If Miami OH can get passed this game I am confident they can lock up the MAC East. They only trail Ohio and the returning MAC Champions have pretty much everyone they had a year ago so there is no doubt they can win this game and 13 points is a lot in a game that is critical to both teams. For one Miami Ohio is a little banged up and playing their 3rd game in 11 days, However, Temple is banged up to I doubt their star RB Bernard Pierce will start and last year without them this same Miami Ohio defense held Temple to 2.5 yards per carry and 215 total yards. The defense has picked it up the last few games allowing 0 TDâs in their last 7 quarters. They too are also great on 3rd down defense and red zone defense and both of those will be critical in holding Temple to FGs and getting them off the field as they have allowed just 28% 3rd down conversions on the road as their 67 tackles for loss are a main reason. They are ranked 42nd in total defense, 38th in scoring defense. Their 75th rank vs. the run is not indicative on their ability to stop the run. Really only Toledo and Army have been able to put up over 5 yards per carry and Toledo has balance and runs on everyone. They held a good Cinci team to 3.68 and Buffalo to 2.26 another team that has balance. They also held a very good Missouri team on the road to 17 points to open the season, and this same defense that was 18.5 point under dogs vs. Northern Illinois last year won outright 26-21 in the MAC Championship.
I just feel Miami Ohio is gaining too much momentum right now on offense and defense. Zac Dysert will be the best player on the field although I like the QB change of Chris Coyer for Temple moving forward. I think Ohio did not game plan for him and now Miami knows a little more about what they can expect. We mentioned Miami Ohio banged up well Temple wonât have a100% Bernard Pierce at all and their two starting OL on the left the guard Dennis and tackle Boyle are battling injuries. Temples defense showed some holes vs. Ohio that Miami can take advantage as Ohio threw for 286 yards and had 521 total yards and were 3-3 in the red zone scoring 3 TDâs. Miami Ohio is potent in the red zone. When they get their they are scoring 73.33 % touchdowns on the season. Temple does not convert their RZ chances into touch downs and Miami has a knack for holding them to field goals even at home Miami OH has the red zone defense and offense advantage that should keep them in this game.
