Two teams try to turn their seasons around against one another in Oxford this weekend.
UMass’ 41-28 loss to Miami (OH) last year was one of multiple competitive losses to quality MAC teams. The Minutemen fought hard, but a legendary 273-yard game by Gage Lavardain was simply too much for UMass to overcome. This year, Miami (OH) is off to a rough start after facing a grueling Power Five gauntlet while UMass attempts to build momentum after its first win. Will the Minutemen send the Redhawks bowl hopes reeling before they start MAC play?
Game notes
- Time and date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Location: Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio
- Viewing options: The game will be available exclusively on ESPN+. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Doug Sherman (play-by-play) and Forrest Conoly (color) will provide the commentary.
- Radio options: Steve Baker (play-by-play) and Terry Bridge (color) will provide the Miami call for WMOH-AM 1450. For UMass, Jay Burnham (play-by-play) and Matt Goldstein (color) will provide the call for WCRN-AM 830.
- Gambling considerations: Miami is a 17.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 44.5, per DraftKings.
- All-time series: Miami leads the all-time series 4-1. The last contest between the two was conducted on Sept. 10, 2023, when the RedHawks rolled over the Minutemen in a weather-affected game by a final score of 41-28.
Miami has been mostly competitive against their Power Five opponents, with the 28-3 loss to Notre Dame being the exception. Yet, even that score was closer than it seemed. Miami’s defense is its anchor. The Redhawks’ defense kept an underwhelming offense in its first three games, allowing just 22 points per game to a slate including Northwestern, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.
However, Miami’s opponents have certainly found success on the ground in their first three games. The RedHawks allow an average of 211 yards per contest through three games. Their ability to defend the quarterback run is of particular concern; not only did Riley Leonard run for 143 yards on 12 carries, Mike Wright of Northwestern cruised to an efficient 65 yards on nine carries. UMass’ Taisun Phommachanh could have a field day against the struggling Minutemen front seven.
Arguably, the most intriguing matchup is Miami’s offense against UMass’ defense. The Redhawks offense struggles as Brett Gabbert continues to regain control of the offense after returning from his season-ending injury. Gabbert has five interceptions and only two touchdowns. However, the UMass secondary is prone to giving up big plays in the passing game. The Minutemen have allowed 10 passes of over 30 yards so far this season, including a 56-yard catch against Central Connecticut State and a 73-yard bomb against Toledo. Miami can use the deep passing game to open holes for a struggling run game averaging 58 yards per game.
Additionally, UMass must improve its special teams— especially against a Miami special teams unit which has traditionally been one of the best in the country over the past few seasons.
Opponents took advantage of lapses in UMass’ kick coverage for short fields and even touchdowns in the Minutemen’s first three games. The margin for error for UMass to beat Miami is low, so the Minutemen must improve its kick coverage.
After suffering a trio of Power Five losses, Miami needs a win to make its bowl pursuit less stressful before MAC play. The RedHawks have a potential reprieve against a struggling, but improving UMass team.
The Minutemen’s strengths match Miami’s weaknesses well. A win against a MAC title contender is evidence of improvement in head coach Don Brown’s third season. If the Minutemen complete the upset, they can mark their arrival in the MAC ahead of next season’s return, while Miami could be in panic mode.