Miami(OH) @ Akron !!!!!!!

[hellah10]

Well....Akron has a good offense but turnovers have troubled them every single game thus far.

I grabbed Akron +10.5. Good value for a home dog with a good offense. Murray (Miamis RB) will be out for this game

 

[hellah10]

So far this season Akron is (0-4) and has played:

@ Iowa: 21-57 (rushed for 67 yards and QB Charlie Frye was 21-29 for 230 yards all in the 1st half as he was held out the 2nd b/c of dehydration.)

@ Maryland: 14-44 (rushed for 82 yards and Frye was 15-25 for 216)

Home v. Central Michigan: 17-24 (rushed for 87 and Frye was 22-32 for 246)

@ Virginia: 29-48 (rushed for 154 and The Zips got a huge day from quarterback Charlie Frye, who threw for one touchdown, ran for two more and set career bests for completions, attempts and yards. Frye finished 27-for-47 for 336 yards and three times kept touchdown drives alive with big completions on fourth down.)

Akron is led by So. QB Charlie Frye, 6'4" 205. Considered by many an up and coming QB. One of the top quarterbacks in the Mid-American Conference ... ranked fifth in the MAC in pass efficiency (124.6 rating) and passing yards (186.6 per game) and was sixth in total offense (188.6 pg) ? set UA single-season marks for completions (170) and completion percentage (58.8 ) ? his season yardage (2,053) was a UA freshman mark and ranks third on the Zips? all-time list ? his interception percentage (0.21) was the lowest on record at Akron.

Frye is backed up by Jr. Nick Sparks. 6'3" 211 a transfer from West Virginia. Sparks now plays WR and is a very dangerous athletic player.

Leading the Rushing attack for Akron is 5'10" 200 Jr. Bob Hendry (42 carries for 146) and preseason Doak Walker nominee, SR. Brandon Payne (33 for 95) 5'10" 206

Top WR's for Akron are 6'1" 195 Jr. Matt Cherry (17 rec for 240 and 2 TD's) , 6'2" 185 Jr. Miquel Irvin (17 for 104) and Brandon Payne out of the backfield (15 for 145)

Punter Andy Jerdon, No. 20 in the nation in punting average (42.6 ypk)

 

[hellah10]

What a Miami Redhawk fan thinks of the spread

Not to be too negative, but does anyone besides me think that Miami is favored by too many points this week (10.5). Generally, Vegas knows what they are talking about, but I have gone to the last 3 games in Akron

In 1996 we lost 10-7 to one of the worst team's in division 1. We had a team that was injured, but good enough to win the league that year. Probably the most disappointing game I have ever witnessed in person.

In 1998 we had our 10-1 team beat a 4-7 Akron team 20-14. That Miami team had been steam rolling competition (we had just beat Kent 56-0). Akron wasn't anything great.

In 2000 Akron smoked us 37-20. We had come into that game 3-1, we had just beaten Kent 45-14, our only loss was 27-16 vs tOAMU. Akron had a good team this year (although they later fell apart and finished 6-5).

Last year we needed a miracle to beat them at home. We haven't won a game by a big margin in awhile. There players basically say this is their biggest game of the year.

I don't know...I think the line should be closer to 3 points.

 

[hellah10]

RedHawks face first MAC road game

THE GAME Miami (2-2, 1-0 MAC, 1-0 East) travels to the University of Akron (0-4, 0-1 MAC, 0-0 East) for its first Mid-American Conference road game this Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Rubber Bowl. The game marks the start of a stretch where the RedHawks play four of five games away from Yager Stadium. Under the direction of head coach Terry Hoeppner, Miami is 11-11 on the road. Miami has won five of its last six games with Akron, but has struggled at the Rubber Bowl, dropping two of its last three. The RedHawks are looking to continuetheir good fortunes after downing Kent State, 27-20, in their MAC opener last week. Akron, which dropped an out-of-conference contest last week at Virginia, 48-29, is looking to break a season-opening four-game losing skid. The Zips' high-flying passing attack is led by sophomore quarterback Charlie Frye, who threw for 309 yards in last year's contest versus Miami. Frye comes in as the MAC's fifth-highest rated passer (133.7 rating). This week's game is the first in a three-game homestand for Akron that also includes games versus Eastern Michigan and Liberty.

SERIES VS. Akron Since the University of Akron joined the Mid-American Conference for football in 1992, the RedHawks and the Zips have met 13 times, including five times in the Rubber Bowl. Miami, which leads the overall series 8-4-1, has won six of the last eight games, including four of the last five. Miami has struggled in Akron recently, losing two of the last three and being out scored 98-83 (19.6-16.3). Below is a chronological look at the series history:

1915 A W 23-6 1922 H W 20-12 1923 H T 13-13 1939 H L 0-14 1993 A L 13-31 1994 H W 50-14 1995 H W 65-0 1996 A L 7-10 1997 H W 49-20 1998 A W 20-14 1999 H W 32-23 2000 A L 20-37 2001 H W 30-27

At Oxford: Miami leads 6-1-1 At Akron: Akron leads 3-2 Most Miami points: 65 (65-0) in 1995 Most Akron points: 37 (20-37) in 2000 Most combined points: 69 (Miami 49, Akron 20) in 1997 Biggest Miami win: 65 (65-0) in 1995 Biggest Akron win: 18 (13-31) in 1993 Hoeppner vs. Akron: 2-1

Miami ties to Akron Miami tight end coach Bobby Johnson and offensive line coach John Peterson both started their careers at Akron. Johnson, who spent two year at Akron as a graduate assistant before earning full time status, was the Zips defensive line coach from 1997-98. Peterson came to Akron in 1995 as the Zips offensive line coach and in 1997 helped the Zips to the nation's 11th-best running attack while allowing just 10 sacks in 11 games. Both Johnson and Peterson coached under current Akron head coach Lee Owens.

MIAMI VS. MAC East Division Miami is 21-8 (.724) all-time vs. the MAC's East Division since the conference split into two divisions in 1997. The RedHawks are 4-1 vs. Akron, 4-1 vs. Bowling Green, 3-0 vs. Buffalo, 5-1 vs. Kent State, 1-4 vs. Marshall and 4-1 vs. Ohio. Head coach Terry Hoeppner has posted a record of 13-6 and a .684 winning percentage in his three-plus year tenure.

Heading Home For 11 Miami players traveling to Northeast Ohio will be a homecoming of sorts. The following is a list of RedHawks from the Cleveland/Akron area: Jacob Bell (Euclid, OH/St. Ignatius) Joey Card (Canton, OH/Glenoak) John Glavin (Solon, OH/Solon) Alphonso Hodge (Cleveland, OH/St. Ignatius) Ryan Myer (Hubbard, OH/Hubbard) Brandon Proctor (Shaker Heights/Shaker Heights) Dave Rehker (Avon Lake, OH/Avon Lake) Mike Smith (Twinsburg, OH/Twinsburg) Phil Smith (Shaker Heights, OH/St. Ignatius) Will Stanley (Cleveland, OH/Trinity) Dan Tyler (Cleveland, OH/St. Edwards)

A MIAMI WIN WILL ... * Improve the RedHawks' MAC mark to 2-0 for the fourth straight year under Hoeppner and the ; * Make Coach Hoeppner 12-11 on the road in his career; * Tie the series mark at Akron at 3-3 and give Miami a 9-4-1 edge in the overall series; and * Give the Red and White consecutive wins for the first time since winning seven in a row last year (Sept. 22-Nov. 3).

A MIAMI LOSS WILL ... * Be the RedHawks' third in their last four games in Akron and fourth overall; * Make the RedHawks 11-12 on the road under Head Coach Terry Hoeppner.

REDHAWKS ON THE ROAD In recent seasons, Miami has experienced nearly as much success on the road as it has at home. Since 1997, the RedHawks have recorded a 21-14 road mark (.600), while going 19-6 at home (.760). In conference road games the past five-plus years, the RedHawks are 13-7.

Off and Running The running game, which had sputtered through much of the first three games, gaining a total of 218 yards (72.7 yards per game), got back on track versus Kent State, gaining 176 yards on 49 attempts. In the opening quarter alone, Miami almost rushed for as many yards (43) as it had in the prior two games combined (47). This season, the RedHawks are 2-0 when recording 150 yards rushing or more and 15-4 in three-plus years under head coach Terry Hoeppner.

Getting off on the Right Foot Last week, Miami scored on its opening drives of both the first and second halves. It marked the first time this year, the RedHawks have done so. Miami's previous six attempts each ended with a punt. This season, Miami is 2-0 when getting on the board first and 19-2 in the last four years. Below is a breakdown of the RedHawks opening drives this year. Opponent First Half Second Half UNC 3 plays, 8 yards, punt 3 plays, 5 yards, punt Iowa 7 plays, 38 yards, punt 3 plays, 7 yards, punt LSU 3 plays, 9 yards, punt 6 plays, 15 yard, punt KSU 9 plays, 56 yards, TD 10 plays, 72 yards, TD

This looks familiar Even though Miami is doing it in different ways by passing more and playing better defense, the RedHawks are averaging about the same points and points allowed as it did last year. Through four games a year ago, the RedHawks scored an average of 20.3 points per game while allowing 27.3 points per game. This year, Miami has slightly improved its point output to 21.3 points per game. They are allowing 25.8 points per game.

Not Taking Advantage of their opportunites Despite causing 12 turnovers this season, including nine at North Carolina in the season opener, Miami not taken advantage of the miscues, scoring just 23 points off turnovers.

Finishing it off Under head coach Terry Hoeppner, Miami is 20-2 (.909) when tied or leading heading into the fourth quarter. The two losses have come at Hawi'i (52-51) last year after leading 38-35 and at home versus Ball State in 2000, losing 15-10 after being up 10-9 heading into the final quarter.

Just the opposite Sophomore kicker Jared Parseghian has turned the fortunes around for the Miami kicking game this season, connecting on each of the RedHawks' first three field goal attempts. Last year, Miami started off 0-for-3 until Parseghian hit a 34 yarder versus Buffalo on Oct. 6. in the fifth game of the season. The RedHawks didn't get their third field goal last year until the seventh game at Ohio on Oct. 20.

TIME WARP In 112 years of football, Miami's quarterbacks recorded a total of seven 300-yard passing games. Last season alone, freshman quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tossed four 300-yard plus games, highlighted by his school-record 452 yards at Hawai'i. Against Iowa, Roethlisberger tied the school record for 300-yard passing games with four when he passed for 343 yards on 33-of-51 attempts. Of the school's top five single-game performances, he now has three. For more details see the right-hand column on page 21.

GUNNING FOR A NINTH STRAIGHT WINNING SEASON Coming off a 7-5 record in 2001, Miami shoots for its ninth straight winning season this fall. The RedHawks are 59-30-2 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).

600 and Counting Miami, which ranks 13th nationally among long-running Division I-A football programs for overall winning percentage, joined an elite club on Oct. 6, 2001, versus Buffalo. The 31-14 win was the Red and White's 600th all-time victory, making Miami the 22nd school to accomplish the feat. Prior to Miami, North Carolina was the last team to join the club and ranks 20th with 609 victories. Miami is the first MAC program to reach this milestone.

Miami Mileston Wins The program was started in 1888 with a 0-0 tie vs. the University of Cincinnati

No. Opponent Score Year Coach 1 at Cincinnati 34-0 1889 No Paid Coach 100 vs. Kenyon 41-7 1920 George Little 200 at Cincinnati 16-7 1938 Frank Wilton 300 vs. Ohio 34-7 1955 Ara Parseghian 400 vs. Dayton 17-0 1970 Bill Mallory 500 at Northern Illinois 20-7 1984 Tim Rose 600 vs. Buffalo 31-14 2001 Terry Hoeppner

The Buck stops here Through three games, linebackers Terrell Jones and Matt Robillard and safety Matt Pusateri are each averaging nine or more tackles per game. Pusateri leads the team with 48 total tackles (12 per game) while Jones and Robillard have 44 and 36, respectivley. Last year, Pusateri (10.2) and Jones (10.3) averaged more than 10 takedowns per game. In their careers, Jones is averaging 10.7 tackles per game, Pusateri 10.5 and Robillard 7.9.

True Freshmen in action Kicker Todd Soderquist, defensive back Darrell Hunter and linebackers Terna Nande and John Busing all seen considerable playing time this season for Miami. Soderquist, Hunter and Nande have each played in all four games and Busing has participated in the last three. The linebacking duo of Nande and Busing made their significant contributions last week, recording seven and two tackles, respectively. Nande, who made his first start of his career last week versus Kent State is just another in a long line of true freshmen making an impact and starting at linebacker. Terrell Jones, a 2001 first-team all-MAC selection, and current Cincinnati Bengal and former MAC Defensive Player of the Year JoJuan Armour are the last two RedHawk linebackers to earn a start by thee fourth game of their career.

 

[JEFF]

I need to examine further into this one but I like Akron as well. Good passing game, they shoulda won two weeks ago, and maybe this is the week they get a 'W'. Gotta do some more looking at this one.

 

[hellah10]

Spreading It Around Freshman 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 touchdown passes around as well, completing scoring strikes to nine different receivers, including five players with two or more. This season, Roethlisberger has picked up where he left off, getting the ball to 13 different players, including eight with at least five catches.

Clemens Earns MAC Honor Junior running back Luke Clemens (Dayton, OH/Bellbrook) earned his first Mid-American Conference honor of his career, as he was named MAC Co-East Division Offensive Player of the Week. Clemens earned the honor along with Marshall running back Brandon Carey. Clemens, who started in place of the injured Cal Murray, responded with a career-high 171 rushing yards on 35 attempts and two touchdowns in a 27-20 win over Kent State. It was his third career 100-yard game and his second two-touchdown performance of the year-his first came in the season opener at North Carolina. Clemens scored on both of the RedHawks' first two possessions on jaunts of one and 11 yards to stake Miami to a 14-0 lead. This is Clemens' second season at running back after making the switch from safety following his freshman campaign.

The Three Amigos Since the start of the modern history of Miami football, which began in 1948, 15 receivers have gone over the 500-yard mark for a season. Only twice during the 53-year stretch have two players gone for over 500 yards in the same season (1987 - Andy Schillinger and John Stofa; 2000 - Ty Buxton and Sly Johnson). Last season, three RedHawks - Jason Branch, Michael Larkin and Eddie Tillitz - eclipsed the 500-yard plateau for the first time in program history. All three return for this season.

THE Dynamic Duo For the first time since George Swarn (1983-86) and Andy Schillinger (1984-87) in 1986, Miami has the luxury of two 1,000-yard receivers on its roster at the same time. Senior wide receiver Eddie Tillitz surpassed the 1,000-yard mark versus North Carolina, joining fellow senior Jason Branch, who cleared the 1,000-yard milestone last season. Branch currently has 97 receptions for 1,294 yards, while Tillitz has 91 receptions for 1,052 yards. The two wide receivers are the 17th and 18th Miami players to go over 1,000 yards receiving in their careers.

Big Ben Up for O'Brien The Davey O'Brien Foundation recently announced the preseason watch list for the 2002 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, given annually to the nation's top college quarterback. Miami sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (Findlay, OH/Findlay) was one of 32 named to the list. Roethlisberger, the nation's top freshman quarterback in passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense from a year ago, put together the best season by a Miami quarterback in 2001, breaking school records for passing yards (3,105), completions (241), touchdowns (25), completion percentage (63.3 percent) and total offense (3,294). All of those totals rank among the top 10 in Mid-American Conference history, and his yardage and touchdown totals were both MAC freshmen records. Last season, Roethlisberger earned MAC Freshman of the Year and was Football Writer's Association of America first-team all-America and named second-team all-MAC honors. The O'Brien Award is named in honor of the late Davey O'Brien, the all-American and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for Texas Christian University who led the Horned Frogs to the 1938 national championship.

IT AIN't OVER, TILLITZ OVER Senior wide receiver Eddie Tillitz (Martinsville, Ind./Martinsville) has become one of the big play makers for Miami over his career, making key plays for the RedHawks vs. Buffalo, Akron and Ohio just last year. After returning his third career punt for a touchdown, an 80-yarder versus Buffalo, Tillitz capped one of the most memorable moments in Miami football history as he pulled in Ben Roethlisberger's game-winning touchdown pass as time expired vs. Akron on Oct. 13. One week later with Miami down 21-7 just before the end of the first half at Ohio, Tillitz pulled in an important 11-yard touchdown to pull the RedHawks within seven points heading to the break. He later grabbed the game-winning score with 8:36 left in the game. Last year, Tillitz touched the ball 68 times as a receiver (43 receptions) and punt returner (25 punt returns), moving the ball an average of 12.4 yards per touch, including a team-high 13 plays of over 20 yards. Of those 13 plays, four went for touchdowns In 2000, after not returning a punt for a touchdown in 283 consecutive games-the longest such streak in Division I-A football- Tillitz stopped Miami's drought on Sept. 9 at Eastern Michigan. Tillitz returned not one but two punts for TDs against the Eagles. The streak dated to Oct. 19, 1974 (John McVay, 66-yard punt vs. Bowling Green). Further research revealed that during the 26-year stretch, the RedHawks went 1,628 punt returns without a score.

Robillard Named to Butkus Award Watch List Miami University senior linebacker Matt Robillard (Milford, Conn./Milford Academy) has been identified on the preliminary watch list of 67 Division I football players that meet the criteria for the 18th Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's best collegiate linebacker. Robillard, also a first-team all-Mid-American Conference honoree in 2001, is a converted defensive back that totaled 109 total tackles and a team-leading 74 solo stops a year ago. The senior also led the RedHawks with 13 tackles-for-loss, including five quarterback sacks. Robillard ranked 19th in the MAC with 9.0 tackles per game in 2001. Robillard earned a spot on the squad in 1998 after walking on. He received a scholarship the following year. Robillard is one of just four MAC players to earn a spot on the Butkus preliminary list. The list will be cut down to three finalists, who will be announced via a national teleconference with players, coaches, media members and Butkus Award officials on Thursday, November 14.

RedHawk Linebacking Duo Named to Lombardi Award Watch List Miami University linebackers Terrell Jones (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville) and Matt Robillard (Milford, Conn./Milford Academy) have each been identified on the preliminary watch list of 49 Division I football players that meet the criteria for the 33rd Rotary Lombardi Award. Jones, a first-team all-MAC selection a year ago, ranked 12th in the MAC in tackles per game (10.0 tpg) during the 2001 season, amassing a Miami team-best 124 total tackles. A selection to The Sporting News Freshmen all-America team and runner-up for MAC Freshman of the Year in 2001, Jones recorded double-digits in tackles seven times in 12 games last season and six times as a freshman. Robillard, also a first-team all-MAC honoree in 2001, led the RedHawks with 13 tackles-for-loss, including five quarterback sacks. Robillard ranked 19th in the MAC with 9.0 tackles per game in 2001. Last season, Jones and Robillard were the first Miami linebacking tandem to each earn first-team all-MAC plaudits since current National Football League products JoJuan Armour and Dustin Cohen achieved the feat in 1998. Jones and Robillard are two of just five MAC players to earn spots on the preliminary list. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those players who line up within five yards of the football.

 

[hellah10]

RedHawk Linebacker Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List Miami University linebacker Terrell Jones (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville) has been identified on the preliminary watch list of 64 Division I football players selected by the Football Writers Association of America for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The award has been presented annually since 1993 to the nation's top defensive player. Jones, a first-team all-MAC selection a year ago, ranked 12th in the MAC in tackles per game (10.0 tpg) during the 2001 season, amassing a Miami team-best 124 total tackles. A selection to The Sporting News Freshmen all-America team and runner-up for MAC Freshman of the Year in 2001, Jones recorded double-digits in tackles seven times in 12 games last season and six times as a freshman. The winner of the Nagurski Trophy will receive the honor on Dec. 9 in Charlotte, N.C. Now in its 10th year of honoring the defensive player in Division I football, the award is named after Hall of Famer and University of Minnesota and Chicago Bears star Bronko Nagurski.

With a Snap of the Fingers In just one short month, freshman long snapper Dave McClain (Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain) has gone from walk-on to playing against the likes of North Carolina. When it was determined senior long snapper Scott Sagehorn wouldn't play this year due to a knee injury suffered last season at Hawai'i, the Miami coaching staff went in search of a replacement and found local Cincinnati-product and walk-on David McClain to help fill his shoes. Since joining the team, McClain has worked his way up the depth chart and logged his first collegiate snaps two week's ago at North Carolina. His first game experience was memorable, as the game was played in a constant downpour of rain. McClain finished the game a perfect seven-for-seven on his snaps.

Old Miami ... New Miami, Same Tradition ... New Look! Miami University head football coach Terry Hoeppner unveiled three new uniform designs this past summer. The RedHawks will be debuting the white away uniform at North Carolina this week before returning home the next week to host the University of Iowa in their new red uniforms. The third alternate uniform will be used in coordination with special home events. The uniforms are a break from the Miami uniforms of the last thirty years, going away from the traditional red jersey and white pants combinations that the team has sported the past several years. "As you look around college football you see a lot of teams making a switch from the traditional uniforms they have worn for years to something new," said Hoeppner. "It was time to buy new uniforms and we put the idea out to our kids and they were excited about a change. This year's marketing theme is 'Old Miami ... New Miami, Same Tradition ... New Look' and the uniforms embody just that. We were able to combine elements of the traditional Miami Red and White with a progressive design. They make us look fast, even standing still."

Getting Out of the Blocks Early When camp opened on August 8, 104 players took part in the annual fitness test, administered by head strength and conditioning coach Dan Dalrymple. According to Dalrymple, an impressive 69 players tallied perfect scores on the test, which consists of a series of sprints, weight lifts and agility tests. "Nothing was mandatory this summer," Dalrymple said, "but the vast majority of the guys really answered the bell. A lot of our key guys are in the best condition of their lives." Dalrymple noted that perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came from the freshman class, as 25 of the 27 newcomers passed the conditioning test, where 50 percent typically fail.

Familiar Name - Part I As people read down Miami's roster, one quick question comes to mind as they come to sophomore place-kicker Jared Parseghian (Sylvania, Ohio/St. John's): Any relation to Ara Parseghian? The answer: yes. Jared is the great nephew of college coaching legend and Miami alumnus Ara Parseghian. Last season, Parseghian converted on 26-of-28 extra-point attempts and 6-of-10 field goals.

Familiar Name - Part II Freshman wide receiver Michael Larkin (Cincinnati, OH/St. Xavier) is another name on the Miami roster that garners a great deal of attention. Larkin is the second cousin to the Larkin family that includes Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, Xavier University's all-time leading basketball scorer Byron Larkin, minor-league baseball player Stephan Larkin and another Michael Larkin that played football at Notre Dame. Against Iowa, Miami's Michael Larkin made a grand debut, pulling in three catches for 121 yards, including his first career reception, which was a 56-yard touchdown pass. He emerged as the RedHawks' long-ball threat in 2001, averaging 18.2 yards per catch (37 receptions for 672 yards). His 81-yard touchdown reception at Bowling Green is the longest catch of his career and was the 12th longest pass play in college football last year.

Miami Picked Second in MAC East Division Garnering three first-place votes and 257 total points, Miami was picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference East Division in a preseason poll by the MAC News Media Association. Marshall earned 43 first-place votes and was predicted to finish atop the East Division and win the MAC Championship Game, while new MAC member UCF was picked third, garnering one first-place vote. Bowling Green, which shifted to the West Division beginning this season, was selected to finish first in the West Division. Toledo and Western Michigan, who, Division champions, Marshall (Nov. 2) and Toledo (Oct. 26) this season.

New Look MAC The Mid-American Conference and the University of Central Florida officially announced this summer that the Orlando-based institution will become a football only member of the MAC effective this year. The move increases the MAC membership in football to 14 with two divisions of seven teams. UCF competes in the East Division along with Akron, Buffalo, Kent State, Marshall, Miami and Ohio. Bowling Green, which had been in the East, moves to the West Division and join Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Michigan. The MAC, headquartered in Cleveland, is one of only three conferences to hold a championship game with the divisional winners meeting each year for the league title. This year's championship game, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 30 on ESPN, will be at the site of the West Division winner.

 

[hellah10]

The Sports Network

DATE & TIME: Saturday, September 28th, 6:00 p.m. (et)


FACTS & STATS: Site: Rubber Bowl (35,202) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: Miami-OH 1-1, Akron 0-1. Away Record: Miami-OH 1-1, Akron 0-3. Neutral Record: Miami-OH 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-OH 1-0, Akron 0-1. Series Record: Miami-Ohio leads, 8-4-1.


GAME NOTES: MAC rivals collide at the Rubber Bowl on Saturday as the Miami- Ohio RedHawks battle the hometown Akron Zips. The RedHawks will try to remain unbeaten in league play after posting a 27-20 victory over Kent State last weekend. The victory snapped a two-game losing skid that saw Miami fall to Iowa and LSU in a rough three-game, non-conference stretch to open the season. The Zips are still in search of their first win of the year after falling, 48-29, at ACC foe Virginia last week. Akron is off to its first 0-4 start since 1997 and will be trying to avoid its first 0-2 start to the conference play since that same year. Miami leads the all-time series at 8-4-1 and the RedHawks have taken four of the last five meetings overall, including a 30-27 decision at home last season, although Akron has won two of the last three games on its home turf. Miami has a dominating 21-8 record against the MAC's East Division since the conference split into two divisions in 1997.

The RedHawk offense rebounded from a dismal seven-point performance against LSU to tally 27 points last week in the win over Kent State. Luke Clemens starred, as he ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns to lead Miami to the victory. Ben Roethlisberger was his usual solid self, as he completed 18-of-30 passes for 198 yards, with one touchdown. Miami led most of the way, but KSU took a 17-14 lead in the third quarter before Miami rallied for the win. The RedHawks' balanced attack featured 176 yards rushing and a total of 374 yards of offense. Roethlisberger has now thrown at least one TD pass in 15 of the 16 games he has started for Miami. The sophomore signal-caller has completed 60.1 percent of his passes on the year for an average of 235 ypg to go along with six touchdowns and four interceptions. With 30 yards passing on Saturday, he will move into third place on the school's passing list. Clemens leads the team in rushing on the season with 246 yards on the ground, as the club is averaging just 98.5 ypg rushing, but 333.5 ypg of total offense. Running back Cal Murray, the team's second leading rusher, is doubtful for Saturday's game with an ankle injury.

All that is asked of the RedHawk defense is for the unit to keep the game close enough for Roethlisberger and company to have a chance to win at the end, and the defense has done just that in three of the team's four outings. Miami's bend-don't-break philosophy allowed 341 total yards to Kent State last week, but allowed the Golden Flashes to convert just 3-of-12 third down opportunities. Matt Pusateri led the club with 13 tackles in the victory, while Phil Smith had four stops and an interception. Pusateri leads the team with 46 tackles on the season, while Terrell Jones is next with 38 stops. The RedHawks have had a knack at forcing turnovers this season, as the team has intercepted four passes and recovered seven fumbles over the first four games. The pass rush has been a concern as Miami has registered just two sacks thus far. Opponents are averaging 413.5 ypg of total offense against Miami this season, including 253.2 ypg through the air.

Despite falling by 19 points at Virginia last week, the Zips were in the game most of the way, and were down just 34-29 midway through the fourth quarter. Charlie Frye had one of his best games at Akron, as he recorded personal bests in completions, attempts and passing yards, in hitting on 27-of-47 passes for 336 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Frye also ran for two scores, while Bob Hendry led the team in rushing with 18 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. Akron racked up 495 total yards of offense, but it wasn't enough to slip past the Cavaliers. Frye is off to an excellent start to his sophomore campaign, as he has completed 63.9 percent of his passes for an average of 257 ypg to go along with five touchdowns and five interceptions. While the passing game seems to be clicking on all cylinders in the early going, the rushing game has been a weakness, as Akron has only mustered 97.5 ypg on the ground thus far. Hendry is the club's leading runner with 146 yards. The problems in the running game can be attributed to the lack of experience along the offensive line, as only Aaron Conley had previous starting experience heading into the season.

The Zip defense has left much to be desired this season, as the club has surrendered 43.2 ppg over the first four outings of the campaign. Akron could not stop Virginia's ground attack last week, as the Cavaliers rolled up 212 yards rushing on their way to the victory. Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub also threw for 202 yards, as the Cavs' balanced attack was Akron's demise. Linebacker Chase Blackburn led the way with eight tackles in the losing cause. Blackburn also paces the team in tackles on the season, as he has posted 34 stops, including three TFLs. The Akron pass rush has been very poor over the first four outings, and has yet to produce a sack, while the Zips have intercepted just one pass and recovered only three fumbles. Foes have converted a staggering 57 percent of their third down opportunities against Akron this season. Opponents have run all over the Zips for 259.8 ypg and are averaging 450.8 ypg of total offense -- numbers that head coach Lee Owens knows must be improved upon if Akron is to have any success in the MAC this season.

Under head coach Terry Hoeppner, Miami is 20-2 when tied or leading heading into the fourth quarter, and a win on Saturday will up the RedHawks record to 2-0 in the MAC for the fourth straight year. Miami should be strong enough to compete for the East Division title, while Akron will probably be resigned to the middle of the pack at best. Roethlisberger should have another big day on Saturday, and guide the RedHawks to a comfortable win on the road.

 

[hellah10]

Pees calls all hands on deck
Injuries force Flashes coach to pull redshirts
By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal staff writer

KENT - In more ways than one, less is going to have to be more for Kent State this week.

Hit hard by injuries on the defensive side of the ball and struggling for consistency offensively, the Flashes are making both forced and planned changes for Saturday's crucial Mid-American Conference inter-division game at Northern Illinois (1-3, 0-0).

Kent State (2-2, 0-1) coach Dean Pees summed it up in his injury report at his weekly press conference Tuesday.

Q: ``What's your injury situation?''

Pees: ``We're very banged-up.''

Q: ``How banged-up?''

Pees: ``Very, very.''

No sarcasm on the topic was needed for Pees, who has been scrambling to plug gaps created by injuries all season. The team was hard hit in last Saturday's 27-20 defeat at Miami. In a matter of moments in the second half, the Flashes lost starting linebacker and second-leading tackler Eric Mahl, linebacker Jeff Jensen and strong safety Jacon Avery.

Before heading out to practice Tuesday, Pees listed Jensen and Mahl as questionable and Avery as out. Defensive end Pierre Wilson, a potential impact player who has not played a down yet this year, likely won't play Saturday. Former starting middle linebacker Anthony Henriquez, out with a broken foot, also probably won't play.

As of early this week, starting defensive end John Nurczyk was out with a shoulder injury and starting defensive tackle Alan Williams was suffering from dehydration. Strong safety Shannon Davis is also still recovering from an ankle injury.

Pees has already promoted true freshman defensive end Justin Parrish, sophomore linebacker Damian Stolowski, and redshirt freshmen linebackers John Mathews and Marcus Robinson into action. Pees also pulled the redshirt of true freshman linebacker Jon Sessler.

Bottom line is, in the near future, the team will be relying on fewer and more inexperienced players on defense.

``Our young guys have to step up and do what we do,'' Pees said. ``I don't know how many of these guys we are going to get back this week.''

Pees also said changes might be in store for the offense. The Flashes statistically rank as one of the best offensive teams in the MAC, but the overall execution of the group has been questionable at times. The team has lived and died on big plays by quarterback Joshua Cribbs.

Cribbs is the nation's fourth-leading rusher (154.6 yards/game), but has seen his completion percentage drop and interceptions rise compared to last year's numbers. In all, he's committed five turnovers in four games.

Pees is thrilled with his overall production -- 1,224 yards rushing and passing and 10 touchdowns. But he'd like to see his sophomore be a little more consistent. So he and offensive coordinator Mike Drake are taking steps to simplify the Flashes' multiple-set offense for Cribbs this week.

The offense relies on Cribbs to do multiple defensive reads and runs, complicated option and spread sets out of both the shotgun and under center. It has confused several defenses so far, including Ohio State at times, but has proven to also be a burden for Cribbs during spells.

``We sometimes do too much; Josh has a lot on his plate back there,'' Pees said. ``We haven't gotten into a rhythm. We seem to just want for Josh to make a play.''

 

[JEFF]

I'm on the Zips

I'm on the Zips

I'm really liking Akron here. Looking at their results, here's how they've done against the spread:

Game 1:Failed to cover by 15
Game2: "" "" """" 9
Game 3 """ "" """" 7
Game 4 Covered the spread by 4

I think they have a shot at a SU win this weekend. Miami Defense is allowing 61% completions this year. Akron's strength is its passing game. The Zips were down 35-29 with 7 minutes left in their 48-29 loss against UVA last week.

 

[hellah10]

even the Redhawk fans are worried about this game. They know better then to think they can go to Akron and win out. Akron looks forward to this game every year...its basically there bowl game.

 

[hellah10]

Akron's Fortener has large following
Miami up next for Zips, Fairmont grad

By Dave Long
e-mail address: dave_long@coxohio.com
Dayton Daily News

AKRON | When Nick Fortener eventually decides to start coaching football, he'll have a resume that should impress any head coach.

On the line that asks positions played, Fortener can write "all but center and kicker."

The 6-foot-1, 252-pounder from Fairmont High School is the starting tight end for the University of Akron. A horde of family, friends and former teammates plans to make the trip to Akron on Saturday to watch him play when the 0-4 Zips host 2-2 Miami University at 6 p.m. in the Rubber Bowl.

"Everybody wants me to get them tickets but we're only allowed four," said Fortener. "My parents (Don and Pam Fortener) come to all the games, home and away. But Miami is the big game where a lot of other people come to see me play. "

Fortener has caught three passes this season for 52 yards. One catch was the second touchdown of his career, a 13-yarder against Central Michigan. For his four-year career he has caught 21 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns.

The longest reception of his career was a 32-yarder last year vs. Miami at Oxford, which brought a huge ovation from his large following.

Fortener is majoring in business with a marketing and sales emphasis. He hopes to join the sales force of a local wholesale medical supply business when he graduates in the spring. "I've worked for them on breaks the last three years so I think my chances are good for a job," he said. "I'd like to get a shot at the pro level like anyone who plays football in college, but I'm not staking my future on it.

"I'll probably get into coaching some day. I've played just about everywhere so I know what goes into most positions and what goes into making a good offense and defense."

As a high school player at Fairmont he was a quarterback, tailback, fullback, receiver, defensive end, linebacker and defensive back.

"We used him where we needed someone," said Fairmont coach Rick Robertson. "He was big enough, fast enough and a good enough athlete we could put in almost anywhere.

"Akron didn't recruit him as much as a position player, but as an athlete who they would find a spot for in their program."

Fortener was red-shirted his freshman season at Akron in 1998 and was used as a fullback on the practice squad. During spring practice in 1999 the Zips coaching staff felt they needed help at tight end. Fortener headed the list of players versatile enough to block and catch.

"The biggest transition for me moving to tight end was the mental part more than the physical part," Fortener said. "In high school we ran a pretty complicated offense. As the quarterback, I had to know both the option game and the passing game.

"Running the ball I had to know both the tailback and fullback plays. I played receiver, too, so I had to know the pass routes.

"As a tight end I really had to learn to put the focus on my position. To know who to block depending on what defense a team was lining up in and to know when to release to go into a pass route. A lot more goes into it than I first realized."