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After extra week to tweak, MU hosts 'Cats For whom will the Bell toll?  By MIKE SMITH
Through a series of events, its been seven years since Miami hosted Cincinnati in Oxford. After trailing 17-6 with less than three minutes remaining in that contest, the Bearcats pulled out a 21-17 victory. Last year, MU returned the blow with a dramatic road win. The RedHawks tied the game at 24-all on a Graham Nicholson field goal with 5:10 remaining. Yashn McKee then forced overtime by blocking a late Bearcat field goal. Brett Gabbert . . . 'Inconsistencies' costly against tough NU defense  By MIKE SMITH - NOTEBOOK
"We had a chance to beat a Big 10 team, and we didn't take advantage of it." That comment was one of many during Miami head coach Chuck Martin's Weekly press conference Monday at Yager Stadium. "It was a very physical defensive battle on both sides," he continued. "It was a game that somebody was going to make one more play, and you've got to find a way to make it." Both teams forced two turnovers, but it was the final one -- an interception by Northwestern's Robert Fitzgerald, -- that proved decisive. It ended Miami's final drive toward a potential game-tying TD. "What cost us the game was . . . Miami offense sputters in loss to Northwestern Wildcat defense holds MU to pair of field goals  By MIKE SMITH
EVANSTON, IL -- Northwestern's defense limited Miami to a net 40 yards rushing and picked off two fourth quarter passes to preserve a 13-6 win over the RedHawks Saturday at Martin Field. It was a defensive battle for most of the day with . . . Click Read More to continue . . . Gabbert healthy and ready for season opener  By MIKE SMITH
As I was walking around Ford Field snapping photos in the immediate aftermath of Miami's title-winning victory over Toledo last December, I turned to see MU quarterback Brett Gabbert on a pair of crutches. He appeared a mixture of emotions, and who could blame him? His Miami RedHawks had just won a championship and avenged an earlier loss to Toledo. The latter was a loss on the scoreboard and a loss on the roster. Gabbert, who sustained a severe leg injury, was lost for the season -- perhaps longer! Yes, perhaps longer. Things seemed to go well during the ensuing operation, but what follows his type of injury is a long, difficult and ... uncertain journey. While addressing the press . . . RedHawks face Northwestern at Lakefront venue Miami at Northwestern - 3:30 p.m. BIG10 Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL  By MIKE SMITH
Miami and Northwestern have met 10 times, with MU holding a 7-3 edge in the series. Miami prevailed 17-14 in the last meeting (9-24-22) thanks to a late 10-point rally. The two teams were tied 7-7 at intermission, but Northwestern took a brief lead with a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Keyon Mozee's 66-yard run on the ensuring possession set up Aveon Smith's one-yard TD at 7:23. After forcing a Wildcat punt, Miami put together a 13-play drive that reached NU's 19. Graham Nicholson, who had previously missed two tries (1 blocked), made good on a 36-yard third opportunity with 21 seconds left for the win. Miami played without . . . Does Nicholson transfer hint at systemic issues?  Miami's fall camp transitions into Week One game prep next week. That will put the focus on Miami's upcoming matchup at Northwestern. On Friday, however, another school name popped up during a Chuck Martin interview -- Alabama!
Martin's comments on the Tide came during an athletic department video interview after a question related to the transfer portal "loss " of 2023 Lou Groza Award winner Graham Nicholson during the offseason. After converting 27 of 28 field . . . Health and schedule top Miami 2024 challenges  Senior Kenny Tracy could be an important cog in Miami's run game. (MVsmith/MRO) MIAMI REDHAWKS
2023 RECORD: 11-3 (7-1 MAC) 2024 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: FIRST By MIKE SMITH Miami turned the old "darkest before dawn" quote into reality last year. After quarterback Brett Gabbert went down with a season-ending leg injury against Toledo in Week Eight, MU bounced back to beat Ohio the following week and then ran off four more straight victories to capture a MAC championship. The title game was a 23-14 victory over UT, which had edged MU 21-17 in the regular season matchup. While the RedHawks have lost some key contributors to their championship run, they also return a very talented cast. Gabbert, who threw for . . . McDonald sees MU receiver room primed for production  Cade McDonald (15) gets congratulations from teammates after a touchdown reception Saturday at Yager Stadium. By MIKE SMITH
Senior wideout Cade McDonald agreed with Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin's assessment of last Saturday's public practice. There is work to be done in the next couple weeks. At the same time, both agree the potential is there for a big year by Miami's offense. In particular, Brett Gabbert's return at quarterback should mean a revitalization of Miami's passing game. McDonald is also confident that MU's receiver room . . . More work needed before opener  Brett Gabbert has been in fine form during fall camp. (MVSmith/MRO) By MIKE SMITH
For those Miami football fans attending Saturday's "Kickoff with the Community" event at Yager Stadium, it was a chance to get a look at the 2024 squad that will soon embark on a very challenging schedule. Head Coach Chuck Martin, meanwhile, has been able to watch his squad almost daily during fall camp. At least from what he viewed Saturday, Martin didn't like what he saw. "Today we were terrible. We were not physical enough on either side of the ball. We did not play fast enough on either side of the ball. We did not have a good situational awareness," Martin said. "We've got two weeks to try to improve a lot." For Martin, the annual . . . Preseason peek opportunity at Saturday fan event  RedHawk football fans get a chance to see the 2024 squad practice Saturday when Miami hosts the Kickoff with the Community.
It's a fall preview of sorts -- free and open to the public. Gates open at 10 a.m., with practice starting around 10:30 a.m. Due to maintenance activity in the west stands, all fans are asked to sit in the east stands (used by MU's band and students during actual games). Saturday's attendees are therefore encouraged to park in the adjacent Yager Grass or Hannon Park lots near the east stands. A food truck will also be parked in this area. Swoop's Fan Fest will be open as well for our younger fans during the event, beginning at 10 a.m. and fans will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets, parking passes and make donations at the One Stop Shop once gates open. Renewing season ticket holders can pick up their Sean McVay statues at the One Stop Shop. >>>> As previously reported, the historical Miami vs Cincinnati football series is scheduled for just two more meetings. The all-time record is tied 60-60-7 and . . . |
Editor-Publisher Mike SmithMike grew up in Mid-American Conference football and basketball territory and returned there after military service. He has been covering MAC football and men's basketball for much of the last several decades. 
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