MIAMI FOOTBALL

Miami aims to keep its 'W's rolling

Kent State at Miami - 7 p.m. ESPNU
​Yager Stadium - Oxford, OH
The RedHawks appear to have "righted the ship." As for Kent State -- not yet!
The Flashes have yet to win in 2024 and were shutout by Ohio last week 41-0. Miami, meanwhile, posted its fourth straight victory with a 27-21 win at Ball State last week. Now at 5-4, MU can secure bowl eligibility by defeating Kent State. However, the RedHawks savor a  . . .

---

. . . return to Detroit and another MAC Championship opportunity. Any loss could dash the dream.. 

KENT STATE (0-8, 0-5)
>> The Falcons offense has blown hot and cold in MAC play.
KSU scored 30 against Eastern Michigan, 35 against Ball State, 6 against Bowling Green, 21 against Western Michigan and 0 last week against Ohio. 
>> The Bobcats were up 20-0 at intermission last week and put the game away with 14 third quarter points.
>> Kent State was out-gained 407-114. The 'Cats also had a 23-7 advantage in first downs. 
>> Both of Ohio's third quarter TDs came on special teams -- a 96-yard kickoff return and a 61-yard punt return. 
>> Kent State's quarterback unit has been hit hard by injuries. With freshman Ruel Tomlinson filling in at quarterback against Ohio, KSU completed 8-of-13 passes totaling 62 yards (1 INT).
>> Chrishon McCray and Luke Fionea combined for six catches, 44 yards. 
>> Ky Thomas contributed 50 of KSU's 52 rushing yards while logging 15 carries. 
>> Josh Baka led the Flashes defense with 18 tackles (12 solo). Tevin Tucker also reached double figures with 10 tackles (8 solo). 
>> Kent State ranks last among MAC teams in both scoring (15.1 ppg) and scoring defense (46.0 ppg). 

MIAMI (5-4, 4-1MAC)
>> The RedHawks are coming off a 27-21 win at Ball State. 
>> Miami quarterback Brett Gabbert tossed three touchdown passes (34, 12, 10 yards) as the RedHawks built up a 21-13 halftime lead. However, MU would not score another TD. 
Ball State tied the game (21-all) on a 55-yard pass play midway through the third quarter. Dom Dzioban scored the game's final points with two fourth quarter field goals (52 yards, 24 yards). 
>> Gabbert completed 16-of-32 pass attempts, good for 219 yards and the three first half touchdowns. After a rough start in non-conference play, he is now fourth among MAC quarterbacks in passing efficiency (136.8). 
>> Reggie Virgil and Javon Tracy combined for 11 catches, 186 yards and two TDs against BSU.
>> Keyon Mozee led Miami rushing (114 yards) with 105 yards on 22 carries. He has reached the century mark in four straight games and is currently fourth among MAC rushers in yards per carry (6.2) and yards per game (72.2). 
>> Alec Bevelhimer averaged 45.5 yards per boot on four punts. A fifth punt went awry when he dropped the ball, recovered it and attempted to pass. That throw was deflected and then intercepted for a pick-six return that gave Ball State an early lead. 
>> Corban Hondru and Raion Strader recorded interceptions.
>> Corry Suttle (2) and Matt Salopek (1) recorded sacks