MIAMI FOOTBALL

MU offensive improvement not enough in loss to Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NJ -- Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin had predicted a much different style of game when his RedHawks faced Rutgers this week after a largely defensive struggle in a 17-0 loss at Wisconsin last week.  
His prediction proved accurate as Rutgers recorded 31 first downs in a 45-17 win over Miami. The RedHawks offense got untracked for 17 points and just missed out on moe.
Senior QB Athan Kaliakmanis, who . . .

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. . . had looked good a week earlier against Ohio, had another big game against MU. He completed 26-of-36 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns. Ian Strong was the top target, catching nine balls for 116 yards and two scores. KJ Duff added six receptions totaling 71 yards with a score. 
The Scarlet Knights eventually worked in a ground game that netted Rutgers another 162 yards.
Miami quarterback Dequan Finn bounced back from a tough Week 1 with 336 yards of total offense. He completed 14-of-22  passes, good for 251 yards with one costly interception and run for 85 of MU's 117 yards rushing. 
The interception came with Miami down 10-7 and driving in the second quarter. The pick was returned 68 yards to set up a Rutgers TD at the other end. 
Both teams scored a TD in the third period and Rutgers put the game away with 14 fourth quarter points. 
In addition to committing the game's only turnover, the RedHawks were flagged 10 times for 94 yards. A couple of those penalties wiped out significant gains. 
Senior LB Jackson Kuwatch (11 tackles, 1 sack) and DB Eli Blakey (10 tackles, 1 TFL) led the Miami defense. 
The RedHawks have a bye next week and will host UNLV Sept. 20