (19.9 ppg).
➤➤ Linebacker Chase Hancock registered a whopping 128 stops, with 9.6 TFL last year. DB Malik Gant contributed 100 hits and 6.5 TFL).
➤➤ Perhaps one of the most important developments in Marshall’s program from last year to 2018 is the changing of offensive coordinators. Tim Cransey came onboard after considerable success at Sam Houston State. The Bearkats led FBS teams in total offense, scoring offense and passing offense. On the defensive side, Adam Fuller was promoted to coordinator after serving as linebackers coach in 2017.
For information on Miami, click HERE