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Sports TwitterMiami ready for UC's 'D'
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
OXFORD — One of the interesting matchups in the upcoming rivalry game between Miami University and the University of Cincinnati, according to RedHawks coach Shane Montgomery, is his offensive line against UC's front seven on defense.
It's a Bearcat defense the RedHawks know all too well.
Miami was limited to a touchdown and a field goal in its 24-10 loss in 2006, and the RedHawks did no better last year in a 47-10 blowout loss.
Unfortunately for Miami, it's a defense that hasn't changed.
"I don't know if we'll see much different that we've seen from them," Montgomery said late Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 16, at his weekly press conference. "They have nine starters coming back."
On the plus side for the RedHawks, Montgomery liked what he saw from a slightly revamped Miami offensive line in the 38-27 victory over Charleston Southern at Yager Stadium on Sept. 13.
"I thought our offensive line played pretty well Saturday," the Miami coach said. "We did a decent job of running the ball. And we saw a ton of blitzes and a ton of looks and did not give up a sack, which is pretty good."
Last week, Montgomery shifted starting left tackle Steve Sutter to right tackle to replace Bob Gulley, who had suffered a shin injury in the loss at Michigan the week before. Dave DiFranco moved from left guard to left tackle to replace Sutter, and Nate Williams made his first collegiate start at left guard.
Only center Josh Satterthwait and right guard Brandon Brooks remained at their original positions.
The RedHawks are likely to go with the same lineup Saturday.
"Bob Gulley feels a little better," Montgomery said. "But I would be surprised if he's able to play."
The RedHawks enjoyed their best offensive performance of the season against Charleston Southern. Their 27 points more than doubled their total of 19 points scored in the first two games, and they finished with 407 yards of total offense, including 305 passing yards from Daniel Raudabaugh.
Montgomery said Raudabaugh remains his starter, and although he wants to see redshirt freshman Clay Belton get more playing time, he doesn't know if that will happen against UC.
