Recap: Miami football continues winning streak with road victory over Akron

The Miami University RedHawks football team (3-3, 2-0 in conference play) won its second game of Mid-American Conference (MAC) play against the University of Akron Zips (2-5, 1-2 in conference play). The RedHawks won 20-7 at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio, to continue their three-game winning streak.

After a low-scoring first half that consisted of one Miami field goal, the RedHawks added two touchdowns in the third quarter, a sizable lead that they held until the clock showed zeroes in the fourth quarter.

Despite multiple opportunities, both teams persisted in keeping the scoreboard unchanged for most of the first half. Redshirt junior defensive lineman Adam Trick picked Akron redshirt senior quarterback Ben Finley in the redzone early in the first quarter, but Miami’s drive ended in a punt. Zips kicker Owen Wiley missed his 38-yard field goal attempt later in the second quarter, but the RedHawks stayed off the board on their next drive.

It wasn’t until redshirt senior kicker Dom Dzioban hit a 41-yard field goal attempt between the goalposts that Miami took the lead with less than two minutes in the half.

“We didn't do a lot at halftime, other than let's just keep playing,” head coach Chuck Martin said. “We can pout around or we can fight and start to execute, and obviously we came right back out and scored.”

The RedHawks took a two-score lead on their opening drive of the third quarter. Redshirt sophomore receiver Keith Reynolds found the ball on four plays straight, totalling 36 yards and putting Miami in opposing territory.

Later, Finn found redshirt senior tight end Brian Shane for 20 yards to put the RedHawks within 1 yard of the endzone. Redshirt freshman running back D’Shawntae Jones’ second rush crossed the goal line, and Dzioban’s extra point put the RedHawks up 10-0.

Miami forced another Akron punt, and Finn found redshirt junior receiver Kam Perry 60 yards down the field in the endzone, putting the RedHawks up 17-0. In the fourth quarter, Dzioban nailed another field goal to add another three to Miami’s 20 point total.

The Zips ensured they wouldn’t be shut out when Finley threw a touchdown to redshirt sophomore receiver Israel Polk, bringing the game back within two scores in the final minutes of the game.

The last drive of the game was a series of Miami rush plays down the sideline until the clock ran out. Dequan Finn took a knee to end the second consecutive road win bringing the RedHawks to an even 3-3 record with no in conference losses.

The RedHawks return to Yager Stadium next week on October 18 to play their third MAC game against Eastern Michigan.

babukc2@miamioh.edu