The Miami University RedHawks will face the University of Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Miami will look to capture its first win of the season after coming off a 23-13 Mid-American-Conference (MAC) Championship loss against Western Michigan University last season.
With sophomore starting quarterback Thomas Gotkowski suffering a season-ending, non-contact injury, transfer quarterback David McComb from the University of Kansas will start off his college career with the RedHawks.
McComb threw for 7,034 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns and 20 interceptions in his time with Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma. Miami’s power running back D’Shawntae Jones led the RedHawks with seven touchdowns and 277 yards on 63 carries last season.
Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback Mason Heintschel will be making the 10th start of his college career. Heinstchel is 6-3 in his first nine starts with the Panthers as a true freshman. Although he did not start the season under center, he quickly emerged as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Last season, Heintschel threw for 2,354 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Another Panther to watch for is linebacker Braylan Lovelace. Lovelace racked up 41 solo tackles, 80 total tackles, 5 ½ tackles for loss and two interceptions last season.
Senior wide receiver Keith Reynolds amassed 352 yards and 36 receptions last fall for the RedHawks, the most of any returning receiver. Reynolds, who has climbed up the depth chart throughout his career, hopes to make his mark against a national brand like Pitt.
Senior wide receiver Maleek Huggins could become McComb’s primary outside target. Huggins transferred to Miami from Bethune-Cookman University where he logged 64 receptions for 864 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
The RedHawks finished last season 7-7 (6-2) and look to improve after new roster additions. The Panthers finished their season an impressive 8-5 (6-2) with key victories against teams like the Georgia Institute of Technology and Florida State University, owning a fourth place finish in the ACC.
McComb will be intriguing to watch in this matchup. A first-time college starter going on the road against an ACC defense will allow head coach Chuck Martin to assess his team against some of the best college football has to offer.
Pittsburgh’s offense will give Miami’s defense an early test because of the experience and talent surrounding the Panthers’ quarterback. Miami will need to limit Panther playmakers and prevent explosive plays that could put the RedHawks behind early.
Forcing pressure on the quarterback and sending Pitt into difficult third down situations could give Miami more opportunities to bring its offense back on the field. The RedHawks ability to slow down Pitt’s offense could be one of the biggest factors in whether they can pull off a road win.
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One defensive lineman to watch for is redshirt sophomore Brach Rice who had two sacks, 16 total tackles and 2 ½ tackles for the RedHawks last season.
Another advantage for Miami is the added depth in its receiving room entering the season. The RedHawks have more options to spread the ball around, which could be important with a new starting quarterback. Miami’s depth at the skill positions will be pivotal in this game.
Miami’s receiving corps could be one of its biggest advantages heading into the matchup. Even with McComb making his first start for the RedHawks, he will have several weapons around him. Reynolds and Huggins give McComb experienced choices in the passing game, while transfer running back D’Shawntae Jones gives Miami another option out of the backfield. The game will be shown on the CW Network.
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