The Miami RedHawks will take on the Ohio Bobcats in the Battle of The Bricks in Athens tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The RedHawks look to increase their current win streak to three games and move above .500 on the season. In last week’s outing against Ball State, Miami beat the Cardinals in an impressive 24-17 victory.
Third-year sophomore quarterback Brett Gabbert had an efficient performance throwing for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20-of-24 passes. Sixth-year senior wide receiver Jack Sorenson had another big receiving day, hauling in 8 receptions for 138 yards. His string of recent success has netted him second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in receiving yards.
After losing to the Bobcats in 11 of 12 matchups from 2006 to 2017, the RedHawks have turned the corner in the rivalry, winning the last two contests. In the last meeting between the in-state rivals in 2019, Miami won in a 24-21 nail biter. Their 2020 meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
During his Monday press conference, head coach Chuck Martin emphasized that despite Ohio’s 1-7 record, the Bobcats are not to be taken lightly.
“They are 11 points away from being undefeated in the league,” Martin said.
Even in a down year for the Bobcats, Martin knows the rivalry will be a hard-fought game.
“It looks like it’s gonna be a dog fight. You’re on the road in Athens and it’s not going to be an easy place to play”, Martin said.
In order to win this week, Miami has to keep the consistent and efficient quarterback play they’ve had over the past two weeks, continue to limit turnovers and convert in the red zone.
If the RedHawks win in Athens, they’ll improve to 5-4 and 4-1 in the MAC, keeping them in the driver’s seat in the East Division.
The Game
Miami University @ Ohio University
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Kickoff: Tuesday, 11/2, 7:30 p.m., at Peden Stadium
TV: ESPNU
Players to watch
Miami Redhawks
Brett Gabbert (QB, So.) Season stats: 943 passing yards, 9 TDs, 58.7% comp.
Jack Sorenson (WR, Sr.) 42 receptions, 703 receiving yards, 5 TDs
Sterling Weatherford (DB, Sr.) 45 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions
Matthew Salopek (DB, Fr.) 72 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception
Ohio Bobcats
Kurtis Rourke (QB,So.) 946 passing yards, 4TDs, 68.6% comp.
De’Montre Tuggle (RB, Sr.) 540 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 6.3 yards per carry
Cannon Blasuer (LB, So.) 59 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss
Bryce Houston (LB, Jr.) 71 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss
Read More
Not getting a job straight out of college is OK, and can be encouraged
By Molly Francis | YesterdayOpinion writer Molly Francis urges college students to consider how a gap year may be more beneficial than getting a job right after graduation.
National Ramen Day brings Japanese cuisine to Garden and Western
By Meredith Perkins | YesterdayWestern and Garden dining halls host ramen events, adding variety to students' meal options
Students learn about sports analytics from former Oakland Athletics’ manager Billy Beane
By Bryan Miller | 2 days agoData analytics is taking over the world, and sports are no exception. See how Miami University is adapting to a changing world, with the help of the founder of “Moneyball”