by Miami (OH) RedHawks
Coach: Chuck Martin, 10 years
Last year’s record: 11-3
Overview
Miami appears to be the strongest team entering the season as they continue to retain the majority of their talent and continue building their team the traditional way(Highschool recruits). Three players that led them to a MAC championship have entered the portal, QB Aveon Smith, RB Rashad Amos, and Star Kicker Graham Nicholson all left for different ventures. The RedHawks still look strong despite losing these players. QB Brett Gabbert returns after missing the back end of his season due to a horrific leg injury, he is joined by seven returners and nine upperclassmen on offense making this an experienced group. The defense returns six starters including Seniors Kobe Hilton on the DL and LB Matt Salopek who will anchor the defense once again.
Dom’s Overlook
After talking to Chuck Martin and learning more about him and how he builds his team as well as how he gets his players to buy into Miami and what they are building the RedHawks have become my top ranked team in the MAC as they can win the MAC Championship and even be ranked. Brett Gabbert is the best true passer in the MAC, I am interested to see how he gels with a WR room consisting of Javon Tracy, Cade McDonald, Reggie Virgil, and a few others who look to prevent a drop off from last years group that either graduated or transferred out. When you have a QB in Gabbert who is a veteran who has been in this team and embodies the culture of the team he can guide and inexperienced WR group and bring them up to beat before their first game. Having a veteran O-line with a running back who can be a workhorse in the passing game and run game in Kenny Tracy will open up the pass game as I expect Tracy to be a 1,000 yard rusher. The Offense line has four returning starters, when the Offensive line is the best overall unit on your squad with overwhelming talent all around that’s usually a good sign. The defense has fewer returning starters than the offense but looks to be a group that can be solid and keep them in games when they need it most. The front seven looks secure with Hilton, Salopek, Ty Wise, and Brian Ugwu leading the way.
Prediction
My last review was kind to NIU saying they will be the second best team in the MAC with a golden opportunity to win it all. Miami will be the team in their way looking to not just win the MAC but give themselves a chance to make the playoffs. Their first three games include away at Northwestern, home vs Cincinnati, and away at Notre Dame. I realistically could see Miami beating Northwestern and having extra motivation against Cincinnati due to them discontinuing the Rivalry game. I could see Miami fighting with Notre Dame but a win is hard to come by at Notre Dame for group five teams. I have Miami with the best record in the MAC with nine wins with an opportunity for 11 if Gabbert can stay healthy. I have NIU winning the MAC championship but could see the RedHawks being the ones to repeat as champions and waiting to see if they snag the group of five playoff spots if the chips align. It is a reach for a MAC team to get to the playoffs, if any team can do it, it is the RedHawks
