RedHawks offense showing promise

Squad shows some life in running game; offense able to keep defense off balance most of the day.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 8:11 AM Monday, August 23, 2010

OXFORD — The summer got a little more cheerful for the offensive side of Miami University’s football team Saturday, Aug. 21.

Sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert threw two early touchdown passes, and the running backs showed up in a big way during the Pigskin Scrimmage at Yager Stadium.

The RedHawks’ first- and second-string units alternated series of plays for an hour, and although it was not a perfect day for a Miami offense that lost the ball four times on fumbles and interceptions, it was an improvement.

“It was good to see us move the ball this time, up and down with the running game, which kind of opened up the passing game,” said senior wide receiver Armand Robinson, who caught a 36-yard touchdown pass on the first team’s second possession.

Junior wideout Chris Givens had a 3-yard touchdown catch on the third possession following a 17-yard strike from Dysert to junior newcomer DeMarco Paine.

More significantly, however, sophomore tailback Danny Green gained 23 yards on a toss from Dysert on the first touchdown drive, and later Green and senior tailback Thomas Merriweather teamed for three straight gains of at least 10 yards. Not bad for a backfield that ranked next-to-last in the nation in moving the football in 2009.

“The offense played a lot better today,” Miami head coach Michael Haywood said.

But as he pointed out, head coaches never win in a scrimmage. A good day for the offense translates into a not-so-good day for the defense.

“The defense has totally dominated camp, and today we didn’t dominate like we normally have,” Haywood said.

“I really got on the (first-string defense),” he added. “We weren’t dangerous up front today, and we have to be dangerous every time we step out on the field. Before we can turn Miami back to the historic tradition Miami has always had, we have to become a dangerous, relentless team.”

One of the defenders who got an earful was junior linebacker Jerrell Wedge, who led the Mid-American Conference in tackles for loss last fall.

“At the beginning we were a little confused by their motion,” Wedge said.

But again, what was bad for the RedHawks on one side of the ball was good for those on the other side.

Haywood said offensive coordinator Morris Watts “did a tremendous job in getting the defense off balance. With the play-action passes, we were able to cut the defense and run the ball a little bit better than we have all through the camp.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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