2009 College Football Predictions: Miami Ohio Redhawks

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Miami-Ohio

2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Mike Haywood, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Peter Vaas (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Reese (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13 (8 offense, 5 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daniel Raudabaugh)

Offense: The offense returns eight starters including senior quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh (6-4, 229), who threw for 1,960 yards with eight TDs and nine INTs. Backups Zac Dysert and Clay Belton could step up if Raudabaugh doesn’t improve. He has to impress new head coach Mike Haywood. Junior WR Chris Givens (6-2, 205) is back after grabbing 513 receiving yards. He’s big and physical and was dominant in the spring. Haywood is the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, who would like to establish more balance. The Redhawks finished 101st in the nation in rushing yards last season (108.1ypg). This season, junior TB Thomas Merriweather (5-10, 203) returns as the starter after rushing for 547 yards, but will also be pushed by J.R.. Taylor (427 yards). The problem here is a young offensive line, which returns starting LB Bob Gulley (6-4, 305), and very little experience after him.

Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 32.7ppg and 395.5 yards per game (88th in the nation). They’ll have a new defensive coordinator in Carl “Bull” Reese, who coached at LSU and Texas. The defensive line returns just one starter out of four and they lose All-MAC end Joe Coniglio (4 sacks). They do return junior DE Morris Council (2.5 sacks). At linebacker the Redhawks return just one starter in Caleb Bostic (40 tackles). They have to replace All-MAC linebackers in Joey Hudson and Clayton. The secondary is deep and the strongest part of the team with both starting corners returning.

Outlook: The Redhawks take on Kentucky in Cincinnati to start the season. They’ll also face Boise State on the road, Cincinnati at home and Northwestern on the road in their non-conference schedule. In the MAC, they’ll host Bowling Green and Buffalo. This is a team that needs to rebuild with a new coaching staff. Expect improvements in small doses.

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