Scouting Miami

Scouting MIAMI (Ohio)

2010 Record: 4-4 (3-1 Mid-American Conference)

2009 Record: 1-11 (1-7 MAC)

Last Meeting:

Nov. 18, 2009

Buffalo 42, Miami 17

All-Time Series:

Miami leads Buffalo, 10-2

Three RedHawks to watch:

LB Evan Harris No. 30 – Harris has done a little bit of everything this season for the RedHawks. He leads the team in tackles with 54 (four-and-a-half for a loss). He has scored two defensive touchdowns and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions on the year. Harris is a big-time playmaker and will be a major focus for Buffalo offensive coordinator Greg Forest.

WR Nick Harwell No. 8 – Most defenses will focus on senior wide receiver Armand Robinson, and for good reason. He leads the team in receiving yards (614) and touchdowns (four) this season. But Harwell, a freshman, busted onto the scene last week against Ohio. He broke the RedHawks' single-game record for receiving yards with 219 yards on 11 catches. He gives sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert another weapon in an already potent offensive attack.

LT Brandon Brooks No. 56 – Brooks is making only his second career start for the RedHawks on Saturday. He was a part of an offensive effort that gained 332 yards against Ohio last week. He may be matched up against Bulls defensive end Steven Means, and this will be a key matchup to keep an eye on throughout the game.

The Bulls will win if…They find a way to move the ball. Alex Zordich must work to sustain drives and get his receivers involved in the game early and often. The Bulls have only scored three points in the first quarter of games this season. Getting off to a quick start against Miami will be important for the Bulls to start building some confidence.

The RedHawks will win if…The Bulls continue to make mistakes offensively. Dysert is too good to be given extra opportunities. If the Bulls have to defend Miami repeatedly on a short field, expect this game to look a lot like last week's game against Temple.

PREDICTIONS

The game will come down to which quarterback plays better. The Bulls defense has the ability to keep the team in the game, but if Zordich can't find a way to get Buffalo into the end zone, Buffalo has no chance.

I think Quinn will find a way to get something going early because of how unsuccessful he has recently been at the beginning of games. I don't think it will be enough, however, and I think Miami will be too much for the Bulls in a close game.

RedHawks – 21

Bulls – 17

This will be an even matchup between two young teams that are both coming off of losses. The Bulls have won the last two meetings between the teams and will have an added home field advantage.

However, I don't think the offense will be able to operate successfully against a RedHawk defense that looks to create turnovers. This will lead to the Bulls defense wearing out toward the end of the game.

RedHawks – 28

Bulls - 7