Boyd Stadium

Boyd Stadium

Boyd Stadium

Miami (OH) 2010 College Football Predictions

The Miami (OH) Redhawks have had their fair share of big name coaches come through the program. Woody Hayes, Ara Parseghian and Bo Schembechler are just a few. Mike Haywood is the current head coach and got off to a rough start winning only one game in his inaugural season. It was a frustrating year on many fronts, but 19 starters return and Haywood is optimistic his team will turn things around. View the full conference breakdown in our 2010 MAC football predictions article.

The Redhawks didn't have much fun on offense in 2009 as they struggled to move the ball on a consistent basis averaging 15.6 points/game. Much of their 344 yards of total offense came in the waning moments of blowout losses. True freshman QB Zac Dysert was inserted as the starting quarterback in the third game and showed flashes of very good play last year. He finished with just over 2600 yards passing and 12 touchdowns, but must cut down on the 16 interceptions thrown. A lot was placed on Dysert's shoulders due to the lack of a running game. Miami (OH) managed just 70 yards/game on the ground and did not have a runner gain more than 300 total yards. It was a pathetic effort from an offensive line that also allowed 58 sacks. RB Thomas Merriweather is the top returning rusher, but don't be surprised if Roman Lawson is the starter at Florida. Lawson is the more talented of the two, but both will likely struggle again to find holes behind a suspect line that returns all five starters. One area coaches are optimistic about is at receiver. Senior Armand Robinson snagged 67 passes for 788 yards a year ago. He will team once again with Jamal Rogers (54 catches) to form a productive duo on the outside of the offense. Much of their production will depend on how much progress Dysert has made from year one to two. This should be a much more respectable offense this season.

Live odds are available all season long at Locksmith Sports Picks. Our top handicappers provide expert football picks to help you build a bankroll and beat the books!

The lone bright spot for the Redhawks last year was their pass defense. They held opponents to 190 yards/game through the air and return three starters in the secondary. Opponents still averaged 34.2 points/game, however, mainly due to the fact that this team was an outrageous -24 in turnover differential. The defensive line was dominated up front and allowed 187 yards rushing per game. Ten players saw action in the front four due to a rash of injuries. Defensive coordinator Carl Reese was forced to play true freshman that could have benefited from a redshirt season. Miami's best defensive player is middle linebacker Jerrell Wedge. His sophomore season was one to remember with 114 total tackles including 18.5 that resulted in a loss. He has solidified himself as one of the top players at his position in the conference. All three starting linebackers are back. FS Anthony Kokal finished second on the team in tackles with 105 stops and is the backbone of a talented secondary. Brandon Stephens was a 3rd team all conference selection and is the best corner the Redhawks have to offer. I expect improved play out of this bunch as a whole.

Miami (OH) will open their 2010 season on the road at Florida. The Redhawks won the last meeting 16-7 back in 1973 and the Gators will be out for revenge. Colorado State, Missouri and Cincinnati round out the non conference slate. Conference play begins on Sept. 11th with a home game vs. Eastern Michigan. Their first two conference games will be played at Fred C Yager Stadium. After a homecoming game vs. Ohio on Oct 23rd, the Redhawks hit the road for three consecutive weeks against quality opponents. I will call for a 4-8 finish.

About the Author

If you want winning NFL picks to help you cash in over the NFL odds, sign up for a premium subscription today.