Linebacker Clayton Mullins tries to take down Syracuse running back Delone Carter in the RedHawks' 34-14 loss. Mullins had five tackles on the day. (Contributed Photo)
In a loud and raucous Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., the Miami University football team looked to squeeze the Orange and end its three-game losing streak Saturday night.
The Miami RedHawks, however, couldn't muster a consistently moving offense all game and fell short, 34-14, to Syracuse.
For the fourth straight game, the RedHawks (0-4 overall, 0-1 MAC) failed to score a touchdown in the first quarter, in which they gained only three yards of rushing on 11 attempts.
"We talked about getting off to a fast start," Head Coach Shane Montgomery said. "I don't know if it's because we're a young football team or we're just not ready to play." Miami's defense didn't help matters early on, as the RedHawks allowed Syracuse to score a touchdown on each of its first two drives. Syracuse's first score came on a seven-play 55-yard drive to score up the middle for a one-yard Curtis Brinkley touchdown run.
The Orange struck only two minutes and 30 seconds later, as SU quarterback Perry Patterson connected with Taj Smith on a 42-yard strike to put the Orange up 14-0 with 7:32 left in the first quarter.
Miami finally showed some offensive potency in the second quarter.
Junior wide receiver Pat O'Bryan led it off for the 'Hawks, as he pushed his way to a first down after an 11-yard Mike Kokal strike.
A nine-yard pass only two plays later to wide receiver Ryne Robinson put the 'Hawks on the board at 14-7.
But poorly executed special teams play again took its toll on Miami.
Kicker Nathan Parseghian failed to capitalize on a nine-play 56-yard drive as the Orange blocked his 35-yard field goal attempt.
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The RedHawks wouldn't attempt another field goal for the rest of the half, despite being within the Syracuse 35-yard line twice.
"I think we're two-for-six on the year (in field goal attempts)," Montgomery said. "We've got to evaluate that and see if it's more of the line or it's more of the kicker ... We'll look at it, and if we need to make a change there we will."
Miami's final drive of the half ended after the 'Hawks attempted to convert a fourth-and-nine, but a dropped pass by senior wide receiver R.J. Corbin that would've brought Miami inside the five-yard line kept Miami down 14-7.
The RedHawks came out fired up in the second half, stuffing Syracuse for two-yard loss to begin the half.
After two short Orange passes, Miami sacked Syracuse, but a defensive holding call kept the drive alive and the drive resulted in a field goal.
Miami's offense couldn't keep up with the Orange attack and failed to score on its next two possessions.
The ineffective rushing attack failed to alleviate any pressure on the passing game.
And, the offensive line provided little protection for Kokal, allowing two sacks on its second failed drive.
"We weren't able to move the ball running-wise, and when you have third-and-one yard or third-and-half a yard you have to be able to convert and we just weren't able to," Kokal said.
Miami rushed for only 31 yards on the day, averaging 1.1 yards per rush.
With the score 17-7 in the fourth quarter, Syracuse finally capitalized on Miami's offensive woes by going on a 67-yard drive, which was capped by a five-yard Patterson touchdown pass.
After the 'Hawks failed to score on the ensuing offensive drive, the Orange ate 4:17 of the clock by driving 23 yards and hitting a field goal to put Syracuse up 27-7, with 5:43 remaining in the game.
A Syracuse touchdown off an interception off of backup quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh only two plays later put the win out of reach for the 'Hawks and gave them their fourth straight loss.
The 0-4 start is the RedHawks worst start since the 1989 season, when Miami finished 2-8, and is only their sixth 0-4 start in program history.
"We've got to keep pushing on," Robinson said. "We'll eventually get our 'W' whether it be next week or the week after that. Our team is not going to stop fighting."
Miami's next chance to garner its first win comes Saturday, as the RedHawks head to the University of Cincinnati to play in the annual Battle for the Bell game against the Bearcats.
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