Kenny Young is stopped short of a first down by Kadofi Wright. Young rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns in Miami's win. (MVSmith/MRO) By MIKE SMITH
There were times this season when the Miami RedHawks were like the Olympic skater -- performing well, only to lose an edge and crash into the boards in the final seconds.
The RedHawks got their edge back Saturday, knocking off Buffalo 24-14 behind a strong running attack and physical defense that forced two turnovers. With MU managing to play a turnover-free game, it was a recipe for success.
Turnovers, especially untimely . . .
There were times this season when the Miami RedHawks were like the Olympic skater -- performing well, only to lose an edge and crash into the boards in the final seconds.
The RedHawks got their edge back Saturday, knocking off Buffalo 24-14 behind a strong running attack and physical defense that forced two turnovers. With MU managing to play a turnover-free game, it was a recipe for success.
Turnovers, especially untimely . . .
. . . turnovers, had vexed the RedHawks (3-5, 2-2 MAC) through much of the season. They figured prominently in every 2017 loss except Notre Dame.
Saturday, it was the RedHawks who capitalized on a crucial turnover. Miami held a slim 10-7 halftime advantage and kicked off to the Bulls to start the third quarter.
Saturday, it was the RedHawks who capitalized on a crucial turnover. Miami held a slim 10-7 halftime advantage and kicked off to the Bulls to start the third quarter.
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Two plays later, DT Ikeem Allen jarred the ball loose on a hard hit to Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease. Josh Allen recovered at the Bulls 35-yard line, and one play later Kenny Young went around the right side for a RedHawks touchdown to make it a 17-7 MU lead.
"It's amazing. When you hit people, the ball comes out," said Miami coach Chuck Martin, who was happy to see a more physical RedHawks effort.
"It's amazing. When you hit people, the ball comes out," said Miami coach Chuck Martin, who was happy to see a more physical RedHawks effort.
De'Andre Montgomery (right) and Ikeem Allen bring down UB quarterback Kyle Vantrease as the ball comes loose. Josh Allen recovered for Miami, which scored a 35-yard touchdown on the next play. (MVSmith/MRO)
"We worked hard for three years to get this thing to be a tough, smart Miami football team that plays hard and teams don't want to play (you)," he said. "We weren't fun to play today. They knew we were coming after them every down."
Miami added Alonzo Smith’s one-yard run later in the period and then limited Buffalo to a late touchdown.
Although UB was successful with an onside kick, Miami’s defense pushed the Bulls back 11 yards on four plays to avoid any late drama and secure the win.
“That’s more hitting than I’ve seen in a month,” Martin said. "We at times lost our way (earlier this year). We've got to get back to being a menacing football team. We took a step in the right direction (today), but we're not there yet."
Miami added Alonzo Smith’s one-yard run later in the period and then limited Buffalo to a late touchdown.
Although UB was successful with an onside kick, Miami’s defense pushed the Bulls back 11 yards on four plays to avoid any late drama and secure the win.
“That’s more hitting than I’ve seen in a month,” Martin said. "We at times lost our way (earlier this year). We've got to get back to being a menacing football team. We took a step in the right direction (today), but we're not there yet."
Kyle Vantrease throws a pass in his first start for the Buffalo Bulls. (MVSmith/MRO) Buffalo entered the game averaging 148 ypg rushing the football. Miami limited the Bulls to 69 yards on 25 carries. Emmanuel Reed provided 56 of those yards.
Meanwhile, the Bulls also sputtered at times in the passing game. Kyle Vantrease, a true freshman forced into action after two other UB starters went down in previous games, did manage to throw two touchdown passes. However, he completed just 17 of 41 passes overall, tossed one pick and was sacked three times.
"He's a talented kid," said Martin, noting that Vantrease had been on the MU recruiting radar at one point. "I thought they did a nice job protecting him and giving themselves a chance based on what they had."
Meanwhile, the Bulls also sputtered at times in the passing game. Kyle Vantrease, a true freshman forced into action after two other UB starters went down in previous games, did manage to throw two touchdown passes. However, he completed just 17 of 41 passes overall, tossed one pick and was sacked three times.
"He's a talented kid," said Martin, noting that Vantrease had been on the MU recruiting radar at one point. "I thought they did a nice job protecting him and giving themselves a chance based on what they had."
Billy Bahl completed 13 of 20 attempts for 177 yards. (MVSmith/MRO) Miami quarterback Billy Bahl, who got his first 2017 start one week earlier at Kent State after replacing injured Gus Ragland, did not throw any touchdown passes against Buffalo. However, he had a relatively efficient day by completing 13 of 20 for 177 yards with no interceptions. The latter was a key, as MU has been snake-bit by turnovers most of the season.
The aerial game complimented Miami’s ground efforts. Young led the way with 18 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Alonzo Smith chipped in 51 yards. Martin noted both have been doing extra duty while other running backs are again available to spell the junior duo. He also complimented the RedHawks line play. "I thought we got after it up front."
James Gardner led Miami receivers with three catches for 79 yards. That included a 57-yard bomb on MU’s first play from scrimmage. Buffalo’s defense stiffened, however, limiting the RedHawks to a 37-yard Sam Sloman field goal.
After a three-and-out by UB, Miami came back for more. Sam Martin’s 28-yard reception was the big play in a 61-yard drive that culminated with Young’s 7-yard run over the right side.
The aerial game complimented Miami’s ground efforts. Young led the way with 18 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Alonzo Smith chipped in 51 yards. Martin noted both have been doing extra duty while other running backs are again available to spell the junior duo. He also complimented the RedHawks line play. "I thought we got after it up front."
James Gardner led Miami receivers with three catches for 79 yards. That included a 57-yard bomb on MU’s first play from scrimmage. Buffalo’s defense stiffened, however, limiting the RedHawks to a 37-yard Sam Sloman field goal.
After a three-and-out by UB, Miami came back for more. Sam Martin’s 28-yard reception was the big play in a 61-yard drive that culminated with Young’s 7-yard run over the right side.
Buffalo's Anthony Johnson battles Miami defenders for the ball. Johnson caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. (MVSmith/MRO)
Sam Sloman opened scoring with a 37-yard field goal. (MVSmith/MRO) Vantrease hit Kamathi Holsey on a 37-yard strike to reach MU’s 12. Three plays later, Vantrease lofted a pass to Anthony Johnson in the left side of the end zone. Ranked No. 2 among MAC receivers entering Saturday, Johnson finished with five catches for 56 yards and one score against Miami.
"We did not play very well. It was not very clean," UB head coach Lance Leipold said. "Things we strive to do well, unfortunately, today, we didn't do very well. Positively, we battled until the very end, but never really got into any type of rhythm offensively today."
It was 10-7 at intermission, but the hosts added to their advantage with two third quarter scores. Vantrease hit Tyler Mabry for 11 yards and a TD to complete scoring.
"We did not play very well. It was not very clean," UB head coach Lance Leipold said. "Things we strive to do well, unfortunately, today, we didn't do very well. Positively, we battled until the very end, but never really got into any type of rhythm offensively today."
It was 10-7 at intermission, but the hosts added to their advantage with two third quarter scores. Vantrease hit Tyler Mabry for 11 yards and a TD to complete scoring.
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