After what could only be described as a tremendously disappointing season, now Miami has to rebuild and reload to keep pace in the improving MAC.
The 2005 RedHawks were the MAC's most experienced, most talented team, showing enough firepower to obliterate eventual league champion Akron 51-23, but they couldn't seem to get any respect. It wasn't like the team tanked, winning seven of the final nine games, but a 42-14 home loss to Bowling Green ended any conference title hopes and soured any potential bowl suitors. Now the program has to hope it doesn't slip in the second year under head coach Shane Montgomery.
Miami hasn't just been a MAC power over the last few years, it's been the league's second most consistent program behind Toledo with the last losing season coming in 1993. But being consistent isn't enough for the RedHawks. They want to be winning MAC titles, and despite a ton of issues on both sides of the ball, there's no reason they can't be back in the championship game representing the East.
Only five starters return, but it's not like the cupboard is completely bare with good prospects returning to fill most of the holes with the biggest question at quarterback, where Mike Kokal, Jared Elliott and Daniel Raudabaugh will try to be next in line after Josh Betts and Ben Roethlisberger. Yes, the talent level will be there to be competitive, but can Miami get the momentum back after tremendous seasons in 2003 and 2004? Absolutely.
No, this isn't going to be anywhere near the 13-1 monster of 2003, and it's not going to be nearly as good as last year, but the East is the far weaker of the two divisions. If the linebacking corps can come together in a hurry and a steady starting quarterback can be found, there's no reason this can't be a more rewarding year even if the final record isn't any better.
The Schedule: It isn't all that bad considering the only road game against a bowl team from last year is at Akron. The first two MAC games are at home highlighted by a potential MAC title game preview against Northern Illinois. And then comes the nasty part with four road games in five dates with the only oasis coming against Ball State. Road trips to Western Michigan and Bowling Green will make or break the season.
What you need to know on offense ... The RedHawks threw for a ton of yards last year finishing 15th in the nation, but the attack was inconsistent and wasn't as good running the ball as it should've been. Now the line has to replace three All-MAC starters, top receiver Martin Nance, and for good and bad, veteran quarterback Josh Betts. Expect more from the ground game with an excellent stable of backs led by All-MAC candidate Brandon Murphy. The receiving corps is big, but a bit untested outside of flashy veteran Ryne Robinson. The line will be fine as long as the starting five is healthy; there's no depth whatsoever. The quarterback situation will be an ongoing saga all summer long with mobile veteran backup Mike Kokal getting the first crack at the gig.
Best Offensive Player: Senior WR Ryne Robinson. One of the best punt returners in college football history, Robinson has grown into a reliable, explosive receiver. With Martin Nance gone, Robinson not only needs to be the deep threat in the big receiving corps, he needs to be a steady target for the new starting quarterback. That won't be a problem if he plays like he did last year.
What you need to know on defense ... Only two starters return from last year's solid D with the biggest concern at linebacker where finding starters is a big enough problem without worrying about reserves. The secondary should be fine with great looking prospects like CB Frank Wiwo and SS Robbie Wilson ready to play more prominent roles, and getting to the quarterback won't be a problem for the line. With the problems at linebacker and the smallish tackles (other than 306-pound Otto Linwood), stopping the run will be the primary problem early on.
Best Defensive Player: Senior FS Joey Card. With only two returning starters on defense, the speedy veteran is the leader of the defense by default. He's a good hitter with great range, and he's rarely out of position. The RedHawks need him to be an All-MAC performer.
Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Mike Kokal. It'll be a battle for the starting job, but Kokal will likely be the number one man when the Northwestern game comes around. He's not as big or as good a passer as Josh Betts and Ben Roethlisberger were, but he's a better runner.
The season will be a success if ... Miami wins the East. Even with all the new starters this will still be among the league's most talented teams. Anything less than playing for the MAC title will be a disappointment, but that's setting the bar way too high if the injury bug strikes early on.
Key game: Nov. 15 at Bowling Green. Akron might be the defending champs, but the real test for the East title will likely come late in the year on a nationally televised Wednesday night game against Bowling Green. The RedHawks will likely be playing in the MAC championship if they can beat the Zips and the Falcons.
2005 Fun Stats:
- Fumbles: Opponents 27 (lost 15) - Miami Univ. 14 (lost 8)
- Fourth quarter scoring: Miami Univ. 114 - Opponents 69
- Passing yards: Miami Univ. 3,208 - Opponents 2,286
The Last Time Miami University …
…played in a bowl game…2004 (Independence Bowl vs. Iowa State)
…missed a bowl game…2005
…pitched a shutout…2004 (Indiana State)
…was shutout…1993 (Ball State)
…scored 50 points…2005 (Buffalo)
…went undefeated…1974
…won a conference title…2003 (MAC)
…had a 3,000-yard passer…2005 (Josh Betts)
…had a 1,000-yard rusher…2005 (Brandon Murphy)
…had a 1,000-yard receiver…2005 (Ryne Robinson and Martin Nance)
…had a first-round draft choice…2004 (QB Ben Roethlisberger)
