Miami is, as usual, battle tested. They have gone through power conference games vs. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and taken two losses. They had their traditional buy game against Holy Cross that they dominated, and then they had their victory over UConn for homecoming last weekend.
Per Miami’s release, over the last 10 (including this season) seasons, the RedHawks are 13-32 to open the season. To close the season, they are 55-24. This shows a couple of things: how tough coach Martin likes to schedule, and just how dominant the RedHawks are in the MAC. This season’s schedule lines up very well for them to do the same in MAC play.
The biggest concern for the RedHawks right now is David McComb’s health. The Kansas transfer got off to an impressive start: 1121 yards, 65/103 passing, 10 total touchdowns (7 passing, 3 rushing), and just 1 interception. However, coach Martin has confirmed that he is out for the entire season. That means that D-II Fort Hays transfer Caleb Heavner will be taking over under center starting tomorrow.
Heavner has thrown 9 passes, completing 7 of them for just 36 yards this year. He has thrown no touchdowns and 1 interception. His legs are a significant threat, and he has run for 36 yards across 7 carries. He transferred in from D-II Fort Hays where he threw for 1590 yards, 9 TDs, 9 INTs, and rushed for 664 yards and 5 TDs. He is going to be a bit more apt to run the ball than McComb is, though McComb has been an efficient runner this year. Look for Miami to look to control the trenches and establish the ground game.
Bowling Green
There are 138 teams in the FBS. Bowling Green ranks 138th in points per game, and yards per game. They lean on the rushing attack, but are incredibly inefficient, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. When they do pass it (43% of plays are passes), they rank among the bottom 10 in completion percentage, yards per pass, and pass yards per game. Miami’s defense should create chaos and keep the Falcons off the field all day long.
On defense, the Falcons continue the struggle. Opponents score an average of 42 points per game (#130), and they give up 431 yards per game (#112). They’re allowing opponents to average 6.8 yards per play (#125) and their rushing defense is abysmal, ranking 136th in the country in yards per rush (6.5), and rush yards per game (263.7). They do fairly well at keeping opponents passing games under wraps, but that is likely attributed to the flow of their games rather than their defense being stout.
Miami vs. Bowling Green: Keys to the Game:
Establish the rushing attack. Similar to the Holy Cross matchup three weeks ago, Miami should roll here. They have, however, struggled to get the rushing game going; they’re averaging just 2.5 yards per carry, and are rushing the ball 43% of the time. Those two stats combine for just 64 yards per game on the ground, which is 137th in the country. With the QB injuries, the ground game has to get going this weekend against an inferior opponent.
Get Heavner comfortable throwing. Miami is throwing the ball 57% of the time this season, while Heavner will not be asked to throw that much, he is going to have to stand back and complete a pass. He has proven he’s capable of doing so, but all eyes will be on his performance this weekend as he takes over for McComb.
Neutralize Myles Bradley. Bradley is coming off of a 5 tackle, 4.5 sack performance vs. South Florida last weekend. He also forced 2 fumbles, and recovered 1 of them. The Mansfield, Ohio native has the capability to cause chaos and keep the Miami offense at bay if the line doesn’t hold assignments well.
The Cradle of Coaches:
This year’s Cradle of Coaches game is this weekend and helps pay tribute to the legendary legacy of so many names in the past who have come through Miami’s ranks. This year, a first: The face masks are the Baltimore Ravens gold color to help tie the uniforms together. The blackout uniforms have white lettering and red/gold accents.