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Montgomery: UC is a solid team
Thursday, September 18, 2008
OXFORD — If the University of Cincinnati Bearcats have a weakness, it has eluded Miami University coach Shane Montgomery.
"They're a fine football team, really solid in all three phases," said Montgomery, looming ahead to the 113th edition of the annual rivalry game Saturday, Sept. 20. "They have a very explosive offense, one of the best defenses we'll face all year and an outstanding kicking game.
"We've got a challenge in all three phases and have got to come ready to play," he added.
So what about UC's 52-26 loss to Oklahoma on Sept. 6?
"Oklahoma was anything but a blowout," the Miami coach said, pointing out that the Bearcats trailed by only eight points midway through the third quarter before the Sooners erupted for 24 straight points.
Premier punters
If nothing else, the clash between the RedHawks and Bearcats will be a clinic on punting.
It could be argued the contest features the two best collegiate punters in the United States.
Miami senior Jake Richardson leads the nation with a punting average of 51.6 yards, a whopping 3.3 yards over second-place Chas Henry of Florida.
Cincinnati senior Kevin Huber, coming off a consensus All-American season in 2007, is seventh in punting average at 46.9, and his net punting average (which includes return yardage) is a remarkable 42.9 yards, the second-best mark in the nation.
Looking for a fast start
Miami has been outscored in the first quarter 27-3.
In other words, the RedHawks are fortunate to be 1-2.
"We've got to get off to a better start Saturday and not make so many mistakes," Montgomery said. "We've been a slow-starting team this year. We can't have that continue to happen, not for this game, not for the league. It's hard to win if you do that week after week."
Nathan Parseghian kicked a 37-yard field goal four minutes into the season opener against Vanderbilt. That's the last time Miami has scored in the first quarter.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197
or pconrad@coxohio.com.
