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Miami looks to bounce back tonight with a win vs. Buffalo

<p>Junior quarterback Brett Gabbert is hoping to build on his success from last season.</p>

Junior quarterback Brett Gabbert is hoping to build on his success from last season.

The Miami RedHawks and Buffalo Bulls both dropped games they should have won in their last outings.

The RedHawks lost to Ohio University, 35-33 in Athens last Tuesday. Though sophomore Quarterback Brett Gabbert threw for 492 yards in the contest and senior Wide Receiver Jack Sorenson had 14 catches for a school-record 283 receiving yards, the team couldn’t overcome the 28-0 deficit the Bobcats put them in.

Going into last week’s matchup, Ohio was 1-7 on the season, the worst record in the Mid-American Conference. 

Not far behind them was the Bowling Green Falcons. Prior to Buffalo’s matchup with the Falcons, the team was 2-6, including a loss to the Akron Zips.

Still, anything can happen in the MAC, as evidenced by Bowling Green’s 56-44 road win against the Bulls. 

“Week to week, there’s no games off. There’s no easy games,” Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin said.

Tonight, the RedHawks and Bulls face off at 7 p.m. The teams boast identical 4-5 overall records, while Miami holds an edge with a 3-2 conference record compared to the Bulls’ 2-3 MAC record.

The game holds great significance for both teams in the conference championship race. A loss for Buffalo eliminates any chance of winning the MAC East, while a win for Miami keeps them on pace for a division-deciding matchup against Kent State on Nov. 27.

While a loss for the RedHawks wouldn’t completely keep them out of contention, it would be a tough blow for a team looking for its second East Division title in three years.

“We’re still in fine position, but we don’t have any margin for error now,” Martin said. “Now you’ve gotta win some games. So you’ve got two home games coming up and a tough road game, but the main thing is you’ve got to find a way to beat Buffalo.”

Despite losing Head Coach Lance Leipold and star running back Jared Patterson from last year’s team, Buffalo’s identity remains the same. The team leans heavily on its running backs, juniors Dylan McDuffie and Ron Cook Jr. Senior running back Kevin Marks Jr. is coming off of an injury and should be available for Tuesday night’s contest.

“They’re very persistent at running the ball and they’re very good at running the ball,” Martin said. “They’ve got a good offensive line, and they’ve got four backs that are all good.”

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Buffalo’s quarterback situation is uncertain. While senior Kyle Vantrease has been the starter this season, he was pulled during the team’s last game for junior Matt Myers, who threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns.

After a disappointing loss last week, Martin expects Buffalo to have a chip on their shoulders coming into Yager Stadium.

“They’re gonna be coming in here ready for blood and ready to get after us,” Martin said.

The Game

University at Buffalo @ Miami University

Kickoff: Tuesday, 11/9, 7:00 p.m. at Yager Stadium

TV: ESPNU

Players to watch

Miami Redhawks

Brett Gabbert (QB, So.) Season stats: 1435 passing yards, 14 TDs, 58.6% comp. 

Jack Sorenson (WR, Sr.) 56 receptions, 986 receiving yards, 7 TDs

Sterling Weatherford (DB, Sr.) 54 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions

Ivan Pace Jr. (LB, So.) 87 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception

Buffalo Bulls

Dylan McDuffie (RB, Jr.) 766 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 5.5 yards per carry

Quian Williams (WR, Sr.) 49 receptions, 684 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

James Patterson (LB, Sr.) 86 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 int

Daymond Williams (DT, Jr.) 27 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks

nelso156@miamioh.edu

@LukasTheDream

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