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Miami University and the University of Toledo each look to snap three-game losing skids when they do battle on the gridiron Friday night.
The 'Hawks will rely on their strength at linebacker, an experienced quarterback and a cast of capable running backs to work toward their third victory of the season.
"It's going to start with energy," senior quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh said. "If we come out ready to go, fired up, and just play Miami ball, we'll be fine."
Statistically, the game isn't forecasted to have offensive fireworks, but the Rocket offense can hold on to the football and they have a wide receiver begging to be contained. Junior wide-out Steven Williams is second in the Mid-American Conference with eight touchdown receptions. Williams is the go-to-guy for Toledo and if the 'Hawks play good help-defense they should be able to limit his targets.
Junior Aaron Opelt will be under center for the Rockets. The Toledo line only allowed 10 sacks on the season thus far. Opelt has thrown for 12 scores on only five interceptions and needs to be pressured for a 'Hawks victory.
Raudabaugh played well against Ball State University, throwing for 254 yards with one score and no interceptions. Raudabaugh brings a lot to the 'Hawks team in his ability to read opposing defenses and limit turnovers. The senior has been able to step back into his starting role in the absence of freshman southpaw Clay Belton, something that hasn't gone without notice.
"Well Clay's out and Daniel is starting," coach Shane Montgomery said. "We have a lot of experience there. I thought he played pretty well against Ball State. He played better than he had in recent weeks and he's going to give us a chance to win."
Sophomore running back Thomas Merriweather, coming off an ankle injury, has brought back the balance that the 'Hawks were in desperate need of in the backfield. The elusive, yet powerful back had a long run of 19 yard against Ball State and ran for 65 yards on 18 attempts. In order for the offense to stay on the field and manage the clock well, the Red and White must get a strong effort from the running back position.
With Merriweather returning and a complement of backs including Andre Bratton and J.R. Taylor, the 'Hawks should be able to consistently gain the short yardage while opening up the prospect of the big gain.
"We need to do our job, have the right footwork, be focused and be ready to play," Merriweather said. "I think I did alright last week. I feel like I had a little set back after the Bowling Green game. I still have to get my technique right."
The RedHawks will need to combat themselves mentally and execute on every down in order to get a quick lead. They also need to play resilient defense and put relentless pressure on the opposing quarterback by rushing him effectively but not giving up the big play.
"I think were going to come out with a lot of energy," Raudabaugh said. "Let's get the ball in the hands of playmakers and just try to put points on the board. It's going to start with running the ball. We've got three running backs who can all take it to the house on any given play and we'd like to get them going."
Two aspects that both Montgomery and Raudabaugh said need to be improved is capitalizing off of big plays and executing in the red-zone. A big momentum killer for the RedHawks against Ball State came in the form of a three-and-out following a huge Joey Hudson interception and runback. Drives stalling just outside the end-zone has also hurt Miami as the RedHawks failed to score a touchdown from inside the 20-yard line against the Cardinals.
"When we get a turnover like Joe's big interception last week, we have to capitalize on it," Raudabaugh said. "We have to score more touchdowns. That's been our problem for two years, settling for field goals when you should score touchdowns."
