Preview: Miami football begins conference play against Bowling Green

The Miami University RedHawks (2-2) will face the Bowling Green State University Falcons (0-4) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Yager Stadium.

This is a big game for the RedHawks as they enter conference play in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). They've gotten over the hump of challenging opponents with the University of Pittsburgh and University of Cincinnati games, and will now look to gain some momentum. The RedHawks have already begun to pick up traction with a 24-21 win against the University of Connecticut last week.

“Every game from here on out is winnable for Miami,” head coach Chuck Martin said. “Every game from here on out is losable for Miami.

The RedHawks have a deep wide receiving core and will need another strong performance on Saturday. Ohio State transfer and junior wide receiver Damarion Witten has recorded 14 receptions, 430 yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his deep-threat role with the team.

Another important name in the receiving room is senior wideout Maleek Huggins, who has already amassed 11 receptions, 225 yards and a touchdown this season. Redshirt-junior Lynel Billups-Williams, has hauled in 15 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown this season, also establishing himself an offensive threat.

Miami will look to use its depth at wide receiver to put pressure on Bowling Green’s defense throughout the game. With Witten, Huggins and Billups-Williams all contributing through the first four games, the RedHawks have multiple options in the passing game.

The Falcons come into Oxford with former Heisman-Trophy-winning head coach Eddie George. They will need strong performances from notable players like University of Missouri transfer running back Austyn Dendy, who has recorded 55 rushing attempts, the most on the team, with 174 yards and a touchdown.

Another player on the offensive side of the ball is junior quarterback Jay Kastantin, a Division II transfer from Assumption University. Kastantin has thrown for 565 yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions this season.

BGSU will be looking for its first win of the season and will have a difficult challenge against a strong Miami team. A notable player on the defensive side of the ball for Bowling Green is Dorian Pringle, who has made 21 solo tackles and 39 total tackles this season, the most by any player on the Falcons.

For the RedHawks, defensive players to watch are senior strong safety and Notre Dame University transfer Ben Minich, who has seven solo tackles, nine total tackles and a quarterback pressure. Redshirt-senior linebacker Blayne Myrick has 13 solo tackles, 21 total tackles and two tackles for loss coming into this game.

Saturday’s game also gives Miami an opportunity to start MAC play with a win and continue building momentum after its non-conference schedule. A win over Bowling Green would give the RedHawks a strong start to the conference schedule.

“MAC play is fun, especially when you get to weekday games,” said redshirt-sophomore offensive lineman Jacob Schorsch. “... The good thing about MAC play is any team on any given day can win, and obviously we want to be the top MAC team.”