The 2017 Miami (Ohio) Redhawks have their sites set on back to back postseason appearances. Furthermore, the momentous Redhawks will be looking to lay claim to the MAC Conference’s East crown.
The Redhawks finished off their regular season campaign riding a six game winning streak. For their efforts, they were rewarded a bowl appearance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Miami (Ohio) is aiming for a repeat performance of the second half of the year, minus the embarrassing 0-6 start.
It is safe to say that head coach Chuck Martin could easily adapt the mantra of “In Gus We Trust.” I know I sure did, along with my partner in crime EJ the Rainmaker at getmoresports.com.
Once we seen what Mr. Gus Ragland was laying down, we capitalized by taking Miami (Ohio) to cover for the rest of the season. Gus and the newly energized Redhawks rewarded us by going 7-0 against the spread. Not to mention they contributed nicely to the fattening of our wallets.
Offense
A key injury to starting quarterback Billy Bahl against the Ohio Bobcats set the stage for backup Gus Ragland to take over the sinking ship. Six straight wins later, Mr. Ragland left no question as to who the Redhawks will look to lead their team into the 2017 NCAA College Football season.
After taking over the starting spot in week seven, Gus Ragland went on to put up some impressive numbers. The replacement wonder responded by throwing for for over 1,500 yards. Okay, not impressed? Well even though he only averaged about 220 yards per game, he threw for 17 touchdowns with only one pick. Oh by the way, that interception came in the St. Petersburg Bowl to a feisty Mississippi State defense.
Now, Miami (Ohio) should have one of the league’s best attacks, with Gus Ragland working behind a line that returns four of its five starters. In addition to the protection up front, all of the top running backs return and three of the top four receivers too boot.
Gus Ragland’s top two targets will be Jared Murphy and James Gardner with tight end Ryan Murphy also running up the field. Last year, Gardner reeled in 45 balls for over 750 yards and six scores. Hudson was right behind with 43 catches, another 550 yards and five more scores. Lastly, Murphy was as equally impressive catching 33 passes and reaching pay dirt another five times.
Conversely, Miami (Ohio) struggled to keep their offense balanced by running the football effectively. The bottom line is that the running game needs to carry its own weight.
In 2016, the Redhawks only ran for 1,556 yards and seven scores, hitting the 200-yard mark three times. In fact, it failed to run for 200 yards in a 35-game stretch from 2012 to 2014. It should be noted that tail backs Maurice Thomas (709 ypg), Kenny Young (557 ypg) and Alonzo Smith produced four 200 yard games after the emergence of Gus Ragland under center.
Defense
The Miami (Ohio) defense could be described as solid against opposing teams Ariel attacks and not very good against the run. Also, the front four had troubles getting pressure on quarterbacks.
Basically, if the Redhawks produced a play in the other squad’s backfield, it was usually Austin Gearing and Zach Smierciak getting the stop. Unfortunately, Gearing has taken his talents to the big leagues and Smierciak was handed his walking papers by the university for his behavior.
Things on the defensive side of the football are anything but bleak though. The other nine starters return. Led by corner back Heath Harding, part of a fantastic secondary, that gave up only 208 yards a game in 2016. Also, the 1-2 punch of Brad Koenig and De’Andre Montgomery at linebacker should be among the best in the league.
As long as Miami (Ohio) can stay positive in the takeaway department, the defense should fare just fine. Last season they finished out 24th in total yardage, 40th against the pass and 38th against the run.
Prediction
Head coach Chuck Martin has Miami (Ohio) on track to claim the MAC Conference East title. They closed 2016 with a bang. Consider this, since the NCAA dictated schools to start playing 12 games in 2006, no team had ever finished 6–6 after starting 0–6. And lets face it, their 17-16 St. Petersburg Bowl loss to Mississippi State almost felt like victory.
One thing is for sure in 2017, the Redhawks won’t be sneaking up on anybody. That being said, There’s no reason to believe Miami (Ohio) will take a step backwards this season. The Redhawks have 16 starters returning to play. I say this group will restore the program that once was the best of the MAC.
Odds gurus have Miami (Ohio) at 13 to 2 (+650) to win the MAC Conference title. I love those odds and will be playing them as soon as I’m done writing this piece. Line setters also have their team total at eight.
So Las Vegas is giving them a great chance to play in the title game, or at worst be 8-4. But not a better chance than Toledo or a revamped Western Michigan team. I’m not buying it one bit. Until proven otherwise, in Gus we trust.
Schedule
9-2 @ Marshall
9-9 vs. Austin Peay
9-18 vs. Cincinnati
9-23 @ Central Michigan
9-30 @ Notre Dame
10-7 vs. Bowling Green
10-14 @ Kent State
10-21 vs. Buffalo
10-31 @ Ohio
11-7 vs. Akron
11-15 vs. Eastern Michigan
11-21 @ Ball State
The getmoresports.com NCAA College Football Throwdown Podcast will be returning to the air on August 24th. We will be highlighting the first five games on August 26th of the 2017 NCAA College Football season. That will be the first of three installments leading into the first week of the season. We also we will be covering our expectations for the Heisman Trophy front runners as well as predictions for conference winners and team totals.
Our second NCAA College Football Throwdown is penciled in for August 29th. In that installment, we will discussing all the games that will be played on August 31st and the 1st of September.
Our third segment will officially be airing on August 31st. In this addition of the NCAA College Football Throwdown, we will be covering all the relevant games for Sept 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Keeping with tradition, EJ the Rainmaker and Erik the Hun will give their predictions for the contests. On top of that, we will be providing our dog play of the podcast as well as cash money plays for the week. Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow
