RedHawks thrive on 'complimentary' performance Offense, defense click in win over EMU ![]() By MIKE SMITH YPSILANTI, MI -- With their backs against the wall, the Miami RedHawks (2-4, 1-1 MAC) executed their best all-around performance of the 2024 season Saturday when they defeated Eastern Michigan (4-2, 1-1 MAC) 38-14 at Rynearson Stadium. It was a bounce back win for MU, which fell at Toledo last week and desperately needed a victory -- both to avoid falling to 0-2 in conference play and also to avoid a 1-5 record at the schedule mid-way point. Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, was looking for its fourth straight win and a 5-1 mark that would have been its best start since 1989. While not perfect, MU came up with big plays . . . . . . on both sides of the ball, and it started early. Miami opted to take the ball first, and quarterback Brett Gabbert hit Reggie Virgil deep over the middle for a 75-yard touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage. Eastern Michigan answered, mixing pass and run for 12 plays and 75 yards. Quarterback Cole Snyder finished EMU's first possession with a 1-yard TD dive. It remained 7-7 until 10:02 of the second stanza when Gabbert found Connor Briggs on the right side. It was Briggs' first catch as a RedHawk, and he lifted MU back in front 14-7. After trading punts, a penalty put EMU behind the chains at 2nd-and-20. Snyder tried to go down the middle, but linebacker Matt Salopek stepped into the lane and picked off the Eagles pass. Starting at the EMU 34, Miami scored four plays later. However, Reggie Virgil took a big hit while scoring on the 19-yard pass play. He would not return. Thirty-five seconds remained before intermission, and Eastern Michigan managed to reach the Miami 19 with just two ticks left. That brought on one of the MAC's top kickers. Jesus Gomez has a 57-yard field goal to his credit this year, but he pulled the 37-yard attempt right and Miami took a 21-7 lead to the locker room. Eastern Michigan received the second half kickoff and put together another long drive. Facing fourth-and-two at the Miami five, the Eagles passed on a field goal attempt. However, a run up the middle by Delbert Simms III was stuffed, and MU took over. Simms, a 5-11, 220-pound senior, had run for 145 yards and two TDs against Kent State two weeks earlier. Miami held him to 78 yards on 20 trips. When the RedHawks couldn't pick up a first down, they were forced to punt. Eastern Michigan then came back again, this time finishing a 10-play drive with a Mimms touchdown that closed the gap to 21-14. Miami responded quickly. Aided by a late hit penalty. the RedHawks covered 80 yards in five plays. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Gabbert hit freshman Cole Weaver near the right pylon for the final 24 yards. That left MU in front 28-14. Miami's defense kicked it into another gear after that. Eastern Michigan went three-and-out on two successive possessions. Dom Dzioban then booted a 44-yard field goal for MU. There was just 5:01 left when EMU went on a 12-play drive. It reached the RedHawks' 33 before Ty Wise and Brian Ugwu sacked Snyder of 4th-and-13. Three plays later, Jordan Brunson burst through the Eagles defense for a 44-yard TD that closed scoring on the day. NOTES:
>>> Miami ran for 199 yards on the day, averaging 6.4 ypc. Keyon Mozee led the way with 16 carries totaling 100 yards. Aided by his final TD sprint, Brunson finished with six carries for 65 yards. >>> Eastern Michigan came into the game leading the MAC (11th nationally) in sacks. It recorded zero sacks on Gabbert, who ran five times for 29 yards. >>> Turnovers have been a problem for Miami. However, the RedHawks' only turnover at EMU was a fumble by Cade McDonald while trying to slip away from some tackles on a punt return. >>> In addition to his interception, Salopek also forced an Eagles fumble. Silas Walters recovered. >>> Eli Blakey (18, 8 solo) and Corban Hondru (16, 5 solo) led MU defenders with a combined 34 hits. >>> Snyder completed 27-of-42 pass attempts on the day, good for 211 yards with one pick. >>> Max Reese topped Eastern Michigan receivers with seven catches for a total of 50 yards. >>> Miami was 3-of-9 on third down. EMU went 8-of-16 (1-of-4 on fourth down). Comments are closed.
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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. Archives
February 2025
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