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Defense picks up where it left off
Saturday, April 26, 2008
OXFORD — For a unit that had four of its starters out of action, including all three linebackers, the Miami University defense was nothing short of remarkable during the spring game Friday, April 25.
In 21 total possessions, the RedHawk defenders allowed only one touchdown and three field goals.
Extras
"I was really impressed with how hard the defense played, with how we went out there and had fun," said senior linebacker Chris Shula, who led Miami with six solo tackles and finished with eight overall.
"Our defense picked up where it left off last year," Miami head coach Shane Montgomery said.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Alex Kaufman also was a standout, leading the RedHawks with 12 total tackles.
Another redshirt freshman linebacker, Scott Madsen, added eight tackles. So did sophomore defensive end Morris Council, including 2.5 for losses totaling 15 yards. Senior defensive end Joe Coniglio had two tackles for loss.
Not active for duty
A total of 20 RedHawks did not dress for the game. Among those held out were starting senior linebackers Clayton Mullins and Joey Hudson, and junior linebacker Caleb Bostic.
Other projected starters who were sidelined were junior wideout Dustin Woods, junior cornerback Jeff Thompson and senior punter Jacob Richardson.
Coaching debuts
Miami President David Hodge was the honorary head coach for the White team (defense), and board of trustees member Don Crain held the same role for the Red team (offense).
How it was scored
The scoring system for Miami's offense, in addition to the normal six points for a touchdown, three for a field goal and one for a point after touchdown, also awarded two points for a gain of 25 or more yards and one point for a first down.
Miami's defense received six points for each turnover, three points for a three-and-out, two points for a fourth-down stop or quarterback sack and one point each third-down stop.
The contest was played with a normal clock in the first half and a running clock for part of the second half.
