Thursday, August 30, 2001
Miami confident in depth
But youth could hurt at QB
By Ian Duthie
Enquirer contributor
The closer Miami University football coach Terry Hoeppner gets to the season, the more confident his team gets. And depth is a big reason.
He has 12 starters and 11 seniors back from last year's 6-5 team. Hoeppner has had two solid recruiting classes that have provided the depth that had been missing.
“This a young team not only because of their age, but they act young,” said Hoeppner, who will lead the RedHawks into Michigan Stadium for their season opener Saturday. “They are enthusiastic and loud. I like it. Hopefully that (energy) will transfer into games.
“We were inconsistent last year. One of our goals was to be consistent this year. Not turn the ball over, tackle better and stop the run. We need to do a better job of this, whether we are playing Michigan or anybody else, if we expect to win.”
Inexperience at quarterback looks to be the main concern. Gone is three-year starter Mike Bath, who set Miami records for career passing yards (6,524) and touchdowns (49). Left to fill the void are three players who have yet to complete a college pass — redshirt freshman Ben Roethlisberger, sophomore Ryan Hawk and true freshman Josh Betts.
Roethlisberger will start at Michigan. Miami hasn't started a freshman quarterback since Nov.5, 1994 (Sam Ricketts vs. Ball State).
MU should find consistency in the running game if senior Steve Little and sophomore Cal Murray can stay healthy this season after battling injuries in 2000. Little fell just 14 yards short of 1,000 yards rushing last year.
“I think everybody wants to run the football; I think you need to run the football,” Hoeppner said. “But if the defenses are stacking up and blitzing you and denying the run, daring you to throw, we will have to be able throw.”
Defensively, Hoeppner sees a strength in Miami's ability to stop the passing game. Cornerbacks Milt Bowen and Michael Adams are tested cover guys.
Sports Stories
Colts offer QB model for Bengals
Preseason passes without Smith
Bengals add punter, idle Plummer
Astros 6, Reds 2
Dunn loses eligibility for Rookie of Year
Pokey fills in at 2B
Boone's return delayed
Astros' hitters coming around
Reds box, runs
Lebanon, Fairfield make big jump in poll
Beechwood new No. 1 in N.Ky.
Prep football page
Purdue girds for visit to UC
Miami confident in depth
