by The Miami RedHawks and the UMass Minutemen will play this Saturday, September 27, in a game that both teams are determined to win after early setbacks this season. Miami has lost their last three games, against 3 Power 4 schools including Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Cincinnati, coming into this contest while UMass is trying to bounce back from consecutive losses to Buffalo and Toledo.
Miami University RedHawks
Brett Gabbert, the quarterback for Miami, has displayed glimpses of talent this season, amassing 685 passing yards and five touchdowns. But in a game where the RedHawks’ offense struggled last week against Notre Dame, he had a poor performance, throwing for 119 yards and two interceptions. To get Miami back on track, Gabbert will need to find his rhythm, and his top target, Cade McDonald, who leads the team with 292 receiving yards, will be essential to Gabbert’s success. In the run game, Jordan Brunson leads the team with just 67 rushing yards this season, proving that the RedHawks’ rushing offense has been ineffective despite their heavy reliance on the passing game.
The RedHawks have been competitive defensively with linebacker Matt Salopek leading the team in tackles (26), continuing to be the team’s primary threat. The RedHawks will need their defense to stay consistent and step up to contain UMass’ more balanced offensive attack, particularly in crucial situations like 3rd and long where their defense has struggled during the losing streak.
UMass Minutemen
On the visiting side, UMass has its own challenges, coming off consecutive losses to Buffalo and Toledo. A bright spot has been quarterback Taisun Phommachanh, who has thrown for 844 yards while adding 146 rushing yards. The key for the Minutemen to overwhelm Miami’s defense will be Phommachanh’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. In the passing game, Phommachanh will rely on his favorite target, wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James, who leads the team with 256 receiving yards. Additionally, running back Jalen John, who has rushed for 183 yards this season, will aim to build on his solid start—especially in an area where Miami struggled defensively last week.
Defensively, UMass will lean on defensive back Ryan Barnes, who has recorded an interception this season, and linebacker Derrieon Craig, who leads the team with 19 tackles. UMass will have a strong chance of ending their losing streak if they can apply consistent pressure on Gabbert and force the mistakes that Miami’s offense has been prone to under pressure. By disrupting Miami’s rhythm, UMass could create opportunities for their defense to set the tone and take control of the game.
What’s at Stake
To preserve their seasons, both teams are in desperate need of a victory. Miami’s offense has to improve, especially in terms of developing a run game to go along with Gabbert, while UMass hopes to rely on its balanced attack. As both teams look to snap their losing streaks and gain some momentum going ahead, expect a highly competitive game where Miami comes out with their first win of the season.
