Miami (OH)
Overall Rank: #80
#3 Mid-American Conference
2010 Record: 10-4 (7-1)
2010 Bowl: GoDaddy.com Bowl (W, 35-21 vs. Middle Tennessee)
Coach: Don Treadwell (First Year)
Offensive Coordinator: John Klacik
Defensive Coordinator: Pete Rekstis
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Tracy Woods, RB, 397 Yards
Passing: Zac Dysert, QB, 2406, Yards
Receiving: Nick Harwell, WR, 897 Yards
Tackles: Jerrell Wedge, LB, 101
Sacks: Jason Semmes, DE, 5
Interceptions: Dayonne Nunley, DB, 6
Other Key Returnees: QB Austin Boucher, LB Evan Harris, S Pat Hinkel
Key Losses: RB Thomas Merriweather, WR Armand Robinson
Miami Ohio has a new face pacing the sidelines this year. The newly hired Head Coach Mr. Don Treadwell could not have been hired with greater expectations. Miami Ohio had a great campaign last year, posting an impressive 10-4 overall record. Furthermore they boasted a 7-1 record in the conference play. The key to their season could be an early decision that Coach Treadwell needs to make. Last year starting quarterback Zac Dysert went down with an injury and Austin Boucher stepped in and played fantastic. He led the Red Hawks to a bowl win to end their season. This leaves a wide open quarterback battle that pits two talented quarterbacks who are proven winners and had great success last season.
Strengths:
Miami Ohio has an outstanding passing attack. Who leads this passing attack is another question. That job is up in the air with a battle between Zac Dysert and Austin Boucher. The decision may be tough, but regardless of who comes on top, Miami’s aerial assault will be in good hands. Nick Harwell looks like a young stud and will continue to improve. Defensively the Red Hawks boast an impressive unit. They ranked 25th in rushing defense last year as well as finishing 44th in scoring defense. In total defense they ranked a suburb 28th in the nation. The defense will certainly continue to improve and be a real strength to this team.
Weaknesses:
The Red Hawks offense was great through the air last year but struggled running the football. The unit ranked 113th in the nation pounding the rock, which needs to vastly improve if they want to contend in the MAC again. Losing last year’s leading rusher Thomas Merriweather will not help their issue either. Aside from troubles running the football, the offense had issues protecting the quarterback, allowing 2.5 sacks per game. Cutting down on the number of sacks allowed is something the Red Hawks need to focus on throughout fall camp and the season. They are returning more offensive lineman this year, so hopefully the experience will help them improve in both protecting the quarterback and running the football.
Bottom Line:
Miami Ohio is looking to have another extremely successful season. Their quarterback battle was not resolved during spring ball, so it will carry over into fall camp. The decision on who wins this battle will shape Miami’s season. However, whoever wins the battle, the Red Hawks aerial attack will be stellar. That, combined with a great defense, makes a dangerous combination that could ultimately lead to a fight for the MAC title. They still have some bugs to work out on the offense, like becoming more balanced by having a successful running attack and protecting their quarterback.
Projected Bowl: Humanitarian Bowl
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 98.29 (113th in Nation, 12th in conference)
Passing Offense: 253.71 (32, 3)
Total Offense: 352.00 (81, 5)
Scoring Offense: 21.57 (98,8)
Rushing Defense: 127.57 (25, 4)
Pass Defense: 210.64 (49, 6)
Total Defense: 338.21 (28, 4)
Scoring Defense: 23.21 (44,4)
Turnover Margin: .79 (T17,2)
Sacks: 2.50 (24,2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.50 (T91, 9)
Check out another article about Miami Ohio football.
