Miami Ohio Redhawks 2021 College Football Preview
Created July 8, 2021
2020 Recap
Record – 2-1
ATS – 2-1
The Redhawks didn’t get a real shot to defend their 2019 MAC CHAMPIONSHIP in light of the shortened plandemic schedule. They took down eventual conference champ Ball St in a wacky opener (W 38-31) but were blown to SMITHEREENS by Buffalo in their 2nd game (L 42-10). Let’s check in with this year’s squad and see if they have the MINERALS to make another strong push for the MAC title.
Miami Redhawks 2021 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Redhawks didn’t exactly set the world on fire during their 2019 title run (24 PPG) but it’s worth noting that this offense will have most of those key components back in the mix. QB Brett Gabbert completed 66% of his passes in the three-game docket LY (0 INT) and backup AJ Mayer had his moments whilst being inconsistent (4-1 TD to INT). The RB room is loaded as their 1-2 punch from a few years ago is back in the fold. Jaylor Bester and Tyre Shelton combined for over 1,300Y and 16 TD in 2019. #1 WR Jack Sorenson is back to annoy MAC defenses and note that he bagged 18 receptions and 4 TDs LY after leading the team in yards, receptions, and TD grabs in 2019. Almost everyone is back this year at WR and they should be one of the premier units in the conference. Three starters are back on the OL BUT one has to be concerned about the yuuuge losses at LT (NFL) and C (to Okla St). They booked a mere 127 and 131 YPG on the ground the past two years and allowed 31 sacks in 2019.
DEFENSE
T’was a limited sample size to be sure, but the Redhawks allowed fewer than 30 PPG and 400 YPG for the 5th straight year, whilst at the same time, led the MAC in sacks per game (13 in 3G). They were decent vs the run (held mighty Buffalo to 205 yards on 43 carries) but had a hard time defending the pass despite the dangerous rush up front. This year’s stop unit boasts a BEVY of returning starters (10) and they look pretty strong at DL. They are deep at DE and Cameron Butler bagged 2.5 sacks LY in 3G (5.5 in 2019). Leading tackler Ryan McWood (34, sack, INT) is back at LB and they just need to improve on the back-end. Last year they allowed 60.5% completions and an UNSEEMLY 9.3 YPA.
SPECIAL TEAMS
They return both kicking specialists in PK Henry Beckett (3-4 FG, 11-11 XP) and P Dom Dzioban (team #5 FBS net punting).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – There’s an extremely wicked non-conference road slate to navigate (Cincinnati, Minnesota, Army) but at least they miss Toledo and Western Michigan from the MAC West. The regular season finale at Kent St LOOMS LARGE.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Army (September 25th)
The Black Knights are TOUGHER THAN A NIGHT IN JAIL and note that #MACtion is on deck.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes July 8
Over 4.5 -155
Under 4.5 +135
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over.
There’s almost certainly going to be a SEPTEMBER BLOODBATH but this is still one of the best teams in the MAC East.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
HC Chuck Martin has a 32-46 SU record in Oxford but the Redhawks are 16-13 L3Y and have won nine straight games at home after losing to Western Michigan in 2018 (L 40-39).
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
The Redhawks should be more than BATTLE TESTED whenst they enter MACtion ACTion. There’s no reason to think they can’t be 4-0 or 3-1 in conference play when they battle the Bobcats on the road in early November. Definite division contender and they may FLY slightly under-the-radar. Pun intended.
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WEBSITE
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NEWS
https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/miami-university-redhawks/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/193/miami-(oh)-redhawks
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