Miami University of Ohio

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

• Run/Pass %: 46/54
• Run/Pass Attempts: 438/503
• Points Per Game: 21.6
• Points Allowed Per Game: 23.2

Key Returning Players:
• Zac Dysert, QB: All-conference in 2010 with over 2400 yards passing and 13 TDs in 2010. Should be able to step forward and become a great player for the RedHawks and give them the chance to go bowling again in 2011.
• Nick Harwell, WR: Part of the all freshman team in the MAC in 2010 with over 800 yards receiving and 6 TDs. Now that he is the #1 pass catcher he must keep improving and hit the 1000 yard mark in 2011.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Sean Breard, LB: This 3 star LB out of Texas is tall but a bit on the light side and may see his future on the other side of the ball. If he does stay at LB, he will need to put on some weight but does have the ability to make plays on the field.
• Timothy Jackson, LB: The other 3 star LB in this class is a little shorter than Breard but is more compact and a better fit at the LB spot. He could be the type to end up in the MLB spot in the 4-3 defense and entrench himself for years to come.

Overall Assessment:
Many people thought that Miami of Ohio’s bowl season was a work of smoke and mirrors as evidenced by the -1.6 average point differential while still winning 10 games. That does not happen very often and it may have been a blip on the radar but the RedHawks get a chance to prove the doubters wrong in 2011. Offensively, the passing game looked very good at some points and should produce very good numbers again this season. Defensively, they made plays and forced turnovers in 2010 putting the team in a good situation throughout the season. Best case scenario is another magical season with another good bowl berth and some more love on the national stage. Worst case scenario is losing some of the games that were toss ups in 2010 and possibly ending the season with a losing record. Time will tell whether the mass exodus of the coaching staff can be overcome and another good season produced.