After starting the season 0-4, the Miami University football team is now tied for first place in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division following a 35-3 victory over the University of Akron Thursday night. Miami has now won four of their last five games and has improved their record to 4-5 (3-2 MAC) on the season, while Akron fell to 1-8 (0-5 MAC).

The RedHawks overcame the elements to hold Akron to 201 yards of total offense, the fewest yards they have given up all season.

"We keep focusing on the fundamentals and on playing disciplined football," Defensive Line Coach Nick Siatras said. "There really isn't anything scientific [to our success]. We have a good amount of depth [on defense] and we stress focus each week because you never know when you are going to get your name called [into the game]."

Meanwhile, the Red and White scored 28 first-half points, fueled by two touchdown passes from redshirt junior quarterback Zac Dysert.

Redshirt sophomore tailback Justin Semmes had 100 yards rushing to go with two touchdowns, while sophomore wide out Nick Harwell had his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season, racking up 117 yards on four receptions to go with one touchdown.

Semmes became the first Miami player to rush for 100 yards this season, despite only having four career rushing yards entering Thursday's matchup.

Miami's offense has played extremely well in their last two contests due to the great play of Dysert and the emergence of a running game that has been missing throughout most of the season.

"[Up to this point in the season] we haven't been able to run the ball consistently," Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach Charlie Fisher said. "Dysert is playing well and has been particularly hot lately. He is a veteran quarterback who reads what he's got based on the coverage … [but Harwell] is one of the best receivers in the country. [Harwell] has played really well and has really had to step up, especially since many teams are starting to double-team him."

With Thursday night's performance, Harwell became only the second wide receiver in program history to post at least six 100-yard receiving games in one season.

Defensively, redshirt seniors Anthony Kokal and Jerrell Wedge led the 'Hawks with eight and nine tackles, respectively. Wedge has played extremely well since returning to the team as a full time starter four weeks ago.

Now Miami turns their focus to their matchup with Temple University Wednesday night. Temple (5-4, 3-3 MAC) enters Wednesday's game having lost two straight, including a tough 35-31 loss last week against the Ohio University Bobcats.

With three games remaining on the schedule, only half a game separates these three schools, the same three teams who were in the race for the MAC East last season.

Temple has one of the top defenses in the nation. They are 10th in total defense, allowing fewer than 300 yards per contest. They also have the country's fourth-best scoring defense.

"[Temple] likes to blitz and that is a big key that we are emphasizing," Fisher said. "We need to pick up their pressure and take advantage of the man coverage down the field. Temple has arguably one of the best defenses in the country."

Offensively, the Owls rely heavily on their rushing attack, which is led by junior running back Bernard Pierce. Pierce is averaging 115 yards per game and has already racked up 19 rushing touchdowns this season to lead the MAC's best rushing offense and the eighth ranked ground attack nationally.

Look for Miami to load the box on defense and to utilize their quick linebackers to shut down Temple's rushing attack. Offensively, the 'Hawks will likely cycle a variety of running backs while still relying heavily on the play of Dysert and Miami's young receiving corps.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Fans can listen to the game on Miami's IMG Sports Network or watch on ESPN.