Miami RedHawks 2010 Preview
July 18th, 2010 by Nick Gerogosian
Miami is 3-21 over the past two years, their worst two-year performance in more than twenty years. This is the program that boasts “the cradle of coaches” and Ben Roethlisberger. From 2001 through 2005 the RedHawks were 42-20 and made two bowl appearances. Miami has won more MAC football championships than anyone so this recently slide is not the norm in Oxford. Ten starters return on offense and seven more on defense this fall in year two of the Mike Haywood era. While there are still many freshmen and sophomores spread throughout the two-deep lineup, this is not the same team that averaged losing 34-16 per game (2009).
The Team
Zac Dysert and Austin Boucher are two of most talented young quarterbacks in the MAC. Dysert passed for 2,600 yards as a freshman and Boucher can make things happen with his arm or his feet. As Miami moves towards a smash mouth type of physical team, the running backs have yet to prove themselves as MU ranked 119th nationally in rushing offense last season. Michigan transfer FB Vince Helmuth is a physical specimen at 6-1 283. He will pave the way for a better rushing output this year. Armand Robinson, Chris Givens and Jamal Rogers are very good receivers while former DE Jordan Stevens has become a solid TE along with Kendrick Bruton and Steve Marck. The offensive line was not very good last year and should be much improved around Brandon Brooks and Bob Gulley. To help out a run defense ranked 101st last season, Iowa DE transfer Jason Semmes and freshman DT John Steele should make an immediate impact. Jerrell Wedge is a tackling machine at MLB and UConn transfer CJ Marck, brother to TE Steve Marck, should solidify this unit. There has been a major upgrade throughout the defensive backfield in terms of talent and speed, look for safety Anthony Kokal and CB Brandon Stephens to via for all-conference honors.
The Verdict
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a MAC non-conference football schedule this ridiculously difficult. Miami has longed played some of the most challenging out-of-conference games through the years but this season is way off the charts. Florida, Colorado State, Cincinnati and Missouri? Not good for a team trying to move forward after former head coach Shane Montgomery ruined the MAC’s historical flagship program. Coach Haywood is doing the right things now and this team will be vastly improved even though their record may not show it. Four wins is possible and considering the foes listed below that would be considered a successful season.
2010 Schedule & Prediction
Sept 4 at Florida L
Sept 11 Eastern Michigan W
Sept 18 Colorado State L
Sept 25 at Missouri L
Oct 2 Kent State L
Oct 9 at Cincinnati L
Oct 16 at Central Michigan L
Oct 23 Ohio L
Oct 30 at Buffalo L
Nov 10 at BGSU L
Nov 17 at Akron L
Nov 23 Temple L
1-11 Overall; 1-7 MAC
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