Miami of Ohio slipped back after capturing the MAC Title in 2010. They stumbled to a nasty 4-8 mark last year and they went 3-5 in league games. They lost their final 3 games of the season by a total of 13 points versus excellent opponents. Their disappointing finish actually failed to do first-season head coach Don Treadwell any favours as he currently has a large amount of pressure to show that last season's mark was an abnormality.
Treadwell and the team are prepared to redeem themselves this season though, as they've got one of the most experienced teams in the league. Miami has 16 starters and 49 returning lettermen this season.
Offense
Miami put up 21.3 points and 373 total yards/game last year. Their respectable yardage total was nullified last year because of a turnover differential that was -4 for the year. With 9 returning starters on offense, they've an glorious likelihood of becoming one of the greatest units in the conference.
Senior QB Zac Dysert returns after connecting on 65.8% of his attempts for 3,513 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 picks last season. Dysert could make history this year as he only has to throw for 2,329 yards to pass Ben Roethlisberger's team record for passing yards in a career. He'll most definitely attain that achievement provided he stays healthy.
The Redhawks only ran for a pathetic 74 rushing yards/game and 2.4/carry last year. Their top two rushers were Erik Finklea and Justin Semmes. Both Semmes and Finklea returns this year and Semmes has an opportunity to truly contribute as he's expected to be completely healthy and be their featured back in 2012.
The receiving corps returns first-team All-MAC WR Nick Harwell, who is possibly the top guy at his position in the whole conference. The Redhawks do lose Chris Givens, but they bring back sophomore WR Dawan Scott and senior WR Andy Cruse. This will be one of the league's best groups.
Miami was 119 in the FBS in sacks given up with 47 last year. With four starters and 88 career starts coming back along the offensive line, this unit should be much better. But they do lose their top guy in second-team All-MAC RG Brandon Brooks, who left for the NFL. They have returning starters senior C Joseph Williams, sophomore LG Marcus Matthews, sophomore RT Zach Lewis and senior LT Brad Bednar to fall back on.
Defense
The Redhawks defense was the high point of their season as they allowed just 22.9 points and 364 total yards/game last season. With 7 returning starters in this side of the ball, they have an glorious opportunity to match last season's production. They lose their best three tacklers, though.
The Redhawks are poised to post their best production against the run with a vet defensive line that brings back three starters. These 3 starters are senior DE Jason Semmes, senior DT Austin Brown and senior DT Mike Johns. Junior DE West Williams also returns after taking a medical redshirt last year.
The linebacker unit is where they have their biggest issue moving forward as they lose their 2 and 3 tacklers in Jemell Wedge and Ryan Kennedy. Senior Pat HInkel moves from SS to SLB to help fill one of the voids. Also returning is senior MLB Evan Harris and senior WLB Jaytee Swanson.
The Redhawks were phenomenal against the pass last season as they permitted 58.1 % completions and 195 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. With six of their top 8 back in the pass defense, they shouldn't have any problem matching last season's impressive numbers. They lose their leading tackler in SS Anthony Kokal, but first-team All-MAC CB Dayonne Nunley and senior CB DJ Brown return to lead the secondary.
MAC East Prediction - 2nd
The Redhawks appears like they have become the forgotten team who can win the MAC East this year. They are certainly flying under the radar after their disheartening showing last year. They return one of the most accomplished and experienced squads in the league. They have also got a very expedient schedule as they avoid 3 of the best teams in the West in Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo. The Redhawks also get Ohio at home, which is the projected winner in the East.
Treadwell and the team are prepared to redeem themselves this season though, as they've got one of the most experienced teams in the league. Miami has 16 starters and 49 returning lettermen this season.
Offense
Miami put up 21.3 points and 373 total yards/game last year. Their respectable yardage total was nullified last year because of a turnover differential that was -4 for the year. With 9 returning starters on offense, they've an glorious likelihood of becoming one of the greatest units in the conference.
Senior QB Zac Dysert returns after connecting on 65.8% of his attempts for 3,513 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 picks last season. Dysert could make history this year as he only has to throw for 2,329 yards to pass Ben Roethlisberger's team record for passing yards in a career. He'll most definitely attain that achievement provided he stays healthy.
The Redhawks only ran for a pathetic 74 rushing yards/game and 2.4/carry last year. Their top two rushers were Erik Finklea and Justin Semmes. Both Semmes and Finklea returns this year and Semmes has an opportunity to truly contribute as he's expected to be completely healthy and be their featured back in 2012.
The receiving corps returns first-team All-MAC WR Nick Harwell, who is possibly the top guy at his position in the whole conference. The Redhawks do lose Chris Givens, but they bring back sophomore WR Dawan Scott and senior WR Andy Cruse. This will be one of the league's best groups.
Miami was 119 in the FBS in sacks given up with 47 last year. With four starters and 88 career starts coming back along the offensive line, this unit should be much better. But they do lose their top guy in second-team All-MAC RG Brandon Brooks, who left for the NFL. They have returning starters senior C Joseph Williams, sophomore LG Marcus Matthews, sophomore RT Zach Lewis and senior LT Brad Bednar to fall back on.
Defense
The Redhawks defense was the high point of their season as they allowed just 22.9 points and 364 total yards/game last season. With 7 returning starters in this side of the ball, they have an glorious opportunity to match last season's production. They lose their best three tacklers, though.
The Redhawks are poised to post their best production against the run with a vet defensive line that brings back three starters. These 3 starters are senior DE Jason Semmes, senior DT Austin Brown and senior DT Mike Johns. Junior DE West Williams also returns after taking a medical redshirt last year.
The linebacker unit is where they have their biggest issue moving forward as they lose their 2 and 3 tacklers in Jemell Wedge and Ryan Kennedy. Senior Pat HInkel moves from SS to SLB to help fill one of the voids. Also returning is senior MLB Evan Harris and senior WLB Jaytee Swanson.
The Redhawks were phenomenal against the pass last season as they permitted 58.1 % completions and 195 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. With six of their top 8 back in the pass defense, they shouldn't have any problem matching last season's impressive numbers. They lose their leading tackler in SS Anthony Kokal, but first-team All-MAC CB Dayonne Nunley and senior CB DJ Brown return to lead the secondary.
MAC East Prediction - 2nd
The Redhawks appears like they have become the forgotten team who can win the MAC East this year. They are certainly flying under the radar after their disheartening showing last year. They return one of the most accomplished and experienced squads in the league. They have also got a very expedient schedule as they avoid 3 of the best teams in the West in Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo. The Redhawks also get Ohio at home, which is the projected winner in the East.
About the Author:
Jack Jones offers predictions on all of the schools over at his site BetFirms Sports Picks.