MIAMI FOOTBALL

Strong second half helps MU hold off Zips

Defense, special teams again play key roles

By MIKE SMITH
AKRON, OH -- Dequan Finn contributed 268 yards of offense and Miami (3-3, 2-0 MAC) dodged some early trouble as the RedHawks defeated Akron 20-7 Saturday at Infocision Stadium.
It was the second straight road win for MU, which again played without RB Kenny Tracy (and backup Josh Ringer). However, senior Jordan Brunson once again became the workhorse, logging 19 trips totaling 72 yards. 
Finn, as usual, was a . . . 

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. . . significant running threat and picked up 65 yards on 13 carries. As a passer, he completed 14 of 25 attempts with one TD and one interception. 

The TD was a 60-yard third quarter bomb to Kam Perry, who should remain among the nation's leaders in yards per catch. He totaled 77 yards on two receptions against UA. Keith Reynolds, meanwhile, caught a career-high seven balls for a total of 48 yards. It's the third time in his Miami career recording at least five catches in a game.

Akron was coming off a 28-22 win over Central Michigan a week earlier. Running back Jordan Gant had 176 yards in that contest. However, Miami held the junior to 35 yards on 14 rushes. As a team, the Zips totaled 62 yards on the ground. 

Quarterback Ben Finley, meanwhile, had his share of success early and late -- finishing with 21 completions on 39 attempts (211 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT). 

The one interception proved costly as it ended a game-opening 13-play, 64-yard drive during which the senior completed six of seven passes. With third and goal at the Miami 11, Finley threw over the middle. Safety Eli Blakey tipped the ball, which was reeled in by Adam Trick. 

A second Zips threat came early in the second period. Akron's 14-play, 67-yard drive stalled at the 20. Owen Wiley then attempted a 38-yard field goal, but it went wide left. 
There was still 1:33 left in the quarter when Miami had a similar opportunity. Facing fourth and six at the Zips 18, MU brought on Dom Dzioban, who broke the scoreless tie with a 41-yard field goal. 

Miami expanded its lead with two touchdowns in the third quarter. Finn's    20-yard pass to tight end Brian Shane set up a 1-yard TD run by D'Shawntae Jones to finish MU's opening drive at 10:32. 

After an Akron punt, MU covered 64 yards in two plays. The second was a 60-yard TD pass to Perry.

Miami's final score came on a 46-yard Dzioban field goal at 11:35. 
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Down 20-0, Akron responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Finley completed six passes along the way, with the final going five yards to Israel Polk for a touchdown. 
An onside kick try went out of bounds, and MU ran out the remaining 4:04 with 11 straight runs. 

NOTES:
• Miami owned a 350-273 edge in total offense. 
• Akron was penalized 10 times for a total of 80 yards. MU drew four flags for 30 yards. 
• The RedHawks averaged 3.6 ypc. Akron picked up 2.5 yards per rush. 
• Akron went 6 of 14 on third down. MU was 4 of 12. 
• Miami has now beaten Akron in eight-straight contests.
• Keith Reynolds posted a career-high seven catches versus Akron. It's the third time in his Miami career recording at least five catches in a game.
• After two weeks on the road, MU hosts Eastern Michigan nex Saturday (Oct. 18) at noon.
• Adam Trick, James Schott and Bai Jobe were credited with 1.0 sacks each.