JR’s top 25 - #22 Miami of Ohio

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Tuesday, August 02, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Miami University RedHawks came off a 13-1 season in 2003, including a GMAC Bowl win over Louisville. 2003 Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers and left huge shoes to fill. Enter Junior Josh Betts, who proved capable in 2004 by completing 60% of his passes and ending up five yards shy of 3500 yards. Miami lost the MAC title game to Toledo and nearly beat Iowa State in the Independence Bowl.

This year the Miami RedHawks have a solid core back and should put up better numbers than last year. Offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery steps in after the departure of Terry Hoeppner, so the offensive numbers should be on par, if not better.
Quarterback Josh Betts leads a passing offense that ranked 11th nationally last year and should be the strong point once again. His targets, Ryne Robinson and Martin Nance, both averaged more than 14 yards per catch last year and will look for All MAC honors this season. Sophomore Brandon Murphy will likely be the starting RB this season and will run behind a fairly experienced O-line.

The defense returns seven starters from 2004, including 1st Team All MAC players Terna Nande and Marcus Johnson as well as 2nd Team All MAC CB Darrell Hunter. The Redhawks ranked well against the run in 2004, allowing 123.2 yards per game. Look for the passing numbers to improve catapulting this defense into the top 30 in the NCAA.

Overall Miami has solid talent on both sides of the ball. I can definitely see them going 10-1, losing only to Ohio State. I see a MAC title in their future and they should reach the Motor City Bowl.
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