MIAMI NOTES

Martin 'really proud' of group that 'hung in there'

RedHawks reached one goal; fell just short on second

Miami football Head Coach Chuck Martin spoke to the media Monday, reviewing the MAC Championship game. and discussing MU's upcoming participation in the Arizona Bowl. Today's Notebook column includes some of his comments/observations on those and other topics.

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• COMMISSIONER ON THE MARK
Martin noted that when he was talking with Jon Steinbrecher Friday, the MAC commissioner predicted a tight game with an outcome depending on which team could generate a couple of big plays.
It was indeed prophetic as two big plays produced two Bronco touchdowns and led to a 23-13 Western Michigan win. Jalen Buckley ripped off runs of 67 and 64 yards in the first and third quarters. Outside of that, two good defenses dominated play. 
Referencing hockey, Martin said, "We knew we were going to have to win ... a tight-checking, low scoring game." 
"They had the two big runs, and that was the difference in the game. ... We couldn't generate big plays against their defense."

• GOTKOWSKI MISSES SECOND HALF
Redshirt freshman quarterback Thomas Gotkowski started the title game but missed the second half. Henry Hesson finished, compiling similar statistics, although he did throw one TD pass and one lost fumble.
Martin clarified the substitution, noting Gotkowski took several big hits while under intense pressure during the first two quarters. "We didn't just take him out. He was banged up and couldn't continue," said Martin, who thinks Gotkowski can be ready to play in Miami's bowl game (Dec. 27). 

• RUN GAME 
The Broncos rushed for 286 yards overall, with Buckley contributing 193. Miami, meanwhile, averaged 2.4 ypc while netting 73 yards on the ground.
"They did a really good job against our run game. We ran the ball much better the first time we played them, and we didn't generate the chunk plays in the air, either," Martin said.

•  TEAM GOALS IN DIFFICULT YEAR
"It's always our goal -- (to get to the championship game), and we achieved that goal," Martin said. "Winning a championship is our second goal. ... We didn't. ...I thought they fought their tails off in the game. Western was better than us that day and deserved to win."

Looking at the season as a whole, Martin observed, "I'm really proud of the group. They probably took it as far as they could just to get there (considering) all our injuries and everything we've been through. ... We had a good season. It could have been different in a lot of ways, but our kids hung in there." 

•  SNOOP DOG ARIZONA BOWL
As gruelling as MU's 2025 season was at times, Martin said he and his team are looking forward to not only a bowl game, but a return trip to the Snoop Dog Arizona Bowl. Miami defeated Colorado State 43-17 in the same event last year and will face Fresno State (8-4) Dec. 27 in Tuscon.

"We don't take anything for granted. Playing in a bowl game is an amazing experience. ... and its another opportunity to play football," said Martin, who was impressed by just about everything at last year's Arizona bowl. 
(We) "couldn't be more excited to be going back to Arizona. ... They made us so welcome," Martin said. "We were treated as good there as we've ever been treated, and the accomodations and Snoop being involved was a thrill for everyone." 

•  OPPORTUNITES 
For some seniors, the bowl game is one last chance to wear a Miami uniform and take the field with MU teammates. For others, it may be a chance to impress and/or kick start their 2026 season. "This is a great time of year for a lot of new guys to get opportunities," Martin noted.  

•   PORTAL
The portal officially opens Jan. 2. However, players may already be talking with agents looking at deals or otherwise preparing to enter the portal. Martin indicated he would be talking to many current players this week, discussing their future options. 
"Everybody is dealing with it (during) bowl season," Martin said. "We have a chance to keep a lot of good players (who got their) .... first taste of starting in college football. ... If they stick with it and stay in the same system, they've got a chance to make a giant jump. So, we're hoping a lot of them stay with us."

•   ELSEWHERE 
There are coaching changes across the country , including two so far in the MAC. 
Toledo's Jason Candle, fresh off MAC Coach of the Year honors, was hired as the new head coach at UConn. He replaces Jim Mora, who moved to Colorado State. Candle is reported to have a six-year deal with the Huskies. 
Toledo, meanwhile, just announced it is hiring Mike Jacobs as its new football head coach. 
A 24-year collegiate coaching veteran with a proven track record of success, Jacobs brings championship pedigree and a reputation for building elite programs at Mercer, Lenoir-Rhyne and Notre Dame College (Ohio). His career head coaching record of 94-23 (.803) ranks him fourth in winning percentage among the top active coaches in NCAA Divisions I and II.
Over at Ohio University, Brian Smith was placed on leave and John Hauser named as interim coach. No reason was immediately available for Smith's move. 
Hauser was an associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bobcats in 2024