Game Notes - Miami vs. Eastern Michigan football
11/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
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The Miami defense recorded nine sacks on Saturday, breaking the all-time team record for a single game. The mark breaks the previous record of eight set in 1999 against Buffalo.
Defensive end JT Jones recorded 4.0 of those sacks against the Eagles, setting a new career best for the redshirt junior. This figure is the most ever by a Miami defensive player. Jones also becomes the 12th player in Mid-American Conference history to record four or more sacks in a game.
The RedHawks got right to it on Saturday, scoring on their opening drive for the first time since Sept. 19 against Cincinnati. Redshirt freshman Gus Ragland ran it in from the nine yard line to give Miami a 7-0 lead with 11:23 left in the first quarter. The 9-yard rush is the longest rushing TD the 'Hawks have had this season.
In the first quarter, true freshman Maurice Thomas broke loose for a 77-yard run before being tripped up at the one yard line. This is the longest rushing play and longest play for the RedHawks this season. It is also Thomas' longest rush of the year. Miami would punch it in to take a 14-0 lead on the next play. Thomas set a new season and career high for single-game rushing yards with 80.
The other defensive end, Bryson Albright, picked up three sacks of his own, tying his career best. The senior now sits tied for second in school history for sacks. Albright was previously on the leaderboard, as he had three against BGSU on 11/5/13. Today also saw him set career bests in tackles (9), solo tackles (8), and tackles for loss (5.5).
On the ground, Miami rushed for over 200 yards for the first time since they played Cincinnati earlier in the season. RedHawk rushers finished with 291 yards, setting a new season high. This is Miami's best rushing performance since running for 391 against Akron in 1999.
Redshirt freshman Alonzo Smith set a career high in rushing attempts (20) and rushing yards (93).
Redshirt sophomore Jared Murphy tied his career high for receptions with seven. The wide receiver also hauled in two touchdowns, tying his career high in that category.
The 28-13 victory marks the largest margin of victory for the RedHawks since they beat Akron 35-3 in 2011. This win is the second of the year for Miami, matching last season's total. Two wins also ties the season high for head coach Chuck Martin since he took over the program in 2014.