MAC Tuesday 11/12
- Thread starter hellah10
- Start date
Monkeynuts - you obviously know a bit about me mentioning my "luck" with being on crutches. What you fail to realize is my reason for betting the 'Herd... If they win I cash a winning ticket, if they lose MU is one game from the MAC Championship and a probable bowl game. Either way I win!
Hellah - FYI, if you are looking to get some sympathy love and nice attention from the opposite sex, wrestle one of your friends, or fraternity brothers if that applies to you, have them apply a compound fracture to your fifth metatarsal, have it casted for 8 months because an incomptent doctor gives you bad advice, then have surgery on it where they do a bone graft removing bone from your heel and place it with a screw, two pins and some wire and I guarantee the girls will come flocking. If people ask at the bar just tell them that you did it skydiving in Mexico. While you were in the 15 seconds of freefall you hit a bird and only realized that you broke your foot when you hit the ground!
Best of luck with your picks...
Hellah - FYI, if you are looking to get some sympathy love and nice attention from the opposite sex, wrestle one of your friends, or fraternity brothers if that applies to you, have them apply a compound fracture to your fifth metatarsal, have it casted for 8 months because an incomptent doctor gives you bad advice, then have surgery on it where they do a bone graft removing bone from your heel and place it with a screw, two pins and some wire and I guarantee the girls will come flocking. If people ask at the bar just tell them that you did it skydiving in Mexico. While you were in the 15 seconds of freefall you hit a bird and only realized that you broke your foot when you hit the ground!
Best of luck with your picks...
bigdad2 said:Hellah - FYI, if you are looking to get some sympathy love and nice attention from the opposite sex, wrestle one of your friends, or fraternity brothers if that applies to you, have them apply a compound fracture to your fifth metatarsal, have it casted for 8 months because an incomptent doctor gives you bad advice, then have surgery on it where they do a bone graft removing bone from your heel and place it with a screw, two pins and some wire and I guarantee the girls will come flocking. If people ask at the bar just tell them that you did it skydiving in Mexico. While you were in the 15 seconds of freefall you hit a bird and only realized that you broke your foot when you hit the ground!
Best of luck with your picks...
:lol:
How`s this for Sportscenter....
"Leftwich who was not suppose to play comes back and tries to get his teammates back in the game"
"Thats my family out there, they needed me and we had to win this game because the MAC Champ is on the line" Said Leftwich.....when asked if coming out to play had to do anything with the Hiesman "No...I dont even care about that...all I care about is my team and winning..."
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it`ll be something along those lines
"Leftwich who was not suppose to play comes back and tries to get his teammates back in the game"
"Thats my family out there, they needed me and we had to win this game because the MAC Champ is on the line" Said Leftwich.....when asked if coming out to play had to do anything with the Hiesman "No...I dont even care about that...all I care about is my team and winning..."
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it`ll be something along those lines
HELLAH...KNOW YOUR BUSY...BUT WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE BACKUP FOR MARSHALL???....I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT HIM MYSELF...IS HIS SKILL LESS?? OR IS HE SOMEONE THAT MAY BE ABLE TO STEP UP TONIGHT???...OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN???...THANKS IN ADVANCE IF YOU HAVE TIME TO RESPOND..GOOD LUCK...COOZ
Stan Hill is a good size QB 6-3 220 lbs. He lacks the experience and leadership that Leftwich has. Stan will soon learn as time as goes on but I dont think Stan is much of a leader from what I was told.
I can tell ya that he lacks the ability to read a defense like Leftwich does. Seems like Leftwich audibles every play. And he doesnt have...in fact nobody in the nation has the cannon that Leftwich has. Leftwich throws into double coverage alot and its pint point accurate...I can tell ya that Stan Hill DOES NOT have that kind of accuracy.
Stan can scramble though...he`s more mobile then Leftwich, which could help since Miami will be droppin alot in covarage
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Stan also got into legal trouble a few weeks back...
Marshall?s Hill facing charges
Herd backup quarterback charged with several traffic misdeameanors
By LEE ARNOLD - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- A Marshall University football player is facing several misdemeanor charges related to an incident early Sunday morning.
Stanley Keith Hill, the second-string quarterback for the Thundering Herd, was charged Monday with second-offense driving on a suspended license, resisting arrest, reckless driving, failure to drive right of center and failure to obey a red light, according to court records. All charges are misdemeanors.
Hill, 21, of 831 11th Avenue, was released on $11,000 bond, according to Cabell County Magistrate Court records.
The arrest will not immediately affect Hill?s availability for Saturday?s football game, said Marshall University football coach Bobby Pruett.
"It?s a traffic violation," Pruett said. "Like anything else, we?ll let the court process work out. From what I understand, it wasn?t anything other than he ran a red light or something like that. We?ll see how it plays out."
At 2 a.m. Sunday, a man believed to be Hill escaped from police after being pulled over by the Marshall University Police Department for driving recklessly, according to an MUPD report.
Police observed a vehicle squealing its tires while making a turn at the corner of 5th Avenue and 20th Street, the report said. A man could also be heard yelling at police from the driver?s side window, according to the report.
The driver of the vehicle then ignored a red light and drove recklessly into a parking lot, nearly striking several people, the report said.
The driver then got out of the vehicle, told police he was not driving and ran, the report said.
Police were unable to catch the man, but later identified him as Hill, according to the report.
The two passengers remaining in the vehicle said they were returning home from a downtown Huntington bar, the report said. Both passengers smelled like alcohol and had glassy eyes, according the report.
A check of Hill?s background revealed that his license was suspended by the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles for failing to appear in court, the report said.
The background check also revealed that Hill had been arrested for driving on a suspended license on Feb. 6, in West Virginia, the report said.
Pruett said at least one of the charges is inaccurate. He said Hill?s license is not currently suspended.
Hill will be in uniform this Saturday when Marshall visits Akron. This season, Hill has played in three games, completing nine of 13 passes for 103 yards.
I can tell ya that he lacks the ability to read a defense like Leftwich does. Seems like Leftwich audibles every play. And he doesnt have...in fact nobody in the nation has the cannon that Leftwich has. Leftwich throws into double coverage alot and its pint point accurate...I can tell ya that Stan Hill DOES NOT have that kind of accuracy.
Stan can scramble though...he`s more mobile then Leftwich, which could help since Miami will be droppin alot in covarage
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Stan also got into legal trouble a few weeks back...
Marshall?s Hill facing charges
Herd backup quarterback charged with several traffic misdeameanors
By LEE ARNOLD - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- A Marshall University football player is facing several misdemeanor charges related to an incident early Sunday morning.
Stanley Keith Hill, the second-string quarterback for the Thundering Herd, was charged Monday with second-offense driving on a suspended license, resisting arrest, reckless driving, failure to drive right of center and failure to obey a red light, according to court records. All charges are misdemeanors.
Hill, 21, of 831 11th Avenue, was released on $11,000 bond, according to Cabell County Magistrate Court records.
The arrest will not immediately affect Hill?s availability for Saturday?s football game, said Marshall University football coach Bobby Pruett.
"It?s a traffic violation," Pruett said. "Like anything else, we?ll let the court process work out. From what I understand, it wasn?t anything other than he ran a red light or something like that. We?ll see how it plays out."
At 2 a.m. Sunday, a man believed to be Hill escaped from police after being pulled over by the Marshall University Police Department for driving recklessly, according to an MUPD report.
Police observed a vehicle squealing its tires while making a turn at the corner of 5th Avenue and 20th Street, the report said. A man could also be heard yelling at police from the driver?s side window, according to the report.
The driver of the vehicle then ignored a red light and drove recklessly into a parking lot, nearly striking several people, the report said.
The driver then got out of the vehicle, told police he was not driving and ran, the report said.
Police were unable to catch the man, but later identified him as Hill, according to the report.
The two passengers remaining in the vehicle said they were returning home from a downtown Huntington bar, the report said. Both passengers smelled like alcohol and had glassy eyes, according the report.
A check of Hill?s background revealed that his license was suspended by the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles for failing to appear in court, the report said.
The background check also revealed that Hill had been arrested for driving on a suspended license on Feb. 6, in West Virginia, the report said.
Pruett said at least one of the charges is inaccurate. He said Hill?s license is not currently suspended.
Hill will be in uniform this Saturday when Marshall visits Akron. This season, Hill has played in three games, completing nine of 13 passes for 103 yards.
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Hell dont matter to me who plays...they can have Pennington and Moss back with Doug Chapman in the backfield...Miami is gonna win this game, with there defense..
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, November 12th, 8:00 p.m. (et).
FACTS & STATS: Site: Marshall Stadium/James F. Edwards Field (40,000) -- Huntington, West Virginia. Television: ESPN. Home Record: Miami-OH 2-2, Marshall 4-0. Away Record: Miami-OH 5-1, Marshall 2-2. Neutral Record: Miami- OH 0-0, Marshall 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-OH 5-1, Marshall 4-1. Series Record: Miami-Ohio leads, 29-8-1.
GAME NOTES: In a rare Tuesday night event, the Marshall Thundering Herd plays host to the RedHawks of Miami-Ohio in Mid-American Conference play from Edwards Field in Huntington, West Virginia. The Herd was thought to be a team that was going to bring accolades to the MAC once again this year and was even nationally ranked for a time, but with two losses the charm has worn off. The squad opened the year with a win over Division I-AA Appalachian State before being dropped by nationally-ranked Virginal Tech. After that Marshall ran off five straight victories before falling to the Akron Zips on November 2nd on the road, 34-20. As for the RedHawks, they are far from getting the same sort of respect that Marshall has, but Miami certainly has nothing to be ashamed of. After opening 2002 with a win over North Carolina on the road, the team suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of Iowa and LSU, both nationally ranked squads. Since then the team has won six of seven outings and has enjoyed a pair of three-game win streaks. The most recent has come with convincing victories over Buffalo, Toledo and Ohio University back on November 2nd by a final of 38-20. The RedHawks have the series with Marshall well in hand, having won 29 of the 38 previous contests, dating back to 1905. The schools played every year between 1963 and 1980 before taking a break. The series resumed in 1997 and has been played each year since. Last year in Oxford the Thundering Herd squeezed out a 27-21 victory for their fourth in a row over Miami, their longest such streak in the series. Miami currently holds a half-game lead over the Herd in the MAC East standings.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 21-of-31 passes for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns in leading the RedHawks to an 18-point victory over the Ohio Bobcats in MAC action from Yager Stadium back on November 2nd. Running back Luke Clemens added 97 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries for the RedHawks in the win as well. Miami registered 25 first downs compared to only 12 for the Bobcats. The RedHawks also produced 413 yards of total offense and converted 9-of-16 on third down. Miami is averaging close to 32 ppg this season as a result of its more than 405 yard of total offense per contest. Clemens leads the attack out of the backfield with 834 yards and a stunning 15 rushing touchdowns, which places him 21st in the nation in scoring per game. Roethlisberger has also been outstanding in taking the team to a 5-1 mark in league play, completing better than 65 percent of his passes for 2,720 yards and 18 scores, against only eight interceptions. His top target has been Michael Larkin with 36 catches for 394 yards and eight touchdowns.
Being held to just 138 yards through the air and another 151 yards rushing is not a way to win a game against the RedHawks, something the Bobcats did in their last confrontation. Ohio was also stalled by three fumbles that were recovered by Miami and controlled the ball for just 23 minutes. Teams can expect to score about 24 ppg against the RedHawks, a result of more than 400 yards of offense per game given up by Miami over the course of 10 contests. While the pass defense has obviously given up more yardage (261 ypg), the result has been just 14 touchdowns, compared to 142 ypg on the ground which has led to 16 scores. The RedHawks have shown a strength in limiting opponents to just 34 percent on third-down conversion attempts. Making a lot of that possible has been Matt Pusateri, the team's top tackler with 96 stops. Getting into the backfield has been a specialty of Matt Robillard, the second-leading tackler on the team with 66 stops. Robillard has made 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and is second on the unit with five sacks, two behind Matt Edwards, who has made more than a third of his 31 tackles this season for loss.
The Thundering Herd came out on the losing end against Akron 10 days ago, but you couldn't fault the team for the effort that it made, especially Heisman hopeful Byron Leftwich. The captivating quarterback suffered a lower leg injury in the contest, but in a scene that could have been taken right out of a movie, Leftwich limped back on the field in the third quarter and led his team to a touchdown, while being carried downfield between plays by his linemen. Leftwich finished the contest, one in which he essentially played only two quarters, 26-of-38 for 307 yards. There's no question that Leftwich is the main player for the Herd on offense, having passed for close to 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, against just seven interceptions, while completing a staggering 67 percent of his pass attempts. Because of him Marshall has one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, averaging 531 total ypg, which leads the nation. Unfortunately, it appears as though he will be listed as doubtful for this contest. While the passing game accounts for close to 400 yards of that total, the ground attack is still there to keep opponents on their feet. The unit has gained 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing, led by Brandon Carey with 451 yards and three scores.
Without Leftwich available for the entire game against the Zips, there was more than a good chance that the Herd would not be able to pull out the victory, which they didn't. Akron may have been limited to just 14 first downs in the contest, gaining a total of 288 yards in the process, but the team did thrive on seven Marshall turnovers, one of which led to a 98-yard touchdown return for the first score of the game. Conversely, the Herd defense did little to upset the Zips in their pursuits, forcing just one turnover itself and allowing Akron to put up 127 yards in kick returns. Opposing teams have found it quite easy to produce yards against the Marshall run defense, putting up more than 192 ypg on the ground, leading to 18 touchdowns. The pass defense has been much more stingy, giving up a meager 140.6 ypg and just four scores. The number of passing touchdowns allowed is tied for third fewest in the nation, while the yardage ranks the team fourth in the country. Duran Smith is one of the premier stoppers in the MAC, and the nation for that matter, making 120 tackles in just eight games. Four players for Marshall have made double- digit tackles for loss, headed by Jamus Martin who has compiled 13 TFLs. Toriano Brown and Orlando Washington are tied for the team lead with five sacks apiece.
The key to this game will be the play, or lack thereof by Leftwich. Even if he suits up, chances are he will not be himself, something the RedHawks would be smart to exploit. Expect Miami to pull out all the stops during one of its only chances to let the nation see how good it can really be.
FACTS & STATS: Site: Marshall Stadium/James F. Edwards Field (40,000) -- Huntington, West Virginia. Television: ESPN. Home Record: Miami-OH 2-2, Marshall 4-0. Away Record: Miami-OH 5-1, Marshall 2-2. Neutral Record: Miami- OH 0-0, Marshall 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-OH 5-1, Marshall 4-1. Series Record: Miami-Ohio leads, 29-8-1.
GAME NOTES: In a rare Tuesday night event, the Marshall Thundering Herd plays host to the RedHawks of Miami-Ohio in Mid-American Conference play from Edwards Field in Huntington, West Virginia. The Herd was thought to be a team that was going to bring accolades to the MAC once again this year and was even nationally ranked for a time, but with two losses the charm has worn off. The squad opened the year with a win over Division I-AA Appalachian State before being dropped by nationally-ranked Virginal Tech. After that Marshall ran off five straight victories before falling to the Akron Zips on November 2nd on the road, 34-20. As for the RedHawks, they are far from getting the same sort of respect that Marshall has, but Miami certainly has nothing to be ashamed of. After opening 2002 with a win over North Carolina on the road, the team suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of Iowa and LSU, both nationally ranked squads. Since then the team has won six of seven outings and has enjoyed a pair of three-game win streaks. The most recent has come with convincing victories over Buffalo, Toledo and Ohio University back on November 2nd by a final of 38-20. The RedHawks have the series with Marshall well in hand, having won 29 of the 38 previous contests, dating back to 1905. The schools played every year between 1963 and 1980 before taking a break. The series resumed in 1997 and has been played each year since. Last year in Oxford the Thundering Herd squeezed out a 27-21 victory for their fourth in a row over Miami, their longest such streak in the series. Miami currently holds a half-game lead over the Herd in the MAC East standings.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 21-of-31 passes for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns in leading the RedHawks to an 18-point victory over the Ohio Bobcats in MAC action from Yager Stadium back on November 2nd. Running back Luke Clemens added 97 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries for the RedHawks in the win as well. Miami registered 25 first downs compared to only 12 for the Bobcats. The RedHawks also produced 413 yards of total offense and converted 9-of-16 on third down. Miami is averaging close to 32 ppg this season as a result of its more than 405 yard of total offense per contest. Clemens leads the attack out of the backfield with 834 yards and a stunning 15 rushing touchdowns, which places him 21st in the nation in scoring per game. Roethlisberger has also been outstanding in taking the team to a 5-1 mark in league play, completing better than 65 percent of his passes for 2,720 yards and 18 scores, against only eight interceptions. His top target has been Michael Larkin with 36 catches for 394 yards and eight touchdowns.
Being held to just 138 yards through the air and another 151 yards rushing is not a way to win a game against the RedHawks, something the Bobcats did in their last confrontation. Ohio was also stalled by three fumbles that were recovered by Miami and controlled the ball for just 23 minutes. Teams can expect to score about 24 ppg against the RedHawks, a result of more than 400 yards of offense per game given up by Miami over the course of 10 contests. While the pass defense has obviously given up more yardage (261 ypg), the result has been just 14 touchdowns, compared to 142 ypg on the ground which has led to 16 scores. The RedHawks have shown a strength in limiting opponents to just 34 percent on third-down conversion attempts. Making a lot of that possible has been Matt Pusateri, the team's top tackler with 96 stops. Getting into the backfield has been a specialty of Matt Robillard, the second-leading tackler on the team with 66 stops. Robillard has made 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and is second on the unit with five sacks, two behind Matt Edwards, who has made more than a third of his 31 tackles this season for loss.
The Thundering Herd came out on the losing end against Akron 10 days ago, but you couldn't fault the team for the effort that it made, especially Heisman hopeful Byron Leftwich. The captivating quarterback suffered a lower leg injury in the contest, but in a scene that could have been taken right out of a movie, Leftwich limped back on the field in the third quarter and led his team to a touchdown, while being carried downfield between plays by his linemen. Leftwich finished the contest, one in which he essentially played only two quarters, 26-of-38 for 307 yards. There's no question that Leftwich is the main player for the Herd on offense, having passed for close to 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, against just seven interceptions, while completing a staggering 67 percent of his pass attempts. Because of him Marshall has one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, averaging 531 total ypg, which leads the nation. Unfortunately, it appears as though he will be listed as doubtful for this contest. While the passing game accounts for close to 400 yards of that total, the ground attack is still there to keep opponents on their feet. The unit has gained 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing, led by Brandon Carey with 451 yards and three scores.
Without Leftwich available for the entire game against the Zips, there was more than a good chance that the Herd would not be able to pull out the victory, which they didn't. Akron may have been limited to just 14 first downs in the contest, gaining a total of 288 yards in the process, but the team did thrive on seven Marshall turnovers, one of which led to a 98-yard touchdown return for the first score of the game. Conversely, the Herd defense did little to upset the Zips in their pursuits, forcing just one turnover itself and allowing Akron to put up 127 yards in kick returns. Opposing teams have found it quite easy to produce yards against the Marshall run defense, putting up more than 192 ypg on the ground, leading to 18 touchdowns. The pass defense has been much more stingy, giving up a meager 140.6 ypg and just four scores. The number of passing touchdowns allowed is tied for third fewest in the nation, while the yardage ranks the team fourth in the country. Duran Smith is one of the premier stoppers in the MAC, and the nation for that matter, making 120 tackles in just eight games. Four players for Marshall have made double- digit tackles for loss, headed by Jamus Martin who has compiled 13 TFLs. Toriano Brown and Orlando Washington are tied for the team lead with five sacks apiece.
The key to this game will be the play, or lack thereof by Leftwich. Even if he suits up, chances are he will not be himself, something the RedHawks would be smart to exploit. Expect Miami to pull out all the stops during one of its only chances to let the nation see how good it can really be.
On Sportscenter they just said that Leftwich is gonna pull a "Willis Reed" and play tonight....not start though
Parlay?
Parlay?
with miami defense what do you think of hooking miami and under? seems logical total is 55'
Parlay?
with miami defense what do you think of hooking miami and under? seems logical total is 55'
Football Set to Take on Marshall in Crucial Tuesday Night Contest
Miami-Marshall game to be nationally televised by ESPN
Nov. 8, 2002
THE GAME
For the fourth time in five years, Miami University and Marshall University clash in a game that could decide the Mid-American Conference East Division Champion. Miami (7-3, 5-1 MAC), which holds a half-game lead on Marshall in the MAC East standings, heads into Huntington, W.Va., on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. for a nationally-televised ESPN game. With wins over MAC East foes Marshall and UCF in their final two regular-season games, the RedHawks would claim their first MAC East title since the conference split into two divisions in 1997. The Thundering Herd has had Miami's number over the past four years, winning all four contests, including a tight 27-21 decision last season in Oxford. Marshall comes into the game following a 34-20 loss at Akron, while Miami, winner of its last three, knocked off intrastate rival Ohio University, 38-20, last week and dropped the Bobcats out of a tie with the RedHawks the MAC East standings. Miami, which has not won in Huntington since Marshall joined the MAC in 1997, is looking for its first win on the Herd's home turf since 1979.
SERIES HISTORY
The series with Marshall dates to 1905 when Miami posted a 35-0 victory in Huntington. Since then, the teams have met 37 times with Miami winning or tying all but eight games-four of which have come in the past four seasons. Marshall won the 1998 game, 31-17, in Huntington and then overpowered the RedHawks, 32-14, two years ago at Yager Stadium. Last season, Miami lost a close decision in Oxford, 27-21. The Herd's 51-31 win in 2000 in Huntington was the highest-scoring game in the series' 96-year history. The Thundering Herd's four straight wins mark its longest winning streak of the series. Prior to 1998, Miami had won five consecutive meetings, including a 45-21 decision in Oxford in 1997-the first MAC meeting for the two long-time rivals. For a complete look at the rivalry, see page 81 in the Miami media guide. The following is a chronological look at the recent series history:
MAC MATH
Four teams are still alive in their hopes to win the East title after Akron's 34-20 upset win over Marshall on Nov. 2 opened the door. Along with defending East Division title holder Marshall, Miami, UCF and Ohio are mathematically alive. Tuesday night's game vs. Marshall will play a key role in deciding the East Division. A win by Miami would knock the Herd from contention for the East title, but the Herd can clinch the division by defeating the RedHawks and winning one of their final two games versus Ball State and Ohio. Miami can control its championship destiny by defeating Marshall and UCF in its final two games. UCF can win the division with wins in its next four games and a Miami defeat of Marshall. Ohio claims the title if it wins its final three games (Akron, Marshall, UCF) and Miami loses its final two.
TELEVISION
Saturday's game will be televised live by ESPN. It will mark Miami's first game on national television. Ron Franklin (play-by-play), Mike Gottfried (color) and Adrian Karsten (sideline) will handle the broadcast duties.
MIAMI VS. MAC EAST DIVISION
Miami is 24-8 (.750) all-time vs. the MAC's East Division since the conference split into two divisions in 1997. The RedHawks are 5-1 vs. Akron, 4-1 vs. Bowling Green (now in the West Division), 4-0 vs. Buffalo, 5-1 vs. Kent State, 1-4 vs. Marshall and 5-1 vs. Ohio. Head coach Terry Hoeppner has posted a record of 16-6 for a .727 winning percentage versus the East in his three-plus year tenure.
THE "ROADHAWKS" - PART I
Heading into this weekend, Miami owns the best road record in nation the with a 5-1 mark away from Yager Stadium. Colorado State (5-2) is the only other team in the country with five road wins. The RedHawks' five road wins are just one short of tying the school record of six, which has been equaled eight times. The last time the RedHawks topped five wins on the road was during the 1998 season, when they posted a 6-1 mark away from Oxford. The five road wins are the most by any Terry Hoeppner-led squad, surpassing his 4-2 mark in 1999.
THE "ROADHAWKS" - PART II
The biggest difference between playing at home and on the road for the Red and White has been the production of the ground game. In five away games, Miami has averaged 149.3 yards rushing and scored 15 touchdowns in comparison to just 100.5 yards and six touchdowns in four home contests.
UNDER THE LIGHTS
Miami owns an all-time record of 36-24-3 in night games, including a 4-4 record under Hoeppner. This season, Miami has enjoyed wins in night games at Akron (48-31) and at Toledo (27-13). The only loss was at LSU, 33-7, in the third week of the season.
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
After scoring 85 points (21.3 points per game) in its first four games, the Miami offense has exploded for 234 points the last six weeks, averaging an eye-popping 39.0 points per game and outscoring its opponents 234-138.
During the stretch, the RedHawks have used an efficient attack , posting 2,720 yards of total offense on 454 plays from scrimmage, a 6.0 yards per play average. Sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been the epitome of efficiency in the six games, completing 69.4 percent of his passes (143-of-206) for 1,780 yards (296.7 yards per game), 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
FINISHING IT OFF
Under head coach Terry Hoeppner, Miami is 22-5 (.815) when tied or leading heading into the second half, including a 7-1 mark this season.
OFF AND RUNNING
The running game, which had sputtered through much of the first three games, gaining a meager total of 218 yards (72.7 yards per game), has been clicking on all cylinders over the past seven weeks, posting 1,080 yards (154.3 yards per game). Junior running back Luke Clemens has spearheaded the resurgence by rushing for 759 yards on 154 carries and 13 touchdowns during the stretch. Last week, the RedHawks put up 165 yards rushing, led by Clemens and his 97 yards. It was the second week in a row Clemens just missed reaching the 100-yard mark. Against Toledo, he finished with 98 yards on the ground. He leads Miami with three 100-yard games this year. For the season, the RedHawks are 6-0 when recording 150 yards rushing or more and 16-5 in three-plus years under head coach Terry Hoeppner.
THIRD DOWN AND... (PART I)
Part of the reason for Miami's offensive success during the last month has been its ability to convert on third down. In their first six games, the RedHawks were able to convert just 28-of-76 third downs (36.8 percent). Since that time, Miami has almost doubled its third down conversion total, going 37-of-67 (55.2 percent), including a season best 14-for-23 (60.1 percent) versus Northern Illinois.
THIRD DOWN AND... (Part II)
While the offense had its success on third down, so has the defense, allowing just 13 total first downs over the past four games (13-for-51, 25.5 percent).
RED ZONE ALERT: THE REDHAWKS ARE COMING
The Miami offense has found a great deal of success in the red zone over the past seven weeks, scoring on 35-of-38 (.921) trips inside the 20-yard line, including 26 touchdowns. This is in contrast to the first three weeks when the RedHawks converted just 6-of-10 (.600) chances. Last week, Ohio ended a string of 13 consecutive red zone trips in which Miami was able to light up the scoreboard.
STINGY OUT OF THE GATES
Ohio's touchdown on the opening drive of the game on Nov. 2, marked the first time in four games the Miami defense allowed its opponent a first-quarter point. The RedHawks have allowed just 14 points all season in the first quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER DEFENSIVE WOES
This season, Miami has allowed a total of 241 points. More than one-third of that total (43.6 percent) has come in the fourth quarter, where Miami has surrendered 83 points. Most of the 83 fourth-quarter points came versus Northern Illinois as the RedHawks blew a 27-7 lead and gave up 34 fourth-quarter points, losing to the Huskies, 48-41. The 34 points are more points than Miami has allowed in any other game total.
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK
After posting just three sacks through the first three weeks, the Miami defense has found a way to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, racking up 29 sacks in the past seven games. Senior defensive end Matt Edwards (West Chester, OH/Moeller) has made the biggest difference, recording a team-high 8.0 sacks. Edwards ranks fourth in the Mid-American Conference, averaging 0.80 sacks per game. Senior linebacker Matt Robillard is just two spots behind Edwards in the conference rankings, averaging 0.60 sacks per game.
Miami-Marshall game to be nationally televised by ESPN
Nov. 8, 2002
THE GAME
For the fourth time in five years, Miami University and Marshall University clash in a game that could decide the Mid-American Conference East Division Champion. Miami (7-3, 5-1 MAC), which holds a half-game lead on Marshall in the MAC East standings, heads into Huntington, W.Va., on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. for a nationally-televised ESPN game. With wins over MAC East foes Marshall and UCF in their final two regular-season games, the RedHawks would claim their first MAC East title since the conference split into two divisions in 1997. The Thundering Herd has had Miami's number over the past four years, winning all four contests, including a tight 27-21 decision last season in Oxford. Marshall comes into the game following a 34-20 loss at Akron, while Miami, winner of its last three, knocked off intrastate rival Ohio University, 38-20, last week and dropped the Bobcats out of a tie with the RedHawks the MAC East standings. Miami, which has not won in Huntington since Marshall joined the MAC in 1997, is looking for its first win on the Herd's home turf since 1979.
SERIES HISTORY
The series with Marshall dates to 1905 when Miami posted a 35-0 victory in Huntington. Since then, the teams have met 37 times with Miami winning or tying all but eight games-four of which have come in the past four seasons. Marshall won the 1998 game, 31-17, in Huntington and then overpowered the RedHawks, 32-14, two years ago at Yager Stadium. Last season, Miami lost a close decision in Oxford, 27-21. The Herd's 51-31 win in 2000 in Huntington was the highest-scoring game in the series' 96-year history. The Thundering Herd's four straight wins mark its longest winning streak of the series. Prior to 1998, Miami had won five consecutive meetings, including a 45-21 decision in Oxford in 1997-the first MAC meeting for the two long-time rivals. For a complete look at the rivalry, see page 81 in the Miami media guide. The following is a chronological look at the recent series history:
MAC MATH
Four teams are still alive in their hopes to win the East title after Akron's 34-20 upset win over Marshall on Nov. 2 opened the door. Along with defending East Division title holder Marshall, Miami, UCF and Ohio are mathematically alive. Tuesday night's game vs. Marshall will play a key role in deciding the East Division. A win by Miami would knock the Herd from contention for the East title, but the Herd can clinch the division by defeating the RedHawks and winning one of their final two games versus Ball State and Ohio. Miami can control its championship destiny by defeating Marshall and UCF in its final two games. UCF can win the division with wins in its next four games and a Miami defeat of Marshall. Ohio claims the title if it wins its final three games (Akron, Marshall, UCF) and Miami loses its final two.
TELEVISION
Saturday's game will be televised live by ESPN. It will mark Miami's first game on national television. Ron Franklin (play-by-play), Mike Gottfried (color) and Adrian Karsten (sideline) will handle the broadcast duties.
MIAMI VS. MAC EAST DIVISION
Miami is 24-8 (.750) all-time vs. the MAC's East Division since the conference split into two divisions in 1997. The RedHawks are 5-1 vs. Akron, 4-1 vs. Bowling Green (now in the West Division), 4-0 vs. Buffalo, 5-1 vs. Kent State, 1-4 vs. Marshall and 5-1 vs. Ohio. Head coach Terry Hoeppner has posted a record of 16-6 for a .727 winning percentage versus the East in his three-plus year tenure.
THE "ROADHAWKS" - PART I
Heading into this weekend, Miami owns the best road record in nation the with a 5-1 mark away from Yager Stadium. Colorado State (5-2) is the only other team in the country with five road wins. The RedHawks' five road wins are just one short of tying the school record of six, which has been equaled eight times. The last time the RedHawks topped five wins on the road was during the 1998 season, when they posted a 6-1 mark away from Oxford. The five road wins are the most by any Terry Hoeppner-led squad, surpassing his 4-2 mark in 1999.
THE "ROADHAWKS" - PART II
The biggest difference between playing at home and on the road for the Red and White has been the production of the ground game. In five away games, Miami has averaged 149.3 yards rushing and scored 15 touchdowns in comparison to just 100.5 yards and six touchdowns in four home contests.
UNDER THE LIGHTS
Miami owns an all-time record of 36-24-3 in night games, including a 4-4 record under Hoeppner. This season, Miami has enjoyed wins in night games at Akron (48-31) and at Toledo (27-13). The only loss was at LSU, 33-7, in the third week of the season.
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
After scoring 85 points (21.3 points per game) in its first four games, the Miami offense has exploded for 234 points the last six weeks, averaging an eye-popping 39.0 points per game and outscoring its opponents 234-138.
During the stretch, the RedHawks have used an efficient attack , posting 2,720 yards of total offense on 454 plays from scrimmage, a 6.0 yards per play average. Sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been the epitome of efficiency in the six games, completing 69.4 percent of his passes (143-of-206) for 1,780 yards (296.7 yards per game), 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
FINISHING IT OFF
Under head coach Terry Hoeppner, Miami is 22-5 (.815) when tied or leading heading into the second half, including a 7-1 mark this season.
OFF AND RUNNING
The running game, which had sputtered through much of the first three games, gaining a meager total of 218 yards (72.7 yards per game), has been clicking on all cylinders over the past seven weeks, posting 1,080 yards (154.3 yards per game). Junior running back Luke Clemens has spearheaded the resurgence by rushing for 759 yards on 154 carries and 13 touchdowns during the stretch. Last week, the RedHawks put up 165 yards rushing, led by Clemens and his 97 yards. It was the second week in a row Clemens just missed reaching the 100-yard mark. Against Toledo, he finished with 98 yards on the ground. He leads Miami with three 100-yard games this year. For the season, the RedHawks are 6-0 when recording 150 yards rushing or more and 16-5 in three-plus years under head coach Terry Hoeppner.
THIRD DOWN AND... (PART I)
Part of the reason for Miami's offensive success during the last month has been its ability to convert on third down. In their first six games, the RedHawks were able to convert just 28-of-76 third downs (36.8 percent). Since that time, Miami has almost doubled its third down conversion total, going 37-of-67 (55.2 percent), including a season best 14-for-23 (60.1 percent) versus Northern Illinois.
THIRD DOWN AND... (Part II)
While the offense had its success on third down, so has the defense, allowing just 13 total first downs over the past four games (13-for-51, 25.5 percent).
RED ZONE ALERT: THE REDHAWKS ARE COMING
The Miami offense has found a great deal of success in the red zone over the past seven weeks, scoring on 35-of-38 (.921) trips inside the 20-yard line, including 26 touchdowns. This is in contrast to the first three weeks when the RedHawks converted just 6-of-10 (.600) chances. Last week, Ohio ended a string of 13 consecutive red zone trips in which Miami was able to light up the scoreboard.
STINGY OUT OF THE GATES
Ohio's touchdown on the opening drive of the game on Nov. 2, marked the first time in four games the Miami defense allowed its opponent a first-quarter point. The RedHawks have allowed just 14 points all season in the first quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER DEFENSIVE WOES
This season, Miami has allowed a total of 241 points. More than one-third of that total (43.6 percent) has come in the fourth quarter, where Miami has surrendered 83 points. Most of the 83 fourth-quarter points came versus Northern Illinois as the RedHawks blew a 27-7 lead and gave up 34 fourth-quarter points, losing to the Huskies, 48-41. The 34 points are more points than Miami has allowed in any other game total.
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK
After posting just three sacks through the first three weeks, the Miami defense has found a way to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, racking up 29 sacks in the past seven games. Senior defensive end Matt Edwards (West Chester, OH/Moeller) has made the biggest difference, recording a team-high 8.0 sacks. Edwards ranks fourth in the Mid-American Conference, averaging 0.80 sacks per game. Senior linebacker Matt Robillard is just two spots behind Edwards in the conference rankings, averaging 0.60 sacks per game.
NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR OPPORTUNITIES
Despite causing 28 turnovers this season, Miami has not taken advantage of the miscues, scoring just 65 points off turnovers. In the last two games though, Miami's fortunes have started to turn, with the RedHawks racking up 21 points on four turnovers. Key to the RedHawks' 28 unanswered first-half points versus Ohio were two touchdowns were set up by recovering Bobcat fumbles inside their own 20-yard line.
NINE STRAIGHT WINNING SEASONS
With its 38-20 win last week, Miami ensured itself of its ninth straight winning season. The RedHawks are 64-33-2 during this current string. The school record for consecutive winning seasons is 17 (1943-1959), while the record for consecutive non-losing seasons is 33 (1943-1975).
MR. OCTOBER ... IT'S TIME TO TURN THE CALENDARS
Like "Mr. October," Reggie Jackon, sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes the changing of the leaves and the chill in the air. In seven career games during the month of October, Roethlisberger has put together a 7-1 record and thrown for 2,440 yards (305.0 yards per game) and 20 touchdowns. The month of November hasn't been much different for Roethlisberger except for his record. He is 112-of-172 (.651) for 1,453 yards and eight touchdowns, but his record stands at 2-3, including last week's win over Ohio.
THE "AIR" TO THE THRONE
When people talk about the best college quarterbacks in the country, conversations always lead to Marshall's Byron Leftwich. In the near future, if not already, those conversations will include Miami's sophomore-sensation Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger, a 2001 Football Writer's Association First-team Freshman all-American and MAC Freshman of the Year, has made a number of people across the country sit up and take notice, including the likes of ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. and Ivan Maisel-both of whom have called Roethlisberger one of the up-and- coming superstars of college football. Following his first career game at the University of Michigan last season, Wolverine head coach Lloyd Carr had this to say about Roethlisberger, "Roethlisberger. You had all better learn how to say it and how to spell it. In college football, that's a name that everybody is gonna know." Below is a comparison of Roethlisberger vs. Leftwich through the first 21 games of their respective careers (minus postseason appearances):
TIME WARP
In the first 112 years of Miami football, the Red and White's quarterbacks recorded a total of seven 300-yard passing games. Then came Ben Roethlisberger. Last season alone, Roethlisberger tossed four 300-yard plus games, highlighted by his then-school-record 452 yards at Hawai'i. Roethlisberger not only broke his school record for 300-yard passing games with his sixth game over 300 yards versus Northern Illinois, he became the first player in MAC history to throw for more than 500 yards in a conference game (525 yards). Of the school's top five single-game passing performances, Roethlisberger now owns the top three. Against Ohio, he re-broke his own Miami record for 200-yard passing games in a career with his 17th.
SPREADING IT AROUND
Sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tried to keep all of his receivers happy last year, spreading the ball around to 12 different receivers. Of that group, seven caught an average of one pass per game, led by Roethlisberger's favorite target, Jason Branch, with 46 receptions. Roethlisberger spread his TD passes around as well, completing scoring strikes to nine receivers, including five players with two or more. This season, Roethlisberger has picked up where he left off, getting the ball to eight different players vs. North Carolina, Kent State and Akron, nine against Iowa, LSU, Cincinnati and Buffalo and a season-high 11 vs. Northern Illinois. In the last two week, the Rockets and Ohio allowed him to get the ball to a season-low seven receivers. In total, Roethlisberger has completed at least 10 passes to 12 different receivers this season, including seven that are averaging two catches a game.
A PAIR OF "SPECIAL" QUARTERBACKS
This season, Miami's quarterbacks, redshirt freshman Josh Betts and sophomore Ben Roethlisberger, have wandered into unchartered waters for passers, both picking up MAC East Division Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Betts, whom had never thrown a collegiate pass until the sixth game of the year at Cincinnati, assured himself a place in history when it comes to the hallowed series with the Bearcats. With Miami trailing 21-17 in the third quarter, Betts orchestrated a trick play/fake field goal attempt called the "Hoot-n-anny" where he threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to fellow redshirt freshman Tyler Vogel for the go-ahead score.
Roethlisberger, who has punted the ball 10 times in his two-year career at Miami, averaged 43.0 yards per punt on three kicks versus Toledo on Oct. 26 to merit the honor. His punts pinned Toledo inside its 10-yard line three times. Of his nine punts this season, eight have been downed inside the 20-yard line.
TERRY-IFIC PERFORMANCES
Senior defensive tackle Ryan Terry was named the MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week vs. Toledo two weeks ago. The honor was Terry's first MAC Player of the Week accolade. In the RedHawks' 27-13 win at Toledo, Terry recorded six total tackles (three solo, three assisted), two tackles for loss (for nine yards), a sack (for seven yards) and recovered a key Rocket fumble that led to Miami's first score. Terry continued his tear by making four tackles, one for a loss and a sack against Ohio.
AN END WITH MEANS
In the past two seasons, junior Matt Brandt, a native of Toronto, Ontario, has made sure that offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery hasn't forgotten to throw the ball to the tight ends. During the Randy Walker era at Miami (1990-99), tight ends were used almost exclusively as blockers and caught very few passes, but, since Terry Hoeppner has taken over, it has all changed as Brandt has quickly made a believer out of his coach. This season, Brandt is third on the team in receptions with 28 and in the last two games, he has caught 12 passes for 121 yards from Ben Roethlisberger. With two more catches and 59 more yards, Brandt will surpass any single-season mark for a tight end at Miami since 1990. He is also the first Canadian in school history to catch a touchdown pass.
TOUCHDOWN TANDEMS
In two short years, Ben Roethlisberger has tossed 43 touchdown passes to nine different receivers. His favorite two targets have been wideouts Jason Branch and Michael Larkin. The trio have hooked up on 23 of Roethlisberger's 432 touchdown passes or roughly 54 percent of his scoring strikes. His 13 touchdown passes to Larkin are second-most touchdowns by a combination in school history. THE
TREMENDOUS TRIO
For the first time in school history, Miami has the luxury of three 1,000-yard career receivers on its roster at the same time. Sophomore Michael Larkin, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark at Buffalo, joins senior wide receiver Eddie Tillitz, who cleared the mark at North Carolina, and fellow senior Jason Branch, who passed the milestone last season. The trio are the 17th, 18th and 19th Miami players to go over 1,000 yards receiving in their careers.
RACING UP THE LIST
Sophomore wide receiver Michael Larkin became the fastest RedHawk in school history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a career. Larkin accomplished the feat in just 19 games, two less than Andy Schillinger who made it in 21 games from 1984-87. At his current pace, Larkin would end his career with 2,438 yards, 307 yards more than Trevor Galyor's (1996-1999) school record of 2,131. Larkin has caught a pass in each of his 21 career games.
BRANCHING OUT
Senior wide receiver Jason Branch is making an all-out assault on the Miami record books, ranking in the career top 10 in receptions (5th with 111), receiving yards (ninth with 1,506) and touchdown receptions (4th with 16). This weekend Branch can keep moving up the lists as he needs just one touchdown catch to move into a tie with Jay Hall (1995-98) for third and 27 yards receiving to move past Tom Murphy (1983-85) for eighth on the career list. Branch, who is know for his acrobatic catches, was twice featured on ESPN's Plays of the Week last season.
BOWEN HOPES FOR MANY RETURNS
Senior kick returner Milt Bowen, who broke the school record for career kickoff return yards earlier this year against LSU, looks to further solidify his place in the MAC record book this week at Marshall. Bowen needs just 54 kickoff return yards to move past Western Michigan's Cliff Reed (1981-84) into second-place all-time in the MAC.
Despite causing 28 turnovers this season, Miami has not taken advantage of the miscues, scoring just 65 points off turnovers. In the last two games though, Miami's fortunes have started to turn, with the RedHawks racking up 21 points on four turnovers. Key to the RedHawks' 28 unanswered first-half points versus Ohio were two touchdowns were set up by recovering Bobcat fumbles inside their own 20-yard line.
NINE STRAIGHT WINNING SEASONS
With its 38-20 win last week, Miami ensured itself of its ninth straight winning season. The RedHawks are 64-33-2 during this current string. The school record for consecutive winning seasons is 17 (1943-1959), while the record for consecutive non-losing seasons is 33 (1943-1975).
MR. OCTOBER ... IT'S TIME TO TURN THE CALENDARS
Like "Mr. October," Reggie Jackon, sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes the changing of the leaves and the chill in the air. In seven career games during the month of October, Roethlisberger has put together a 7-1 record and thrown for 2,440 yards (305.0 yards per game) and 20 touchdowns. The month of November hasn't been much different for Roethlisberger except for his record. He is 112-of-172 (.651) for 1,453 yards and eight touchdowns, but his record stands at 2-3, including last week's win over Ohio.
THE "AIR" TO THE THRONE
When people talk about the best college quarterbacks in the country, conversations always lead to Marshall's Byron Leftwich. In the near future, if not already, those conversations will include Miami's sophomore-sensation Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger, a 2001 Football Writer's Association First-team Freshman all-American and MAC Freshman of the Year, has made a number of people across the country sit up and take notice, including the likes of ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. and Ivan Maisel-both of whom have called Roethlisberger one of the up-and- coming superstars of college football. Following his first career game at the University of Michigan last season, Wolverine head coach Lloyd Carr had this to say about Roethlisberger, "Roethlisberger. You had all better learn how to say it and how to spell it. In college football, that's a name that everybody is gonna know." Below is a comparison of Roethlisberger vs. Leftwich through the first 21 games of their respective careers (minus postseason appearances):
TIME WARP
In the first 112 years of Miami football, the Red and White's quarterbacks recorded a total of seven 300-yard passing games. Then came Ben Roethlisberger. Last season alone, Roethlisberger tossed four 300-yard plus games, highlighted by his then-school-record 452 yards at Hawai'i. Roethlisberger not only broke his school record for 300-yard passing games with his sixth game over 300 yards versus Northern Illinois, he became the first player in MAC history to throw for more than 500 yards in a conference game (525 yards). Of the school's top five single-game passing performances, Roethlisberger now owns the top three. Against Ohio, he re-broke his own Miami record for 200-yard passing games in a career with his 17th.
SPREADING IT AROUND
Sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tried to keep all of his receivers happy last year, spreading the ball around to 12 different receivers. Of that group, seven caught an average of one pass per game, led by Roethlisberger's favorite target, Jason Branch, with 46 receptions. Roethlisberger spread his TD passes around as well, completing scoring strikes to nine receivers, including five players with two or more. This season, Roethlisberger has picked up where he left off, getting the ball to eight different players vs. North Carolina, Kent State and Akron, nine against Iowa, LSU, Cincinnati and Buffalo and a season-high 11 vs. Northern Illinois. In the last two week, the Rockets and Ohio allowed him to get the ball to a season-low seven receivers. In total, Roethlisberger has completed at least 10 passes to 12 different receivers this season, including seven that are averaging two catches a game.
A PAIR OF "SPECIAL" QUARTERBACKS
This season, Miami's quarterbacks, redshirt freshman Josh Betts and sophomore Ben Roethlisberger, have wandered into unchartered waters for passers, both picking up MAC East Division Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Betts, whom had never thrown a collegiate pass until the sixth game of the year at Cincinnati, assured himself a place in history when it comes to the hallowed series with the Bearcats. With Miami trailing 21-17 in the third quarter, Betts orchestrated a trick play/fake field goal attempt called the "Hoot-n-anny" where he threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to fellow redshirt freshman Tyler Vogel for the go-ahead score.
Roethlisberger, who has punted the ball 10 times in his two-year career at Miami, averaged 43.0 yards per punt on three kicks versus Toledo on Oct. 26 to merit the honor. His punts pinned Toledo inside its 10-yard line three times. Of his nine punts this season, eight have been downed inside the 20-yard line.
TERRY-IFIC PERFORMANCES
Senior defensive tackle Ryan Terry was named the MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week vs. Toledo two weeks ago. The honor was Terry's first MAC Player of the Week accolade. In the RedHawks' 27-13 win at Toledo, Terry recorded six total tackles (three solo, three assisted), two tackles for loss (for nine yards), a sack (for seven yards) and recovered a key Rocket fumble that led to Miami's first score. Terry continued his tear by making four tackles, one for a loss and a sack against Ohio.
AN END WITH MEANS
In the past two seasons, junior Matt Brandt, a native of Toronto, Ontario, has made sure that offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery hasn't forgotten to throw the ball to the tight ends. During the Randy Walker era at Miami (1990-99), tight ends were used almost exclusively as blockers and caught very few passes, but, since Terry Hoeppner has taken over, it has all changed as Brandt has quickly made a believer out of his coach. This season, Brandt is third on the team in receptions with 28 and in the last two games, he has caught 12 passes for 121 yards from Ben Roethlisberger. With two more catches and 59 more yards, Brandt will surpass any single-season mark for a tight end at Miami since 1990. He is also the first Canadian in school history to catch a touchdown pass.
TOUCHDOWN TANDEMS
In two short years, Ben Roethlisberger has tossed 43 touchdown passes to nine different receivers. His favorite two targets have been wideouts Jason Branch and Michael Larkin. The trio have hooked up on 23 of Roethlisberger's 432 touchdown passes or roughly 54 percent of his scoring strikes. His 13 touchdown passes to Larkin are second-most touchdowns by a combination in school history. THE
TREMENDOUS TRIO
For the first time in school history, Miami has the luxury of three 1,000-yard career receivers on its roster at the same time. Sophomore Michael Larkin, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark at Buffalo, joins senior wide receiver Eddie Tillitz, who cleared the mark at North Carolina, and fellow senior Jason Branch, who passed the milestone last season. The trio are the 17th, 18th and 19th Miami players to go over 1,000 yards receiving in their careers.
RACING UP THE LIST
Sophomore wide receiver Michael Larkin became the fastest RedHawk in school history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a career. Larkin accomplished the feat in just 19 games, two less than Andy Schillinger who made it in 21 games from 1984-87. At his current pace, Larkin would end his career with 2,438 yards, 307 yards more than Trevor Galyor's (1996-1999) school record of 2,131. Larkin has caught a pass in each of his 21 career games.
BRANCHING OUT
Senior wide receiver Jason Branch is making an all-out assault on the Miami record books, ranking in the career top 10 in receptions (5th with 111), receiving yards (ninth with 1,506) and touchdown receptions (4th with 16). This weekend Branch can keep moving up the lists as he needs just one touchdown catch to move into a tie with Jay Hall (1995-98) for third and 27 yards receiving to move past Tom Murphy (1983-85) for eighth on the career list. Branch, who is know for his acrobatic catches, was twice featured on ESPN's Plays of the Week last season.
BOWEN HOPES FOR MANY RETURNS
Senior kick returner Milt Bowen, who broke the school record for career kickoff return yards earlier this year against LSU, looks to further solidify his place in the MAC record book this week at Marshall. Bowen needs just 54 kickoff return yards to move past Western Michigan's Cliff Reed (1981-84) into second-place all-time in the MAC.
i JUST DON'T BELIEVE LEFTWHICH, OR COACH PRUETT WOULD RISK A CAREER ENDING INJURY ON THIS GAME. IT WAS A MISTAKE ON THE COACHING STAFF'S PART TO ALLOW LEFTWHICH TO COME BACK AND PLAY IN THAT AKRON GAME. WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE THINKING, THIS KID IS SET TO SIGN A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS. PRUETT, SHOULD NOT LET THAT KID SUIT-UP.
