UMass gives Miami their best punches, but the RedHawks take advantage of a miscue to deliver the final blow.
UMass had arguably its most complete performance of the season. The offense, especially the run game, moved the ball methodically down the field. Taisun Phommachanh and Jakobie Keeney-James connected for multiple big plays. The pass defense hardly gave up any big plays and only gave up 20 points in regulation.
However, special teams errors proved costly, and the Minutemen (1-3) fell short of a crucial win against the defending MAC champion Miami RedHawks (1-3), losing 23-20 in overtime in Oxford, Ohio.
The first half was back-and-forth, with UMass and Miami each trading a touchdown and a field goal in that order. The Miami run game came to life in the first half, accentuated by Keyon Mozee’s 27-yard touchdown run. Jakobie Keeney-James’ big play ability was on full display with a 64-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
In the second half, the RedHawk run game continued to find the success they lacked in the first three games of the season— but could only muster seven points in the second half. The Minutemen’s strong running game also shined, as UMass passed just once on 11 plays on their final drive of regulation to either win the game or send it to overtime.
Nonetheless, Miami stopped a crucial third-and-four play with under a minute left, forcing the Minutemen to settle for a field goal.
After a solid performance all game, including a red zone interception of Brett Gabbert, the UMass secondary was caught napping, allowing a string of short passes in the game’s last 40 seconds to allow the RedHawks to tie the game at 20 as the clock wound down to zero.
In overtime, the UMass offense faltered and special teams woes took center stage once again when Jacob Lurie missed a field goal in UMass’ first possession. Miami took advantage and won the game on a second big kick by Dom Dzioban.
UMass looks vastly improved from the team that lost by 14 against Eastern Michigan in the opening week. If the Minutemen can limit special teams errors and play a complete game in the secondary, they will be able to notch more wins against MAC foes this year. Jakobie Keeney-James showed he is a dangerous deep threat that defenses must keep tabs on with 150 yards on four catches. Still, a 9-of-22 statline through the air from Taisun Phommachanh will not do much to keep defenses honest when defending UMass’ methodical run game. Despite the clear progress, the losses are heartbreaking.
Miami showed great balance on offense, while its defense continued to show that it was the team’s strength. Keyon Mozee may have made himself the RedHawks’ feature back with an electric nine-carry, 114-yard performance against the Minutemen. In total, the RedHawks ran for 168 yards and nearly five yards per carry. Brett Gabbert limited his mistakes after five interceptions in three games, just throwing one pick against the Minutemen.
Next week, UMass looks to take advantage of an NIU squad coming off a physical game against NC State, while Miami has a crucial game against Toledo.