On September 3, 2005 Ohio State will Play the Miami Redhawks to kick off the 2005 football season. (No kidding)
BKB’s way too early review of the Miami Redhawks
(sorry if some of the abbreviations aren’t consistent, I’m blind to editing at the moment)
The Miami Redhawks
2004 Record 8-5 (7-1) East Division Champion
Lost MAC Title game to Toledo 27-35
Last Bowl: Lost to Iowa State 13-17 (2004 Independence Bowl)
Offense:
Basic Offense: Multiple
Returning Starters on Offense: 8
Lost:
RB…Luke Clemens - 213 ATT 899 Yards, 12 TD, 4.2 ypc
WR..Michael Larkin - 57 Cat 832 Yards 14.6 YPC 8TD
C…..Dave Rehker - 6-7, 290 (13 Starts, 5 at LG)
Defense:
Basic Defense: 4-3
Returning Starters on Defense: 7
Lost:
Will Rueff DT, 13 Solo 13 Assist 26 Total 4.0-6 (TFL/Yds)
Larry Burt DT, 23 Solo 11 Assist 34 Total 7.5-20 (TFL/Yds) 2.0-10 (Sacks/Yrds)
Matt Pusateri SS 66 Solo 31 Assist 97 Total 3.0-5 (TFL/Yds)
Alphonso Hodge 41 Solo 11 Assist 52 Total 7.0-34 (TFL/Yds) 5.0-31 (Sacks/Yds)
Coach -
Shane Montgomery - First Year at Miami Record: 0-0
1993 - 1995 University of Tennessee-Chattanooga - QBs
1995 - 2000 University of Tennessee-Chattanooga - Qbs, Co-O.C. & Rec. Coor.
2001 - 2004 Miami, Ohio - Qbs & Offensive Coordinator
Noteables:
Played at North Carolina State University.
Since his arrival, Miami has never ranked outside of the top 45 nationally in total offense and finished second nationally at 501.1 yards per game in 2003.
Coached 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Ben Roethlisberger
Coached NFL All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens 1995
A two-time nominee and 2003 finalist for the Frank Broyles award (Top Assistant Coach in the Nation)
Team Stats:
…………………….......…………..UM..Opp
SCORING....................... 407... 298
Points Per Game...........…31.3...22.9
FIRST DOWNS.................283.…220
Rushing...........................97.….86
Passing...........................167.…117
Penalty........................... 19.….17
RUSHING YARDAGE.............561..1601
Yards gained rushing........1908..2063
Yards lost rushing........…. 347...462
Rushing Attempts..........….453...480
Average Per Rush..........….3.4.…3.3
Average Per Game..........…120.1.123.2
TDs Rushing......................25.….14
PASSING YARDAGE............3635..2803
Att-Comp-Int................460-277-16...414-236-9
Average Per Pass..........…..7.9.…. 6.8
Average Per Catch.........…...13.1.…11.9
Average Per Game.........….. 279.6...215.6
TDs Passing..........................24.…..24
TOTAL OFFENSE.................5196...4404
Total Plays...........................913.….894
Average Per Play.................…5.7.…..4.9
Average Per Game.................399.7...338.8
Offense 2005
(2004 Stats)
Quarterback
8 - Josh Betts will be the starter again. His junior campaign saw him complete 60.4 percent of his passes (267 - 442) for 3495 yards, with a 23-14 TD to INT ratio while rushing for 3 scores. Put up 300 yards or better 5 times, including 416 v. Cincinnati. Still, against two of the three best teams he played against he struggled. Against Michigan he threw 4 INTS, fumbling once while throwing for 217 (19 - 40) and against Marshall he managed only 144 on 14 - 24 passing while getting put on his back 6 times.
He’s not Big Ben, but he’s still a capable QB with a year of experience in Miami‘s proven system. Yes, I say proved despite the fact that the middle to bottom (read, directional Michigan) of the MAC plain stinks. From the statistics, it looks like putting pressure on him is the key to taking him off his game.
Running Back
24 - Brandon Murphy - So - 48ATT 248Yds 4TD 5.2YPC
Murphy is 5-6, 189 and runs a 4.45. Obviously not a power back at his size, but put up respectable numbers as a red shirt Freshman #3 back.
Before 2000 Miami had had 6 straight years of a 1,000 yard Rusher (Remember Travis Prentice?) In 2001 (the year Montgomery arrived) the top back had only 587. Still, in 2002 Luke Clemens amassed 1,009, but was injured most of 2003. Calvin Murray (The son of another Calvin Murray who you should know by name already) was the primary replacement and got 1030 yards (Running just like his pappy did) Luke Clemens returned to the starting role in 2004 (his stats are above). Departing Mike Smith was second on the team in carries and yards, 80 - 312, scoring 6TD on 3.9 per carry. Miami mixes in enough runs to keep a defense honest, but the strength of this offense is clearly the passing game.
Wide Receivers
2 - Ryne Robinson - Jr - 64 Rec 932 Yds 14.6 YPC 4 TD
Robinson is 5-10, 169 and might be the closest approximation to Ted Ginn Jr. that the MAC has to offer. A threat to return punts for six, Robinson leads the NCAA in career Punt Return Yards. He was the main threat last season as a sophomore, getting 100 more yards on 7 more catches than did the departed Michael Larkin. Still, his long catch from 04 was only 38 yards.
15 Martin Nance - Sr - 25 Rec 337 Yrds 13.5 YPS 1 TD
Nance goes 6-5, 215 and has 4.4 speed. Can present match-up problems with his size and has the speed to compete with the best DB’s in the nation. While he tears me apart on NCAA 2k5, and Phil Steele says he’s “one of the toughest in the NCAA” his numbers in the real world are fairly pedestrian, as he was Miami’s number 4 WR in terms of yards and receptions last season. I can’t say for sure, but my conclusion is he has problems running good routes or maybe has trouble holding on to the ball. For whatever reason, he has the physical tools, but has yet to put it all together. (EDIT: My Conclusions were wrong, as it would seem Nance was injured last season which accounts for his lower numbers (thanks for the heads up on that coxew))
82 RJ Corbin - Jr - 26 Rec 319 Yds 12.3 YPC 1 TD
Corbin sports 6-1, 203 size and started 7 games as a soph. Was the third most popular receiver to Betts last season but was 5th in yards.
4 Josh Williams - Jr - 21 Rec 402 Yds 19.1 YPC 3 TD
Williams goes 6-2, 222 and, like Nance, has the physical size to present a problem. He’s a long play threat (79 yard long last season was tops on Miami’s roster) but doesn’t appear to get the ball thrown his way as often as a kid of his size should.
All in all, Miami’s WR’s are pretty darn good, and there is enough depth that they should be able to stay fresh enough and are clearly the grease that keeps this offense running. Far be it for me to say how they should be utilized, but the numbers indicate that the small guys are the “reception” guys and the big guys are the deep threats. Seems backwards to me. On the other hand, it’s probably more a function of the offense Miami runs, not dependant on the long pass, though more than willing to air it out - or maybe you‘d say “ball control passing“ (ie west coast). Robinson is their playmaker, but one of Nance, Williams and Corbin must fill the shoes previously held by Larkin and present a viable #2 threat. My guess is Nance will take that role as the 2005 season proceeds.
O-Line
This unit replaces only LG/C David Rehker from last year’s unit. A veteran group that should offer Betts the protection he needs to improve his TD-INT ratio. The senior laden unit is composed of,
TE - 89 - Dan Tyler, 6-5, 243 (12 rec. 126 yds),
C - 62 - Todd Londot - Sr - 6-7 308 (8 Starts at C in 2002, 14 at C in 03),
RG 79 Nate Bunce - Sr - 6-6 337,
LG - 72 - Stephen Meister - So. 6-2, 293 (1 start at LG as Frosh),
RT - 76 Charles Norden - So - 6-6, 314 (12 starts as Frosh 5 at T and 7 at G)
LT - 75 - Mark Kracium - Sr - 6-5, 286.
As you can see, these guys have Big Ten size and won’t be pushed over easy. Their weakness is more than likely footwork and speed - but I am no O-Line know-it-all. Ask Exhawg, he may have some opinion about these guys.
Defense 2005
D-Line
Miami returns 6 of their top 8 D-linemen, losing Burt and Rueff as noted above. Last season they allowed 3.3 yards per carry (down from 3.4 yards in 03 and 4.3 yards in 02) and amassed 38 sacks. Expect them to be stout against the run again with this veteran group.
DE - 93 - Marcus Johnson - Sr. - 6-3, 260 - 27 Solo 27 Assit 54 Total 12.5-72 (TFL/Yds) 7.5-62 (Sacks/Yards)
DT - 65 John Glavin - Sr - 5-11, 278 - 28 solo 11 Assist 39 Tot 9.0-32 (TFL/Yds) 3.0-25 (Sacks/Yds) Five eleven 278????? I have a bowling ball that size!
DT - 44 - Jarrod Rich - Sr - 6-3, 267 - 23 solo 13 assist 36 total 5.5-34 (TFL/Yds) 3.0-27 (Sacks/Yds) (DE in 2004)
DE - 58 Craig Mester - So - 6-5, 242 (2 starts in 04) 8 solo 6 assist 14 total 5.5-51 (TFL/Yds) 5.0-51 (Sacks/Yds)
Linebackers -
Senior, Senior, Senior…. When it comes to LB talent, Miami sports the MAC equivalent to Ohio State - that is, the best LB corps around. These guys are the real deal - Phil Steele rates them as the 27th best unit in the NCAA. Terna Nande squats 620 and benches 520 and is fleet of foot enough to go 4.5 in the 40. He will start along side John Busing (who only benches 400lbs) for the 4th straight year. 5 of Miami’s top 6 LB’s are seniors.
OLB - 12 John Busing - Sr - 6-3, 228 (Must be a converted QB)
59 solo 34 assist 93 tot 6.5-28 (TFL/Yds) 1.0-12 (Sacks/Yds) 1-10 INT-Yds 1FF
MLB - 38 - Derek Rehage - Sr - 6, 239
39 Solo 40 Assist 79 Tot 10.0-45 (TFL/yds) 4.5-36 (Sacks/Yds) 1 Recovery
OLB - 32 - Terna Nande - Sr - 6-1, 228
58 solo 28 Assist 86 Total 9.0-27 (TFL/Yds) 3.5-19 (Sacks/Yds) 1 Recovery 2FF
Defensive Backs -
2 Juniors and 2 Seniors make up this group. Not bad at first glance, but then a closer look reveals that gone is team leader Matt Pusateri and CB Alphonso Hodge who were the anchor’s of a underachieving group statistically. That’s not to take anything away from Pusateri, who as Strong Safety leaves Miami as the schools all time solo tackles leader. Anyway, as a unit Miami gave up 215.6 a game on 236-414 passing. They allowed 24 TD’s and picked off only 9 passes.
CB - 33 - Jerrid Gaines - Jr - 5-11, 197
1 Pick for 22 yards in 04. 32 tackles in two years.
CB - 28 - Darrell Hunter - Sr - 6-1, 213 Fastest man in Miami Football History
(4.25 40) Unless this guy has terrible hips and can’t cover a steamroller, I can’t see how he doesn’t get a serious look from the NFL. I don’t know if he can handle Teddy Ginn, but he can at least keep himself in the same stadium, speed wise.
22 Solo 8 Assist 30 Total 3.0-8 (TFL/Yds) 2-0 (INT/Yds) 3 Breakups
FS - 36 - Steve Burke - Sr - 6-0, 187
19 Solo 6 Assist 25 Total with 1 pick for zero.
SS - 1 - Joey Card - Jr - 6-0, 197
Replacing a legend at Miami. It can be done, I suppose, after all I never thought OSU would see a Safety better than Damon Moore but then came Mike Doss… Still, Doss had 4 years to prove it, this Card fella has only 2. Card did get 4 starts at FS last season.
21 Solo 12 Assist 33 Total 1.0-2 (TFL/Yds) 1 pick for 20 yards.
Special Teams
K - 35 -Todd Soderquist - Sr
FG - 6-8, 75% (4-5 30 - 39; 2-3 40 - 49) 1 Blk. PAT - 24-25
P - 4 - Jacob Richardson - rFr
Apparently had a solid spring,.
PR - 2 - Ryne Robinson - Jr
A threat to take it to the house every time. MAC record holder for single-season and single-game punt return yardage, NCAA yardage leader. Six punt returns for a MAC-record 237 yards and two touchdowns, 86 and 76 yards, versus Buffalo (Oct. 11, 2003.) Fortunately, Ohio State isn’t Buffalo.
39 Ret. 547 Yds. 14.0 Avg. 2 TD 74 Long
Overall
Miami is the front runner in the MAC. They’ll take the East unless BGSU beats them, because these two are clearly the head of the class. Ohio State can beat this team, of course, but to say it won’t be easy is an understatement. Miami has played Ohio State tough in recent meetings, and I expect this game to be no different. At the end of the day, Ohio State has superior depth and talent at each position, but Miami won’t come in afraid, that’s for sure. Still, with Texas looming, Ohio State better not get caught looking ahead. Tressel teams rarely if ever look ahead, and I have full confidence coach and staff realize that Miami is more than a “nice warm up” but a bonifide threat. On the other hand, with this being the first game of the year, and with all the excitement that surrounds the beginning of football season in Columbus, it’s entirely possible an “amped up” Ohio State takes it to Miami. Yes, I’m a homer, but Ohio State has some tools to work with this year that we’ve only just begun to see the results of (Michigan and Oky State last year) I don’t expect OSU to pick right up where it left off, especially with Smith missing from this game. Still, the potential is there. While Hunter may be able to run with Ginn, covering him is another matter. And supposing Hunter does keep up with Ginn, there is no answer for Holmes, Gonzalez and Dukes/Hall/Lyons (depending on the sets). The LB’s may make Ohio State fans feel like it’s going to be “another one of those seasons” where the run game is concerned. But, if Ohio State opens the run by using the pass, I think there is some room to gash these guys.
Defensively, Ohio State should stuff Miami’s run pretty well. There may be a couple of break downs, as Miami is known to pass, and thus Ohio State could get caught back on occasion. Still Ohio State’s LB’s should not allow much. Ohio State’s D-Line can certainly give Miami’s beef enough to worry about, and Hawk and company should be able clean up. But, therein lies the rub. Miami can go 5 wide easy, and if Ohio State’s Defense has a weakness it’s some unknowns in the secondary (particularly corner opposite Youboty)
I don’t predict scores, so I won’t here. I will predict an Ohio State win though.
BKB’s way too early review of the Miami Redhawks
(sorry if some of the abbreviations aren’t consistent, I’m blind to editing at the moment)
The Miami Redhawks
2004 Record 8-5 (7-1) East Division Champion
Lost MAC Title game to Toledo 27-35
Last Bowl: Lost to Iowa State 13-17 (2004 Independence Bowl)
Offense:
Basic Offense: Multiple
Returning Starters on Offense: 8
Lost:
RB…Luke Clemens - 213 ATT 899 Yards, 12 TD, 4.2 ypc
WR..Michael Larkin - 57 Cat 832 Yards 14.6 YPC 8TD
C…..Dave Rehker - 6-7, 290 (13 Starts, 5 at LG)
Defense:
Basic Defense: 4-3
Returning Starters on Defense: 7
Lost:
Will Rueff DT, 13 Solo 13 Assist 26 Total 4.0-6 (TFL/Yds)
Larry Burt DT, 23 Solo 11 Assist 34 Total 7.5-20 (TFL/Yds) 2.0-10 (Sacks/Yrds)
Matt Pusateri SS 66 Solo 31 Assist 97 Total 3.0-5 (TFL/Yds)
Alphonso Hodge 41 Solo 11 Assist 52 Total 7.0-34 (TFL/Yds) 5.0-31 (Sacks/Yds)
Coach -
Shane Montgomery - First Year at Miami Record: 0-0
1993 - 1995 University of Tennessee-Chattanooga - QBs
1995 - 2000 University of Tennessee-Chattanooga - Qbs, Co-O.C. & Rec. Coor.
2001 - 2004 Miami, Ohio - Qbs & Offensive Coordinator
Noteables:
Played at North Carolina State University.
Since his arrival, Miami has never ranked outside of the top 45 nationally in total offense and finished second nationally at 501.1 yards per game in 2003.
Coached 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Ben Roethlisberger
Coached NFL All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens 1995
A two-time nominee and 2003 finalist for the Frank Broyles award (Top Assistant Coach in the Nation)
Team Stats:
…………………….......…………..UM..Opp
SCORING....................... 407... 298
Points Per Game...........…31.3...22.9
FIRST DOWNS.................283.…220
Rushing...........................97.….86
Passing...........................167.…117
Penalty........................... 19.….17
RUSHING YARDAGE.............561..1601
Yards gained rushing........1908..2063
Yards lost rushing........…. 347...462
Rushing Attempts..........….453...480
Average Per Rush..........….3.4.…3.3
Average Per Game..........…120.1.123.2
TDs Rushing......................25.….14
PASSING YARDAGE............3635..2803
Att-Comp-Int................460-277-16...414-236-9
Average Per Pass..........…..7.9.…. 6.8
Average Per Catch.........…...13.1.…11.9
Average Per Game.........….. 279.6...215.6
TDs Passing..........................24.…..24
TOTAL OFFENSE.................5196...4404
Total Plays...........................913.….894
Average Per Play.................…5.7.…..4.9
Average Per Game.................399.7...338.8
Offense 2005
(2004 Stats)
Quarterback
8 - Josh Betts will be the starter again. His junior campaign saw him complete 60.4 percent of his passes (267 - 442) for 3495 yards, with a 23-14 TD to INT ratio while rushing for 3 scores. Put up 300 yards or better 5 times, including 416 v. Cincinnati. Still, against two of the three best teams he played against he struggled. Against Michigan he threw 4 INTS, fumbling once while throwing for 217 (19 - 40) and against Marshall he managed only 144 on 14 - 24 passing while getting put on his back 6 times.
He’s not Big Ben, but he’s still a capable QB with a year of experience in Miami‘s proven system. Yes, I say proved despite the fact that the middle to bottom (read, directional Michigan) of the MAC plain stinks. From the statistics, it looks like putting pressure on him is the key to taking him off his game.
Running Back
24 - Brandon Murphy - So - 48ATT 248Yds 4TD 5.2YPC
Murphy is 5-6, 189 and runs a 4.45. Obviously not a power back at his size, but put up respectable numbers as a red shirt Freshman #3 back.
Before 2000 Miami had had 6 straight years of a 1,000 yard Rusher (Remember Travis Prentice?) In 2001 (the year Montgomery arrived) the top back had only 587. Still, in 2002 Luke Clemens amassed 1,009, but was injured most of 2003. Calvin Murray (The son of another Calvin Murray who you should know by name already) was the primary replacement and got 1030 yards (Running just like his pappy did) Luke Clemens returned to the starting role in 2004 (his stats are above). Departing Mike Smith was second on the team in carries and yards, 80 - 312, scoring 6TD on 3.9 per carry. Miami mixes in enough runs to keep a defense honest, but the strength of this offense is clearly the passing game.
Wide Receivers
2 - Ryne Robinson - Jr - 64 Rec 932 Yds 14.6 YPC 4 TD
Robinson is 5-10, 169 and might be the closest approximation to Ted Ginn Jr. that the MAC has to offer. A threat to return punts for six, Robinson leads the NCAA in career Punt Return Yards. He was the main threat last season as a sophomore, getting 100 more yards on 7 more catches than did the departed Michael Larkin. Still, his long catch from 04 was only 38 yards.
15 Martin Nance - Sr - 25 Rec 337 Yrds 13.5 YPS 1 TD
Nance goes 6-5, 215 and has 4.4 speed. Can present match-up problems with his size and has the speed to compete with the best DB’s in the nation. While he tears me apart on NCAA 2k5, and Phil Steele says he’s “one of the toughest in the NCAA” his numbers in the real world are fairly pedestrian, as he was Miami’s number 4 WR in terms of yards and receptions last season. I can’t say for sure, but my conclusion is he has problems running good routes or maybe has trouble holding on to the ball. For whatever reason, he has the physical tools, but has yet to put it all together. (EDIT: My Conclusions were wrong, as it would seem Nance was injured last season which accounts for his lower numbers (thanks for the heads up on that coxew))
82 RJ Corbin - Jr - 26 Rec 319 Yds 12.3 YPC 1 TD
Corbin sports 6-1, 203 size and started 7 games as a soph. Was the third most popular receiver to Betts last season but was 5th in yards.
4 Josh Williams - Jr - 21 Rec 402 Yds 19.1 YPC 3 TD
Williams goes 6-2, 222 and, like Nance, has the physical size to present a problem. He’s a long play threat (79 yard long last season was tops on Miami’s roster) but doesn’t appear to get the ball thrown his way as often as a kid of his size should.
All in all, Miami’s WR’s are pretty darn good, and there is enough depth that they should be able to stay fresh enough and are clearly the grease that keeps this offense running. Far be it for me to say how they should be utilized, but the numbers indicate that the small guys are the “reception” guys and the big guys are the deep threats. Seems backwards to me. On the other hand, it’s probably more a function of the offense Miami runs, not dependant on the long pass, though more than willing to air it out - or maybe you‘d say “ball control passing“ (ie west coast). Robinson is their playmaker, but one of Nance, Williams and Corbin must fill the shoes previously held by Larkin and present a viable #2 threat. My guess is Nance will take that role as the 2005 season proceeds.
O-Line
This unit replaces only LG/C David Rehker from last year’s unit. A veteran group that should offer Betts the protection he needs to improve his TD-INT ratio. The senior laden unit is composed of,
TE - 89 - Dan Tyler, 6-5, 243 (12 rec. 126 yds),
C - 62 - Todd Londot - Sr - 6-7 308 (8 Starts at C in 2002, 14 at C in 03),
RG 79 Nate Bunce - Sr - 6-6 337,
LG - 72 - Stephen Meister - So. 6-2, 293 (1 start at LG as Frosh),
RT - 76 Charles Norden - So - 6-6, 314 (12 starts as Frosh 5 at T and 7 at G)
LT - 75 - Mark Kracium - Sr - 6-5, 286.
As you can see, these guys have Big Ten size and won’t be pushed over easy. Their weakness is more than likely footwork and speed - but I am no O-Line know-it-all. Ask Exhawg, he may have some opinion about these guys.
Defense 2005
D-Line
Miami returns 6 of their top 8 D-linemen, losing Burt and Rueff as noted above. Last season they allowed 3.3 yards per carry (down from 3.4 yards in 03 and 4.3 yards in 02) and amassed 38 sacks. Expect them to be stout against the run again with this veteran group.
DE - 93 - Marcus Johnson - Sr. - 6-3, 260 - 27 Solo 27 Assit 54 Total 12.5-72 (TFL/Yds) 7.5-62 (Sacks/Yards)
DT - 65 John Glavin - Sr - 5-11, 278 - 28 solo 11 Assist 39 Tot 9.0-32 (TFL/Yds) 3.0-25 (Sacks/Yds) Five eleven 278????? I have a bowling ball that size!
DT - 44 - Jarrod Rich - Sr - 6-3, 267 - 23 solo 13 assist 36 total 5.5-34 (TFL/Yds) 3.0-27 (Sacks/Yds) (DE in 2004)
DE - 58 Craig Mester - So - 6-5, 242 (2 starts in 04) 8 solo 6 assist 14 total 5.5-51 (TFL/Yds) 5.0-51 (Sacks/Yds)
Linebackers -
Senior, Senior, Senior…. When it comes to LB talent, Miami sports the MAC equivalent to Ohio State - that is, the best LB corps around. These guys are the real deal - Phil Steele rates them as the 27th best unit in the NCAA. Terna Nande squats 620 and benches 520 and is fleet of foot enough to go 4.5 in the 40. He will start along side John Busing (who only benches 400lbs) for the 4th straight year. 5 of Miami’s top 6 LB’s are seniors.
OLB - 12 John Busing - Sr - 6-3, 228 (Must be a converted QB)
59 solo 34 assist 93 tot 6.5-28 (TFL/Yds) 1.0-12 (Sacks/Yds) 1-10 INT-Yds 1FF
MLB - 38 - Derek Rehage - Sr - 6, 239
39 Solo 40 Assist 79 Tot 10.0-45 (TFL/yds) 4.5-36 (Sacks/Yds) 1 Recovery
OLB - 32 - Terna Nande - Sr - 6-1, 228
58 solo 28 Assist 86 Total 9.0-27 (TFL/Yds) 3.5-19 (Sacks/Yds) 1 Recovery 2FF
Defensive Backs -
2 Juniors and 2 Seniors make up this group. Not bad at first glance, but then a closer look reveals that gone is team leader Matt Pusateri and CB Alphonso Hodge who were the anchor’s of a underachieving group statistically. That’s not to take anything away from Pusateri, who as Strong Safety leaves Miami as the schools all time solo tackles leader. Anyway, as a unit Miami gave up 215.6 a game on 236-414 passing. They allowed 24 TD’s and picked off only 9 passes.
CB - 33 - Jerrid Gaines - Jr - 5-11, 197
1 Pick for 22 yards in 04. 32 tackles in two years.
CB - 28 - Darrell Hunter - Sr - 6-1, 213 Fastest man in Miami Football History
(4.25 40) Unless this guy has terrible hips and can’t cover a steamroller, I can’t see how he doesn’t get a serious look from the NFL. I don’t know if he can handle Teddy Ginn, but he can at least keep himself in the same stadium, speed wise.
22 Solo 8 Assist 30 Total 3.0-8 (TFL/Yds) 2-0 (INT/Yds) 3 Breakups
FS - 36 - Steve Burke - Sr - 6-0, 187
19 Solo 6 Assist 25 Total with 1 pick for zero.
SS - 1 - Joey Card - Jr - 6-0, 197
Replacing a legend at Miami. It can be done, I suppose, after all I never thought OSU would see a Safety better than Damon Moore but then came Mike Doss… Still, Doss had 4 years to prove it, this Card fella has only 2. Card did get 4 starts at FS last season.
21 Solo 12 Assist 33 Total 1.0-2 (TFL/Yds) 1 pick for 20 yards.
Special Teams
K - 35 -Todd Soderquist - Sr
FG - 6-8, 75% (4-5 30 - 39; 2-3 40 - 49) 1 Blk. PAT - 24-25
P - 4 - Jacob Richardson - rFr
Apparently had a solid spring,.
PR - 2 - Ryne Robinson - Jr
A threat to take it to the house every time. MAC record holder for single-season and single-game punt return yardage, NCAA yardage leader. Six punt returns for a MAC-record 237 yards and two touchdowns, 86 and 76 yards, versus Buffalo (Oct. 11, 2003.) Fortunately, Ohio State isn’t Buffalo.
39 Ret. 547 Yds. 14.0 Avg. 2 TD 74 Long
Overall
Miami is the front runner in the MAC. They’ll take the East unless BGSU beats them, because these two are clearly the head of the class. Ohio State can beat this team, of course, but to say it won’t be easy is an understatement. Miami has played Ohio State tough in recent meetings, and I expect this game to be no different. At the end of the day, Ohio State has superior depth and talent at each position, but Miami won’t come in afraid, that’s for sure. Still, with Texas looming, Ohio State better not get caught looking ahead. Tressel teams rarely if ever look ahead, and I have full confidence coach and staff realize that Miami is more than a “nice warm up” but a bonifide threat. On the other hand, with this being the first game of the year, and with all the excitement that surrounds the beginning of football season in Columbus, it’s entirely possible an “amped up” Ohio State takes it to Miami. Yes, I’m a homer, but Ohio State has some tools to work with this year that we’ve only just begun to see the results of (Michigan and Oky State last year) I don’t expect OSU to pick right up where it left off, especially with Smith missing from this game. Still, the potential is there. While Hunter may be able to run with Ginn, covering him is another matter. And supposing Hunter does keep up with Ginn, there is no answer for Holmes, Gonzalez and Dukes/Hall/Lyons (depending on the sets). The LB’s may make Ohio State fans feel like it’s going to be “another one of those seasons” where the run game is concerned. But, if Ohio State opens the run by using the pass, I think there is some room to gash these guys.
Defensively, Ohio State should stuff Miami’s run pretty well. There may be a couple of break downs, as Miami is known to pass, and thus Ohio State could get caught back on occasion. Still Ohio State’s LB’s should not allow much. Ohio State’s D-Line can certainly give Miami’s beef enough to worry about, and Hawk and company should be able clean up. But, therein lies the rub. Miami can go 5 wide easy, and if Ohio State’s Defense has a weakness it’s some unknowns in the secondary (particularly corner opposite Youboty)
I don’t predict scores, so I won’t here. I will predict an Ohio State win though.
