Miami Ohio University Athletics
Miami Football Faces Challenge of Defending MAC Title in 2004
7/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 13, 2004
In the ever-evolving game of college football, two things are certain: Change is inevitable and momentum is critical.
A year after adding a remarkable chapter to an already impressive Miami University football legacy, sixth-year head coach Terry Hoeppner and his defending Mid-American Conference champion RedHawks find themselves facing the challenges of sustaining the momentum of last season's 13-1 campaign and GMAC Bowl title while overcoming the substantial loss of six players that signed NFL contracts during the offseason.
"Momentum is unique whether it's within the course of a game or from one season to the next," Hoeppner said. "Borrowing a line from Bo Schembechler, 'If you have the momentum, you need to be aware of it and find a way to keep it. If you don't have it, you need to find a way to get it.' This season is about focusing on the positives of last season and trying to keep that momentum."
There is no shortage of positives for the Red and White to build upon after an exhilarating 2003 campaign that featured the program's first MAC title since 1986, first bowl game victory since 1975 and first top-ten national finish since 1974. Momentum also is on the side of the RedHawks, who last season rode a record-breaking offense and big-play defense to a national-best 13-game winning streak.
According to Hoeppner, while the tone has been set and the objective remains the same for his football program, one key difference will make this season's road to the MAC title even more difficult to navigate.
"Last year, we were a hungry team from coming close and not getting what we wanted," Hoeppner said. "That motivation was a lot easier to fuel from my perspective. Now, to quote an old adage, 'It's a lot easier to get on top than to stay on top.' It's not going to stay the same for us. We're either going to improve or deteriorate, and the reality during the offseason was that we were going to have to do the same things all over again and even a little bit more."
Miami's most obvious loss from a year ago is all-American quarterback and first-round NFL draft choice Ben Roethlisberger, who accounted for more than 11,000 yards of total offense in just three seasons and established himself as the most prolific passer in program history. The RedHawk offense also must replace four starting members of its offensive line, including three all-MAC picks, and leading rusher Cal Murray. Defensively, the Red and White loses two-time all-MAC pick Terrell Jones at middle linebacker and a pair of defensive ends that combined for 33 tackles for loss and 17.5 quarterback sacks in 2003.
Also departed from the program for other opportunities are three members of the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, offensive line coach John Peterson and linebacker coach Taver Johnson.
While the impact of such losses cannot be denied, Miami's focus now shifts to an arsenal of returning talent and newcomers that possesses the same dangerous combination of athleticism and big-play ability that were paramount to the team's success in 2003. With an encouraging spring season under his team's belt, Hoeppner has plenty of reasons for optimism entering the 2004 campaign.
"We're going to be a similar team in terms of the structure and philosophy we used in all aspects of the game last year," Hoeppner said. "It's going to be a different team, and we may not win games in the same manner as last season, but if we perform like we're capable of performing, we have a chance to be an even better team than a year ago."
Though Hoeppner admits that will be a tall order, he, along with his coaching staff, is committed to getting the most out of the RedHawks in 2004.
"Obviously, this team will have a new identity," Hoeppner said. "The challenge for the coaching staff is to understand what the individuals on the field do best and utilize those skills, while eliminating the weaknesses. We've got a lot of experienced guys back on both sides of the ball, and I've been encouraged by what I've seen in the offseason. The potential is there; we just need to keep developing as a team."
OFFENSE
A year after rewriting the MAC record books for scoring and total offense, Miami's offense enters 2004 with both some big shoes and big holes to fill. Directed by fourth-year offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery, a finalist for the 2003 Broyles Award that is given annually to the nation's top assistant coach, the RedHawk offense faces the challenge of building upon its recent success while replacing the loss of six starters, five of whom signed NFL contracts during the offseason.
Clearly the biggest question facing Hoeppner and the RedHawk offense lies in replacing Roethlisberger, who passed for a MAC-record 4,486 yards last season and was the centerpiece of the nation's second-ranked offense in 2003.
The answer to that question lies in junior quarterback Josh Betts, who saw mop-up duty in nine games a year ago, including a career-best performance at UCF in which he completed 10-of-14 passes for 120 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Betts was impressive during the annual spring scrimmage, passing for 273 yards and three touchdowns, and, according to Hoeppner, is well equipped to step in and lead the RedHawk offense.
"Josh Betts has the ability and opportunity to be one of the better quarterbacks we've had here," Hoeppner said. "He's a very intelligent, talented guy who's worked hard to develop his skills and has a good understanding of the offense. He had a chance to play quite a bit last year and those snaps are going to be very valuable to him during the upcoming season."
Backing up Betts is redshirt freshman Mike Kokal, who traveled with the team in 2003 but has not seen game action. Kokal made strides during his first spring running Miami's offense and possesses many of the same attributes Hoeppner likes in Betts.
"I like intelligent quarterbacks and we've got two of them in Josh and Mike," Hoeppner says. "Something you really can't see in a spring scrimmage, where you can't tackle the quarterback, is just how mobile these guys are. By design, you may see more quarterback runs in our offense this year. Ben would usually use his legs to help set up a pass, but these guys have the ability to pull it down and run for 20 yards instead."
Miami's No. 3 option at quarterback entering the fall is true freshman Jared Elliott, an athletic 6-foot-5 recruit out of Franklin, Tenn., who passed for more than 1,700 yards and rushed for more than 900 yards during his senior season at Page High School.
"We only offered a scholarship to one quarterback during the offseason," Hoeppner said. "Jared is a very talented guy with a lot of potential, who's bigger and more in the mold of a Ben Roethlisberger. He has a bright future, but we're hoping to give him this year to develop."
What Miami lacks in experience at the quarterback position, it makes up for in experience and depth at wide receiver.
"There's no question that wide receiver is a position of depth for us," Hoeppner said. "It may actually be a bit of a challenge for us, because there's so much quality depth and we can only play so many guys."
Headlining the wide receiver corps is arguably the most dominant receiving tandem in Miami history. Senior Michael Larkin, who owns Miami's career records for receptions (143) and receiving touchdowns (24), and junior Martin Nance, who shattered Miami's single-season marks for receptions (90) and receiving yardage (1,498) while ranking fourth nationally in receiving yards per game (107.0), are quite different in stature-Larkin stands at 5-foot-8 and Nance at 6-foot-4-but equally dangerous as receiving threats.
"Michael Larkin is coming off his best spring and has really developed in terms of consistency and leadership entering his senior season," Hoeppner said. "Martin Nance was one of the best wide receivers in the nation last year, and he's only getting better."
Backing up Larkin and Nance on the outside are sixth-year senior Korey Kirkpatrick, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first play of Miami's second game in 2003, and game-breaking sophomore Ryne Robinson, who made his mark as a punt returner in 2003 but showed great promise as a receiver down the stretch.
"Korey is a guy who would have caught 50 passes and been a special teams contributor for us last year," Hoeppner said. "If he can get back to full speed this year, he'll be a great option for us. Ryne Robinson has game-breaking speed and could be a huge downfield threat for us. He's just a fun player to watch."
Battling for time at Miami's inside receiver position are sophomores R.J. Corbin and Ryan Busing, as well as junior Josh Williams. While splitting time last season as redshirt freshmen, Corbin hauled in 35 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns and Busing, a converted quarterback, caught 28 passes for 386 yards and a TD. Williams, who has good rapport with Betts after both worked with the second string last season, also emerged as a contributor toward the end of 2003 and possesses a good build and good speed for the position.
Also joining the fray at wide receiver is redshirt freshman Patrick O'Bryan, who impressed during the spring, and speedy true freshman Dave Koval.
While 2003's leading rusher, Cal Murray, has completed his collegiate career, Miami is not without experience at running back, where a pair of seasoned performers return.
"Running back is going to be a strong position for us," Hoeppner said. "We've got Mike Smith, who was an incredible story for us last year, and Luke Clemens, who's back for a fifth year after missing most of last season. We've also got some redshirt freshmen that haven't played for us yet but should make an impact.
Leading the way is Smith, who split carries with Murray last year and tallied a team-best 17 rushing touchdowns to lead the RedHawks and rank 10th nationally. A powerful runner and physical blocker, Smith rushed for 802 yards or an average of 4.6 yards per carry in 2003. His breakout game came at Colorado State, where he rambled through the Rams for 118 yards and three touchdowns.
Clemens, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2002, is attempting to come back from a season-ending injury suffered during last season's second game. A former walk-on, the gritty Clemens found the endzone 17 times during his junior season, while amassing 1,343 all-purpose yards. He was rehabilitating in the spring, but is aiming to be at full strength by the fall.
Miami's third-leading rusher in 2003 was senior walk-on Adam Ciborowski, who ran for 234 yards (4.8 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns as a reserve. Also an important special teams contributor, Ciborowski possesses a bruising running style and could see an increased role in 2004.
Redshirt freshman Brandon Murphy, who rushed for more than 8,000 yards at Strongsville H.S., adds an exciting element to the RedHawk ground game with his blazing speed and ran with the first team during the spring. Other potential contributors include redshirt freshmen Akim Lannaman and Cory Jones, who both saw extensive action in the spring.
After redefining the tight end position at Miami over the past two seasons, all-MAC pick Matt Brandt finished his Miami career last season, leaving juniors Dan Tyler and Tyler Vogel to fill the void at a position that has become very important to the RedHawk offense.
Tyler, who enters the fall as Miami's starter at tight end, saw extensive action in 2003, hauling in 15 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown, while making a handful of starts. A versatile athlete who is effective as both a receiver and blocker, Tyler missed most of the spring while recovering from an injury but is expected to be at full speed in the fall. The junior will be looked to as more of a playmaker in 2004, filling the role of Brandt, who caught seven touchdowns last season.
With Tyler out during the spring, Vogel picked up some additional reps and emerged as a strong contender for playing time. A special teams contributor the past two seasons, Vogel possesses good size and strength and also has shown the ability to be both a solid receiver and blocker. Both Vogel and Tyler are expected to contribute regularly in 2004, while a handful of true freshmen also try to work their way into the mix.
While the loss of Roethlisberger at quarterback may be the most visible, Miami's losses on the offensive line could be the most important, according to Hoeppner.
"Last year, three of our six offensive linemen, counting our tight end, went on to sign NFL contracts and a fourth is now a graduate assistant with our program," Hoeppner said. "We've got some definite holes to fill, but we've been recruiting and developing guys who can step in. The offensive line was one of our biggest strengths last season, and it needs to be that way again."
While the RedHawks' losses on the offensive line are extensive, Miami will still be able to depend on an experienced front. Led by all-MAC junior center Todd Londot, the offensive line returns four players with starting experience. Londot, along with junior left tackle Mark Kracium and junior right guard Nate Bunce, were regulars among Miami's front five in 2003, combining for 29 starts. Also back after missing most of 2003 with an injury is senior left guard Dave Rehker, who started three games as a sophomore.
The lone newcomer to the offensive line is redshirt freshman Charlie Norden, who has demonstrated tremendous potential but will have to undergo some on-the-job training in 2004. Norden is slated as the RedHawks's starter at right tackle.
"Charlie is a guy we really needed to progress and develop in the spring," Hoeppner said. "He's not a finished product by any means, but he definitely has the ability to play at this level."
Depth could be an important factor on the offensive line, as a handful of largely underclassmen attempt to provide insurance up front for the Miami offense. Juniors Chris Fessel, who made great strides during the spring and is expected to see extensive action, and Ryan Meyer back up the left and right tackle positions, respectively. Redshirt freshmen Steve Meister and Pete Walters provide depth at left and right guard, respectively, while sophomore Steve Kosky, a converted tight end, is the RedHawks' reserve center. Fessel, Meyer and Kosky all saw limited action in 2003.
"Filling the holes on the offensive line is going to be key to the entire offense," Hoeppner said. "The way these young guys develop is going to go a long way in determining how good our offense will be."
Check back tomorrow for a look at Miami's defense and special teams.
