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MU on verge of bowl and MAC Championship berth, history

Coburn Gillies, Assistant Sports Editor

The Miami University football team (5-6) has a chance to make NCAA history Tuesday night. If MU is victorious against Ball State University (4-6), it will be the first team to win six straight and become bowl eligible after starting the season 0-6.

In the last meeting between these two programs, Ball State beat MU in blowout fashion, 55-14, in Muncie, IN.

This time around, the Red and White have the advantage of achieving bowl eligibility in front of their home crowd in what is the program's biggest home game since 2010, the last time the 'Hawks went bowling.

Currently, the 'Hawks sit in second place in the Mid-American Conference East Division with a 5-2 record against conference opponents. The Cardinals occupy the basement of the West Division with a conference mark of 1-5. BSU enters the contest on a three-game losing streak.

On top of bowl eligibility being on the line, the 'Hawks are playing for something bigger. If Ohio University falls short against Akron Tuesday night and the RedHawks beat Ball State, Miami will be going to Detroit, MI to represent the East Division in the MAC Championship Game.

Head coach Chuck Martin, who has been a part of his fair share of big games throughout his coaching career, is stressing to his team to not let the moment get to them.

"It'll be interesting to see how our kids handle it," Martin said. "I'm excited. I'm hopeful they're going to handle it the right way. But again, it's unchartered water for this group of kids."

Along with the pressure of playing in Miami's biggest game since 2010, the RedHawks also must handle playing against a competitive BSU team.

"They're one of the more talented teams MAC teams. It'll be the most gifted team we play," Martin said.

After starting the campaign 0-6, the RedHawks have won five-straight games behind the exploits of redshirt sophomore Gus Ragland. In addition to five-straight victories, since taking over as starting quarterback, the Cincinnati product has displayed efficiency throwing 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions. On the ground, Ragland has also chipped in two touchdowns.

While Ragland is leading the team through the air, and occasionally doing it by himself on the ground, he will not be the only offensive player making an impact Tuesday. Look for the three-headed rushing attack of redshirt sophomore running backs Kenny Young and Alonzo Smith, as well as sophomore tailback Maurice Thomas, to help spread the field.

Last weekend against the University at Buffalo, the trio combined for 120 yards on 18 carries. This translates to a 6.66 yards-per-carry average from the three halfbacks. While it's clear that Ragland and the running back committee are pulling their weight, the rest of the offense is doing its part as well.

"We're getting contributions from all over the field," Martin said.

Miami is on the cusp of postseason play due in large part to its MAC-best defense.

Fifth-year senior J.T Jones is fifth in the conference in sacks with 6.5. De'Andre Montgomery, who leads the MAC in interceptions with four, was the recipient of two awards for his performance against Buffalo. The sophomore defensive back was selected as the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week and College Sports Madness MAC Defensive Player of the Week.

"Bowling Green, he [Montgomery] showed his versatility," Martin said. "Harassing the quarterback, tackles for loss, blitzing off the edge, and then making interceptions 35 yards downfield. De'Andre is kind of a good-play-waiting-to-happen."

Running back James Gilbert has powered Ball State's offense so far this season. The sophomore has scored 12 touchdowns on the ground, including an 80-yard score, accumulating 1196 yards on 222 carries.

"They have the leading tailback in the [James] Gilbert kid, his backup is a great player. Their offensive line is experienced, big and physical. The [KeVonn] Mabon kid is--has been one of the best receivers in our league for three years," Martin said.

Senior Sean Wiggins has spearhead BSU head coach Mike Nue's defensive efforts this season. The linebacker leads the team in tackles with 87, four of which came for a loss, as well as a forced fumble. Cornerback Marc Walton also figures to play a role, as the sophomore leads his team in interceptions with three.

BSU holds a three-game win streak over the 'Hawks, while the Red and White lead the all-time series 16-12-1.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday night and ESPN3 will live-stream Miami's regular season do-or-die finale.