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RedHawks defense paves way to first MAC win By MIKE SMITH
KENT, OH -- Miami RedHawks Head Coach Chuck Martin had been complimentary about Kent State's defense leading into this week's matchup. Indeed, the Flashes were particularly tough early, but the RedHawks defense shined even brighter, holding KSU to a total of 206 yards in a 23-3 Miami (4-1, 1-0 MAC) win at Dix Stadium. It was the fourth straight victory and first MAC win for MU. Kent State fell to its second straight defeat. Miami, playing without standout receiver Gage Larvadain (injury), struggled against a tight Flashes defense early. RedHawks QB Brett Gabbert completed just one of his first nine throws. Kent State quarterback Michael Alaimo, meanwhile, completed three passes in an opening drive that covered 59 yards and took KSU to the Miami nine-yard line. However, Silas Walters sacked Alaimo on third-and-four, forcing a field goal. Andrew Glass' 27 kick turned out to be the Flashes only points on the day. Eventually, MU registered seven sacks and 11 TFL. Kent State notched four sacks and five TFL -- most in the second half. Miami's first score was aided by KSU, which tried a fake punt from its own 24. The two-yard gain came up four yards short and MU took over. Unable to advance, the RedHawks . . . Lewis gone, but Kent State still figures as tough opponent Flashes are first up in eight weeks of 'fair fights'  By MKE SMITH
The Miami RedHawks made nearly as much as could be made from their 2023 non-conference schedule, finishing the first month with a 3-1 mark that included a huge victory over rival Cincinnati. As demanding as all that was, the RedHawks are now ready to embark on a season of what Head Coach Chuck Martin anticipates will be eight tough battles. "Within reason, we have the same resources," Martin said of Mid-American Conference football programs. "It's a very level playing field ... Now it's eight straight weeks, and its a fair fight. You've got to come ready to play and ready to execute. The team that plays better football typically wins in this league." With Kent State bringing a 1-3 record into . . . RedHawks pile up rush yardage in win over Hornets  Matt Salopek has been a defensive stalwart (MVSmith/MRO) By MIKE SMITH
OXFORD, OH -- Ten RedHawks registered carries as the Miami RedHawks rolled up 466 rushing yards on the way to a 62-20 win over Delaware State Saturday at Yager Stadium. It was the first home game of the year for MU, which picked up a third non-conference win for the first time since 2003, when Ben Roethlisberger was finishing his RedHawk career. Delaware State, an FCS level team and member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, fell to 0-4 on the season. However, the Hornets . . . MU in refresh and refocus modes for home opener  By MIKE SMITH
Depending upon one's point of view, last week's Miami victory over Cincinnati might be considered the RedHawks biggest win in over a decade. In recovering a Victory Bell trophy that had been in area rival Cincinnati's possession for 16 years, the RedHawks set off a huge celebration on the streets and watering holes of uptown Oxford. As joyous as that occasion was, a part of this week's preparation for Delaware State is for the RedHawks to put the Cincinnati win behind them. It doesn't matter who we're playing next," Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin observed Monday. "Getting back to . . . playing your best football (the) next week is hard. You have . . . Scoreboard more important than stat sheet Victory Bell takes the High Street home  By MIKE SMITH
Some coaches are celebrators; some are not. Although often animated, Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin is part of the latter. Hence, he appeared to be one of the calmer Miami football program members following the RedHawks upset win over Cincinnati Saturday at Nippert Stadium. Speaking to the media Monday morning, he assured everybody that he appreciated the moment. "It's probably one of the most amazing game's I've ever been associated with," Martin said. "I'm (just) not a celebrator." The veteran coach . . . Big plays lift Miami over Bearcats All three phases contribute as RedHawks reclaim bell  Yahsyn Mckee made several key plays down the stretch. (MU Athletics) By MIKE SMITH
CINCINNATI, OH - Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin noted that even Miami alums who don't follow the football team all that closely still want to know when it will happen. When will Miami get the Victory Bell back? Thanks to his RedHawks' 31-24 overtime victory over Cincinnati Saturday at Nippert Stadium, Martin now has a perfect reply: "The Victory Bell IS back ... (and) it sounds good." Cincinnati took a 16-game series winning streak into Saturday's contest, and the new Big 12 member was again a solid favorite on its home field. Final stats show the Bearcats outgained MU by 180 yards and nearly doubled the RedHawks in first downs (30-16). "Obviously, they outgained us," Martin said. "We didn't have a lot of style (points) ... but defensively we found ways to . . . Fickell gone, but 'Cats remain big challenge for MU Possession time, turnovers among key stats  By MIKE SMITH
For those who thought the Cincinnati Bearcats might lose some momentum after Head Coach Luke Fickell left for Wisconsin, the early returns say, "Not so far!!!" The 'Cats are 2-0 thus far under new Head Coach Scott Satterfield, and it looks like UC will be well-prepared to defend possession of the Victory Bell when it meets Miami Saturday night at Nippert Stadium. The RedHawks are now 1-1 after knocking off UMass 41-28 in a weather-delayed marathon last Saturday. It was the . . . RedHawks overcame weather challenges at UMass  By MIKE SMITH
Years from now, 2023 RedHawk players may still be talking about last Saturday's 41-28 Miami win over UMass. Even if they don't remember the score, they'll have a story or two about the circumstances. The game was supposed to start at 3:30 p.m. but was held up by lightning in the area. Oh, it looked fine at the stadium where the two teams had finished warmups. As MU Head Coach Chuck Martin pointed out, that just made it harder to give his players the news of a delay. Radar had indicated lightning within the eight-mile radius of Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium, and by rule that required a stoppage, but the players' eyes . . . Elusive Larvadain leads MU past UMass  (MVSmith file) By MIKE SMITH
AMHERST, MA -- Junior Gage Larvadain caught eight passes for 273 yards, including a school record 99-yard aerial, as Miami defeated UMass 41-28 Saturday at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The game was scheduled to start at 3:32 p.m., but due to severe weather delays, finished after midnight. When play finally began, Miami scored . . . Better - not harder - test awaits RedHawks Run game, passing improvements among Miami goals
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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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