Offensive Strengths
The RedHawks have the luxury of one of the best young QBs in the country. Sophomore Ben Roethlisberger was the ?MAC Freshman of the Year? after passing for over 3,000 yards and 25 TDs in 2001. He set numerous school passing records and showed his arm strength with a 70-Hail Mary TD pass as time expired in Miami?s dramatic 30-27 win over Akron. Big Ben has several wonderful receivers to utilize his talents as Miami has one of the best WR units in the MAC. Jason Branch (6?6?? 219) is the team?s leading receiver and has the size and hands to be a game breaker. Branch caught six TDs and had 565 yards in 2001. Eddie Tillitz (5?9?? 175) just seems to find ways to make plays, either at wideout or as a special teams return man. Miami has some other quality receivers they can count on in Martin Nance (6?4?? 203), who caught three TDs in the spring game, Andre Henderson (6?2?? 199), Randy Stegman (5?10?? 195), Michael Larkin (5?8?? 163) & Korey Krikpatrick (6?1?? 197). As usual, Miami has some quality offensive linemen to count on up front. Ben Herrell (6?7?? 302), Frank Smith (6?3?? 287) & Justin Smith (6?5?? 294) return from a line that helped Miami average 400-yards and 27-points per game last year. Other linemen looking to break into the starting lineup include Ben Hartings (6?4?? 272), Ryan Fisher (6?5?? 294), Jacob Bell (6?5?? 301), Dan Kosta (6?2?? 298) & Dave Rehker (6?5?? 303). Miami has very talented tight ends in Geoff Robinson (6?4?? 265) and his back up, Dan Tyler (6?4?? 242) & Matt Brandt (6?5?? 244)
Offensive Concerns
I cannot remember that last time a Miami team ranked towards the bottom of the MAC in rushing offense? Last year Miami averaged an uncharacteristic 134-yards per game on the ground, which as 10th of 13 in the conference. Considering all of the talented RBs and OL Miami has had through their storied past, this output is certainly not "Miami football." Luke Clemens (5?10?? 213) is the leading returning rusher after his 483-yard and 1 TD production last fall. Cal Murray (5?10?? 194) is his backup, but there is little to fall back on at this position. Other candidates on the depth chart include Mike Smith (6?0?? 193) & Jay Wallace (6?1?? 209). If the rushing game does not improve, look for more burden to be put on Roethlisberger to produce even more offense. Miami also has depth concerns at QB. Ryan Hawk, a talented backup, has transferred to MAC rival Ohio University. Josh Betts (6?3?? 206) is the backup, and if both of these guys go down, look out, because senior J.D. Vonderheide is not the answer. Finally, Miami graduated two very talented linemen in Paul Thaler & Joe Costello. They will be missed.
Defensive Strengths
The RedHawks return seven starters from a defense that ranked 3rd in the MAC in rush defense and overall defense. Had their schedule not been such a bear that featured road trips to Iowa, Michigan and pass-happy Hawaii, or these stats could have been even better. Miami has one of the better LB corps in the MAC, led by Terrell Jones (5?9?? 225). Jones is a mighty mite who was a part of 124 tackles and plays much bigger than his size. Matt Robillard (6?3?? 238) has all-conference abilities after last seasons? 109-tackles, 5 QB sack and 2 INT performance. Other quality LBs include Nathan Clayton (6?2?? 232), Tyler Vogel (6?3?? 242), Alan Eyink (6?4?? 234), Matt Edwards (6?2?? 252), Matt Cohen (6?2?? 219), Chuck Ogden (6?1?? 218) & Marshall Upshaw (5?10?? 222). Ryan Terry (6?2?? 353) and Phil Smith (6?1?? 262) return to the defensive line that was very good against the run. Terry & Smith had 115 tackles and eight sacks between them. Other linemen who will be playing a lot of minutes include Kurt Mester (6?4?? 268), Will Stanley (6?1?? 248), Larry Burt (6?4?? 302), Marcus Johnson (6?3?? 273), Mike Burtz (6?4?? 241).
Defensive Concerns
Miami?s defense is not that bad, but the DBs could do more as the RedHawks gave up almost 2,500 yards through the air last year. Granted, Miami did play a lot of pass happy teams in 2001, but somehow only could muster up 11 INTs while defending 393 passes. That was by far the most air arsenal that any MAC defense had to face in all of last season. Milt Bowen (6?2?? 204) & Matt Pusateri (5?11?? 192) return and will be looking for assistance from Alphonso Hodge (5?11?? 204), Van Monroe (6?3?? 188), Ryan Sprague (5?10?? 188) & Paul Tripp (6?0?? 182). Hodge and Monroe have bright futures ahead of them as they continue to improve. One can make a strong argument that depending upon what kind of season this DB unit has in 2002 so will go the RedHawk season. Miami will certainly score a lot of points this fall, but how many will they give up? Finally, Miami had only 22 QB sacks last in 12 games. That must improve and more pressure needs to put on opposing QBs, either through the LBs or the DBs blitzing more.
Special Teams
Mike Wafzig averaged 38-yards per punt, but Miami as a whole averaged just 32-yards per net punt as a special teams unit. That must improve drastically. Eddie Tillitz and other athletes did a good job at returning punts and kickoffs for Miami last fall. They should be fine in the department again this year. Miami was dreadful at times with their placekicking duties. Jared Paseghian returns as the PK, but will be tested by freshman Todd Soderquist. Miami was just 35 of 41 on PATs and 8 for 18 in FGs. This is unacceptable and cost Miami two wins in 2001.
Overview
Miami fans should be excited about this 2002 football season. During a seven game winning streak during the middle of 2001, you could really start to see this team jell and they were fun to watch. After the Bowling Green win, there was legitimate talk that the RedHawks might land an ?at-large? bowl birth if they continued on this streak. Unfortunately, Miami lost their final three contests. To make matters worse, these three losses were by a total of 11 points. Miami will once again play a brutal 12-game schedule that takes them to North Carolina, LSU, Toledo & Marshall. Miami has some wonderful home games with Iowa, UCF, archrival Ohio University, and up and coming teams Kent State & Northern Illinois. For Miami to have a successful season, they must avoid the injury bug, force more turnovers, and get their special teams play in order. Roethlisberger is worth the price of admission and I certainly hope Miami breaks some attendance records this year with the quality teams coming to Yager Stadium. I see Miami having a similar season to last years. Look for the RedHawks to get a slow start, pick up a lot of wins during mid-season, and then taper off near the end. The November 12th contest at Marshall should be for the MAC East title. Miami is one year away from a divisional title in my analysis.
Schedule
Miami always plays one of the most difficult schedules and this year is no different. OOC games are road trips to UNC, LSU & Cincinnati while Miami will host Iowa. This marks the first time a Big Ten team will travel to Oxford, Ohio. Crossover games are very difficult, as Miami will host NIU and travel to Toledo. Within the East, Miami will host Kent State and UCF, but travel to Marshall.
Omar?s View = 9-3; wins against Iowa, Kent State, @Akron, @Cincy, @UNC, NIU, @Buffalo, Ohio University & UCF; losses @LSU, @Toledo, & @Marshall.
BOLD PREDICTION Miami will have their largest home crowd ever when the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town on September 7th. Look for Miami to avenge their 44-19 loss from a year ago
Pivotal Game:
Iowa (9/7/02): If Miami wants to get the town & campus excited over this year?s football team and their entire program, there is no better way then to get a huge crowd for a home game versus a Big Ten team, win that game, and get your alumni to want to come back. Miami is one of the most attractive college campuses in the country. A big win early in the season will get the faithful to continue to come back for the four remaining home games.
The RedHawks have the luxury of one of the best young QBs in the country. Sophomore Ben Roethlisberger was the ?MAC Freshman of the Year? after passing for over 3,000 yards and 25 TDs in 2001. He set numerous school passing records and showed his arm strength with a 70-Hail Mary TD pass as time expired in Miami?s dramatic 30-27 win over Akron. Big Ben has several wonderful receivers to utilize his talents as Miami has one of the best WR units in the MAC. Jason Branch (6?6?? 219) is the team?s leading receiver and has the size and hands to be a game breaker. Branch caught six TDs and had 565 yards in 2001. Eddie Tillitz (5?9?? 175) just seems to find ways to make plays, either at wideout or as a special teams return man. Miami has some other quality receivers they can count on in Martin Nance (6?4?? 203), who caught three TDs in the spring game, Andre Henderson (6?2?? 199), Randy Stegman (5?10?? 195), Michael Larkin (5?8?? 163) & Korey Krikpatrick (6?1?? 197). As usual, Miami has some quality offensive linemen to count on up front. Ben Herrell (6?7?? 302), Frank Smith (6?3?? 287) & Justin Smith (6?5?? 294) return from a line that helped Miami average 400-yards and 27-points per game last year. Other linemen looking to break into the starting lineup include Ben Hartings (6?4?? 272), Ryan Fisher (6?5?? 294), Jacob Bell (6?5?? 301), Dan Kosta (6?2?? 298) & Dave Rehker (6?5?? 303). Miami has very talented tight ends in Geoff Robinson (6?4?? 265) and his back up, Dan Tyler (6?4?? 242) & Matt Brandt (6?5?? 244)
Offensive Concerns
I cannot remember that last time a Miami team ranked towards the bottom of the MAC in rushing offense? Last year Miami averaged an uncharacteristic 134-yards per game on the ground, which as 10th of 13 in the conference. Considering all of the talented RBs and OL Miami has had through their storied past, this output is certainly not "Miami football." Luke Clemens (5?10?? 213) is the leading returning rusher after his 483-yard and 1 TD production last fall. Cal Murray (5?10?? 194) is his backup, but there is little to fall back on at this position. Other candidates on the depth chart include Mike Smith (6?0?? 193) & Jay Wallace (6?1?? 209). If the rushing game does not improve, look for more burden to be put on Roethlisberger to produce even more offense. Miami also has depth concerns at QB. Ryan Hawk, a talented backup, has transferred to MAC rival Ohio University. Josh Betts (6?3?? 206) is the backup, and if both of these guys go down, look out, because senior J.D. Vonderheide is not the answer. Finally, Miami graduated two very talented linemen in Paul Thaler & Joe Costello. They will be missed.
Defensive Strengths
The RedHawks return seven starters from a defense that ranked 3rd in the MAC in rush defense and overall defense. Had their schedule not been such a bear that featured road trips to Iowa, Michigan and pass-happy Hawaii, or these stats could have been even better. Miami has one of the better LB corps in the MAC, led by Terrell Jones (5?9?? 225). Jones is a mighty mite who was a part of 124 tackles and plays much bigger than his size. Matt Robillard (6?3?? 238) has all-conference abilities after last seasons? 109-tackles, 5 QB sack and 2 INT performance. Other quality LBs include Nathan Clayton (6?2?? 232), Tyler Vogel (6?3?? 242), Alan Eyink (6?4?? 234), Matt Edwards (6?2?? 252), Matt Cohen (6?2?? 219), Chuck Ogden (6?1?? 218) & Marshall Upshaw (5?10?? 222). Ryan Terry (6?2?? 353) and Phil Smith (6?1?? 262) return to the defensive line that was very good against the run. Terry & Smith had 115 tackles and eight sacks between them. Other linemen who will be playing a lot of minutes include Kurt Mester (6?4?? 268), Will Stanley (6?1?? 248), Larry Burt (6?4?? 302), Marcus Johnson (6?3?? 273), Mike Burtz (6?4?? 241).
Defensive Concerns
Miami?s defense is not that bad, but the DBs could do more as the RedHawks gave up almost 2,500 yards through the air last year. Granted, Miami did play a lot of pass happy teams in 2001, but somehow only could muster up 11 INTs while defending 393 passes. That was by far the most air arsenal that any MAC defense had to face in all of last season. Milt Bowen (6?2?? 204) & Matt Pusateri (5?11?? 192) return and will be looking for assistance from Alphonso Hodge (5?11?? 204), Van Monroe (6?3?? 188), Ryan Sprague (5?10?? 188) & Paul Tripp (6?0?? 182). Hodge and Monroe have bright futures ahead of them as they continue to improve. One can make a strong argument that depending upon what kind of season this DB unit has in 2002 so will go the RedHawk season. Miami will certainly score a lot of points this fall, but how many will they give up? Finally, Miami had only 22 QB sacks last in 12 games. That must improve and more pressure needs to put on opposing QBs, either through the LBs or the DBs blitzing more.
Special Teams
Mike Wafzig averaged 38-yards per punt, but Miami as a whole averaged just 32-yards per net punt as a special teams unit. That must improve drastically. Eddie Tillitz and other athletes did a good job at returning punts and kickoffs for Miami last fall. They should be fine in the department again this year. Miami was dreadful at times with their placekicking duties. Jared Paseghian returns as the PK, but will be tested by freshman Todd Soderquist. Miami was just 35 of 41 on PATs and 8 for 18 in FGs. This is unacceptable and cost Miami two wins in 2001.
Overview
Miami fans should be excited about this 2002 football season. During a seven game winning streak during the middle of 2001, you could really start to see this team jell and they were fun to watch. After the Bowling Green win, there was legitimate talk that the RedHawks might land an ?at-large? bowl birth if they continued on this streak. Unfortunately, Miami lost their final three contests. To make matters worse, these three losses were by a total of 11 points. Miami will once again play a brutal 12-game schedule that takes them to North Carolina, LSU, Toledo & Marshall. Miami has some wonderful home games with Iowa, UCF, archrival Ohio University, and up and coming teams Kent State & Northern Illinois. For Miami to have a successful season, they must avoid the injury bug, force more turnovers, and get their special teams play in order. Roethlisberger is worth the price of admission and I certainly hope Miami breaks some attendance records this year with the quality teams coming to Yager Stadium. I see Miami having a similar season to last years. Look for the RedHawks to get a slow start, pick up a lot of wins during mid-season, and then taper off near the end. The November 12th contest at Marshall should be for the MAC East title. Miami is one year away from a divisional title in my analysis.
Schedule
Miami always plays one of the most difficult schedules and this year is no different. OOC games are road trips to UNC, LSU & Cincinnati while Miami will host Iowa. This marks the first time a Big Ten team will travel to Oxford, Ohio. Crossover games are very difficult, as Miami will host NIU and travel to Toledo. Within the East, Miami will host Kent State and UCF, but travel to Marshall.
Omar?s View = 9-3; wins against Iowa, Kent State, @Akron, @Cincy, @UNC, NIU, @Buffalo, Ohio University & UCF; losses @LSU, @Toledo, & @Marshall.
BOLD PREDICTION Miami will have their largest home crowd ever when the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town on September 7th. Look for Miami to avenge their 44-19 loss from a year ago
Pivotal Game:
Iowa (9/7/02): If Miami wants to get the town & campus excited over this year?s football team and their entire program, there is no better way then to get a huge crowd for a home game versus a Big Ten team, win that game, and get your alumni to want to come back. Miami is one of the most attractive college campuses in the country. A big win early in the season will get the faithful to continue to come back for the four remaining home games.
