The RedHawks took an early 17-0 lead and led, 27-14, going into the fourth quarter, but they still needed a time-consuming last possession to hold off Kent State for a 27-24 Homecoming win.
“We were 0-1,” ninth-year Miami coach Chuck Martin said. “We’d lost to an East opponent. If we want to win the division, we’ve got to win this game. Now, we’re 1-1 and we have a chance to play another week.
“I’m really proud,” he added. “In 31 years, I’m as proud of this as much as any.”
Quarterback Aveon Smith completed a 16-yard, fourth-down pass to tight end Jack Coldiron to keep alive the drive, which started on the 15-yar line after two penalties. Smith sprung free for a 31-yard run to get the RedHawks out of that hole. Miami maintained possession the rest of the way.
“We dug a hole,” said Smith, who finished 9-of-14 for 179 yards with one interception and gained 71 yards on 10 carries. “We went deep. I said in the huddle, ‘Stay calm. I’ll get us out of this. Just block.’
“I was excited. I was happy he let us go for it. You know how much he loves defense.”
“I thought we would get more on third down,” Martin said about going for the first down instead of trying a field goal on fourth-and-6 from the Kent State 28. “I thought we’d get it on third down. We only have so many bullets in the gun. I kind of felt like the offense was rolling a little better than the defense at that point. It just felt good. If we make it, it’s only a six-point lead. It ended up being perfect.”
Running back Tyre Shelton scored two touchdowns and sophomore kicker Graham Nicholson kicked two field goals of 49 and 45 yards to help Miami improve to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the MAC East.
The RedHawks are scheduled to meet Eastrival Bowling Green at Bowling Green on Saturday at noon. The Falcons slipped to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the MAC with a 38-7 home loss to Buffalo on Saturday. The Bulls, who edged Miami, 24-20, in Buffalo on Oct. 1, improved to 3-3 and 3-0.
“It was a hard week coming off the loss,” Martin said. “There was a ton of pressure.”
Kent State quarterback Collin Schlee was 23-of-40 for 306 yards and three touchdowns while operating the fast-paced Golden Flashes offense.
“All week, we focused on controlling our own destiny,” said Miami linebacker Matt Salopek, who had nine tackles, including a career-high two sacks. “We came in on Sunday and fixed what needed to be fixed and came out and executed the game plan.”
Miami scored on three straight possessions to open up a 17-point first quarter lead. Defensive back Michael Dowell recovered a fumbled punt return at Kent State’s 31-yard line and Nicholson capitalized with a 49-yard field goal with 6:34 left in the first quarter.
“That was a huge play in the game,” Martin said. “I know it was only the first half, but the less possessions you give these cats, the better your chances of beating them.”
Smith and wide receiver Myles Marshall connected on a 76-yard pass that set up Shelton’s 2-yard touchdown run with 5:07 left in the quarter.
Running back Kevin Davis scored on a 41-yard run with 1:58 left in the quarter. Davis finished with a career-high 72 yards on eight carries.
Smith found Coldiron wide open along the left sideline for a 41-yard pass down to the 3-yard line. Shelton stretched the ball across the goal line from there for his first career multi-touchdown game.ter a play-action fake.
Kent State responded with an 83-yard, nine-play drive, overcoming penalties on consecutive plays with Schlee’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Walker.
SATURDAY’S GAME
Miami at Bowling Green, Noon, ESPN+, 980, 1450
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