NCAA Football Preview - Miami-Ohio RedHawks

Aug 24, 2011 - 5:32 PM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - 2010 SEASON IN REVIEW: It wasn't pretty at times, and it certainly wasn't easy, but the RedHawks played well for most of the season and walked away with the MAC title. It was one of the most amazing turnarounds in recent memory, as Miami-Ohio went from a meager 1-11 squad in 2009 to a 10-4 conference champion team in 2010.

The RedHawks started the season with a 2-2 mark. Their victories over Eastern Michigan and Colorado State were sandwiched between two road setbacks to Florida and Kansas State.

Miami-Ohio reeled off a six-point win over Kent State, but that was followed by another tough non-conference loss, as Cincinnati punished the RedHawks by 42 points. Inconsistency in terms of the final result continued over the next two matchups, as Miami-Ohio defeated Central Michigan by seven, and followed that with a loss to Ohio. Through four MAC contests the RedHawks were 3-1, with all three victories coming by seven points or less.

Miami-Ohio's ability to win close games continued over the next few weeks, as the RedHawks defeated Buffalo, Bowling Green and Akron all on the road by a combined 20-point margin. Miami-Ohio clinched the East Division title with an easier than expected win over Temple, 23-3.

Northern Illinois dominated the MAC throughout the season and the RedHawks were supposed to be the next team to be rolled over by the Huskies, who finished the regular season flawless in conference action. However, once again the RedHawks managed to grab a slim decision, as they defeated NIU, 26-21.

The RedHawks claimed their sixth straight win when they defeated Middle Tennessee in the GoDaddy.com Bowl. It was the first bowl win since 2003 for the RedHawks and their first winning season since 2005. The amazing turnaround earned coach Haywood the job at Pittsburgh, but off the field issues led to his immediate termination. Regardless the RedHawks ended the year on a high note and in search of a new coach.

2011 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: From 2006 to 2009 the RedHawks averaged less than 20.0 points per season, but last year the team broke through that barrier for a whopping 21.6 ppg. It is still a mediocre total, but new head coach Don Treadwell has eight returning starters and there is likely to be improvement in all areas.

The first thing coach Treadwell will need to figure out is the quarterback situation. Zac Dysert started the season for the RedHawks last year, but exited with a serious injury. In stepped Austin Boucher, who started the final four games and led the RedHawks to a win in the MAC Championship.

It would seem that Dysert will retain his starting spot, but there is a competition for the job, and Dysert is aware that can only make both signal callers better.

"We bring the best out of each other during practice," said Dysert about Boucher. "It is a little bit of a competition, but that's a good thing I think. The more competition the better performance you're gonna get. I'm gonna try harder when I know it's a competition. Austin gonna try harder."

Whoever earns the starting spot for coach Treadwell, he will be surrounded by talented players. Armand Robinson, the team's top receiver from a year ago is gone, but the RedHawks return Nick Harwell, who is ready to step in as the main target.

As a true freshman, Harwell finished second in receptions and yards for Miami- Ohio, while tying for the top spot with six touchdowns. His explosion on the scene in-conference earned him a spot on the All-MAC Second Team.

The RedHawks have averaged under 100 rushing yards per game three times in the last five years, so this is definitely an area of concern for coach Treadwell, especially with the team's top back from a year ago gone. The hope is that Tracy Woods can build off the experience he earned last year (376 yards).

DEFENSE: As mentioned earlier the RedHawks were not overwhelming offensively, and a big reason for the team claiming the title was because of the relentless effort and performance by the defensive unit. Unfortunately for the rest of the conference the majority of the unit is back for this season and coach Treadwell understands the importance a veteran, experienced defense brings to the table.

"Defensively you have a number of guys that are returning. That's exciting," said Treadwell. "And without question I can go as far back as you need to in Miami history. When you've had championship football teams the defense has always made a statement. So I am excited the fact to walk in and have eight or nine returning starters on defense and its a collective group and it played very well together."

The strength of this defense flows through the linebacker position. All three starters are back in the mix, including Jerrell Wedge, who led the team with 101 tackles and 11.5 TFLs. Wedge will once again be joined by Evan Harris (six interceptions) and CJ Mack (4.5 sacks). This trio is clearly one of the best in the conference.

Not to be outdone or overlooked is the defensive front, which possesses some athletic and physical players. Jason Semmes brings speed off the end, and should increase his sack total from last year's six. The reason he is likely to improve is because of the tandem at tackle in Jordain and Austin Brown.

Trying to keep up with the immense talent in the front seven is the defensive backfield, which also boasts some talented players, especially at corner. David "DJ" Brown had an impressive 13 PBUs last year, while Dayonne Nunley finished tied for the top spot on the team with six interceptions and he was only a true freshman.

SPECIAL TEAMS: If there is a weak spot for the 2011 RedHawks it is this unit, which has to replace a kicker and find some type of explosiveness in the return game. As of now Mason Krysinski will likely be the team's kicker. He was supposed to be redshirted last year, but was needed against Buffalo, where he was perfect on three extra point attempts.

Last year DeMarco Paine was the main returner for punts and kick offs, but he did not overwhelm the opposition with electric speed. However, backup running back Danny Green did average over 20 yards per kick return in just 10 chances, so coach Treadwell might lean on him more in 2011.

OUTLOOK: Last year was not suppose to be the year of the RedHawks, but they shocked the MAC world by claiming the title, and now in 2011 the team is older, more experienced and confident. The offense will likely be mediocre once again, but still slightly better than a year ago. However, what will determine if Miami-Ohio reaches the MAC title game again will be the performance of the defense, which should only be better this year.

In terms of the schedule the team does have a tough road slate. Miami-Ohio opens the year on the road against Missouri and Minnesota, and also will have to face the two biggest threats in the East Division in Temple and Ohio, outside of Oxford.

However, coach Treadwell is well studied in the Mid-American Conference. A former player for Miami-Ohio and coach, Treadwell is back after spending time in the Big Ten and should definitely be capable of leading this team through a strong conference.