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Defense has led Miami's three-game win streak
After allowing 41 or more points to three teams, the RedHawks gave up 41 total points in 3 weeks.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
OXFORD — Miami University football coach Shane Montgomery can only hope that his RedHawks can play Temple this weekend — or any other team on any other weekend — the same way they played Bowling Green last Saturday.
"I felt like without a doubt we played our most complete game of the year in all three phases," Montgomery said of his team's 47-14 victory over the Falcons.
Extras
The RedHawks will shoot for their fourth straight win Saturday afternoon on the road when they take on the improved Owls, winners of two in a row themselves.
Of the three phases to which Montgomery referred (offense, defense and special teams), Miami's defense has had the biggest turnaround.
In back-to-back games against Cincinnati and Colorado, the RedHawks allowed an average of 44.5 points. In the three ensuing weeks, they have allowed 13.7.
"Defensively, we came out and made a statement early (against Bowling Green)," Montgomery said. "It was important that our defense stop them.
The Falcons had returned the opening kickoff 56 yards to the Miami 38, so the RedHawks defenders found themselves in an all-too-familiar tight spot immediately.
But they took immediate action. Defensive ends Jordan Stevens and Joe Coniglio sacked quarterback Tyler Sheehan for a 14-yard loss.
The Falcons never recovered. By the time they were that close to the Miami goal line again, they were down 23-0.
Three big defensive plays during that span were fumbles on back-to-back possessions (forced by Joey Hudson and Wendell Brunson) and Ryan Kennedy's blocked punt, which resulted in a safety.
"Defensively, the key was getting a rush on (Sheehan), putting pressure on him in the pocket, making him get rid of the ball early," Montgomery said.
Again, the difference between Miami's last three games and the previous two is remarkable.
In the losses to UC and Colorado, the RedHawks had a total of one sack. In the three games since, they've had 13.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
Next game
Who: Miami RedHawks (4-3, 2-0 MAC East) at Temple Owls (2-5, 1-2 MAC East)
When: Noon Saturday
Radio: WONE-AM (980)
TV: ESPN Regional
