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Tuesday, September 02, 2008
OXFORD — It wasn't the kind of performance Daniel Raudabaugh would brag about, and Miami University coach Shane Montgomery conceded that in last week's 34-13 loss to Vanderbilt his junior quarterback "didn't have a great game statistically."
But Montgomery added that Raudabaugh wasn't as bad as the statistics indicated (he completed less than 50 percent of his passes, 19-of-41, and tied a personal high with three interceptions).
"His first interception was a tipped pass that really wasn't his fault," the Miami coach pointed out, "and his second interception was a long pass and we were trying to see if (wide receiver) Dustin Woods could run under it.
"There were a couple balls he missed, but I think his decision-making was pretty good," Montgomery added.
In short, Montgomery sees no reason to change quarterbacks. Raudabaugh will be the starter when the RedHawks take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 6.
"There is no thought of starting Clay Belton this week," Montgomery said. "Daniel is our quarterback."
Belton, a red-shirt freshman, and Raudabaugh were locked in a tight competition this spring and summer for the starting job.
"I liked (Raudabaugh's) demeanor on the sideline," Montgomery said. "He tried to pick the guys up. He handled that situation a little better than he would have last year."
The Miami coach added that he did consider using Belton in the fourth quarter against Vanderbilt.
"I was thinking about putting him in if there were four or five minutes left," Montgomery said, explaining that it would have given Belton valuable game experience. "But I didn't want to put him in with under two minutes left."
Unfortunately for Belton, there was just 1:30 remaining on a clock when Miami took possession of the ball for the final time.
There were 45 passing plays called against Vanderbilt, which put Raudabaugh in a "difficult position," Montgomery said. "We can't put everything on his shoulders."
The angry Wolverines
Montgomery said the Wolverines' 25-23 loss at home to Utah on Saturday, Aug. 29 should not have an effect on Miami's game against Michigan.
"(Michigan) is a team a lot like us," he said. "They'll want to see a lot of improvement from Game 1 to Game 2."
It was suggested that the RedHawks would have preferred the Wolverines to win their opener.
"We talked about it as a staff," Montgomery said. "Would you rather see Michigan win? I don't think it matters ... We've just got to go up there and play better and take care of ourselves."
Saturday's game
Who: Miami (0-1) at Michigan (0-1)
When: Noon
Radio: WMOH-AM (1450), WPFB-FM (105.9)
TV: ESPN
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
