For the first time this season, Miami has won consecutive games. This also marks the first time this year the RedHawks are above .500. Akron came in as a team that Miami should clearly beat; however, there were questions as to which version of the offense will show up.
Miami’s defense allowed just 14 points to the struggling Zips offense. They were led by the usual suspect, Malcolm McCain with 10 tackles. However, Grant Lyons made a massive impact with 6 tackles, 2 of which were sacks. Coming into the game, he had just 15 tackles on the season. He also doubled his sack total this season. The defense caused chaos for Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow, who threw 4 interceptions, including one being returned for 6 by Blayne Myrick. On special teams, Kellan McLaughlin continues to shine, this time going 2-2 on field goals, and 4/4 on extra points on the day.
Three Takeaways:
The rushing attack finally has life! Between five rushers and 35 carries, Miami put up 324 yards. Scoop Smith had a 69 yard breakaway, while Rodney Nelson had a 58 yarder. Nelson led all ball carriers with 13 carries, 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. D’Shawntae Jones added 12 carries for 48 yards, and QB Caleb Heavner added 5 carries for 45 yards. Lazaro Rogers carried it 4 times for 20 yards. Not being as reliant on Heavner is a significant step up for the RedHawks. They will need to continue this moving forward to help avoid increased injury risk.
The defense will continue to win games for the RedHawks. I said it last week, and they took another step forward this week, forcing 4 turnovers, and holding Akron to just 315 yards in total. Roggow threw for 234 yards, but was able to turn that into just 1 touchdown and the aforementioned 4 INTs. On the ground Akron went for just 81 yards on 32 carries. The RedHawks held lead back Jordan Gant to just 46 yards on 15 carries.
Caleb Heavner’s arm cannot be trusted. Since taking over for McComb in the starting role on Oct. 3, he has amassed 358 total passing yards, good for 119 yards per game. He’s gone over 10 completions just one time this season, and has not done so in the last two weeks. He has thrown 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in that same span. The more that the coaching staff can establish the rushing gameplan, the better. Akron is one of the worst defenses the RedHawks will play this season, so this was a great opportunity to start that. However, they will need to continue through the coming weeks.
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