College Football Predictions – Miami Redhawks 2020 College Football Preview
August 2020
October 2020 update – Schedule notes updated.
2019 Recap
Record – 8-6
ATS – 8-6
WHOA, NELLIE!
The Redhawks had a tough time with some nasty foes in September (Iowa, Cincinnati, Ohio St) but got their GAME FACES on once MAC play started. They defeated a good Buffalo squad to kick things off, and after a loss to Western Michigan, they rattled off FIVE straight conference wins. They took down the MAC East and then SHOCKED the WORLD with an upset win over Central Michigan in the MAC Championship Game.
Do they have what it takes to contend for another MAC title?
2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
East Division – TBD
MAC – TBD
Miami Redhawks 2019 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Redhawks somehow managed to cobble together a conference title with an offense that was at best “mediocre”. They finished the season ranked #10 in the MAC in both rushing AND passing offense and averaged a measly 24.1 PPG (#9 MAC). QB Brett Gabbert had his ups and downs as a freshman (55%, 11-8 TD to INT, 3 rushing TD) and has every license to improve as he enters his sophomore campaign. Gabbert is in good shape when he chooses to MATRICULATE the ball down the field in the THROW GAME given that his top-three WRs are all back in the mix including Jack Sorenson who led Miami in receptions, yards, and TDs. The RB room appears to be in good shape with the return of Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton who combined for over 1,300 yards on the ground and 16 TDs. Four starters are back up front including senior center Danny Godleveske and senior LT Tommy Doyle.
We’ll call for a moderate increase in production this year given the continuity across all position groups.
DEFENSE
The Redhawks were stingy on defense last year and were equally tough vs the run (#4 MAC) and the pass (#4 MAC). They allowed fewer than 30 PPG for the fourth consecutive campaign. This year the stop unit looks to be in good shape with seven returning starters and experienced talent at each level of the defense. The DL is one of the best in the conference given the return of three starters including DE Kameron Butler and DT Andrew Sharp who combined for 10 sacks LY. The LB room is led by senior Ryan McWood who led the Redhawks in tackles LY. The secondary is loaded with the return of three starters and they might have the best safety tandem in the conference (Mike Brown, Sterling Weatherford). CB Emmanuel Eugamba is one of the best at his position in the MAC.
The defense appears strong enough to backstop another run at the MAC title.
SPECIAL TEAMS
DANGER, DANGER, DANGER !
The Redhawks had a phenomenal kicking game and must reload at the PK and P positions. PK Sam Sloman made 26/30 (!) FG attempts LY and punter Kyle Kramer was an all-MAC performer. It somehow gets worse. They must also find a replacement for Maurice Thomas who was a really good PR and KR.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – They draw a scrappy Ball St team in crossover play and note that the season is basically on the line in games #2 and #3 when they take on Buffalo (A) and Ohio (H).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Nothing heinous noted.
Season Win Total
TBD
MEGALOCKS says:
TBD
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Miami was an impossible 5-0 in one score games a season ago.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
Bill Parcells once said, “You are what your record says you are”. The Redhawks had a lot of close shaves last year but get full marks for GETTING IT DONE any way they could. They were outplayed on many occasions but found a way to win. This year’s team looks better on paper, other than the gaping hole in special teams. We give them a realistic shot to repeat as division champs but will likely have to take care of Buffalo on the HIGHWAY in November.
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