Miami was a 17 point underdog going into the Mid-American Conference Championship game last Friday against then #25 Northern Illinois (NIU) but the RedHawks never let that get them down. We scored first after an amazing run by Thomas Merriweather (later named MAC-East game MVP) placed us in the redzone but NIU answered quickly. The game was a dog fight until the end. By the time the 4th quarter was winding down to its last 2 minutes Miami was down by 1 point. All we needed was a field goal to win but knowing that NIU had already blocked one of our extra point attempts and a field goal attempt we actually needed a touchdown to “seal the deal.” The Miami crowd (including President Hodge) stood in the stands nervous about what would happen. Hopes were high after we were given a short field with NIU punting out of their endzone, but we knew we had to be efficient and not lose the ball. The crowd stood still with anticipation as Austin Boucher started guiding the team down the field then the movement stalled and the RedHawks faced what seemed like an impossible 4th down and 20 yards to go situation. The NIU crowd was convinced that the game was over, there was less than 2 minutes left, what did they have to worry about? Austin Boucher’s completed 31-yd pass to Chris Givens is what they probably should have worried about. The pass was tipped by NIU and fell into the hands of Givens sending the Miami fans into a frenzy (and later being one of the top plays on SportsCenter!). It was unbelievable, the RedHawks were in field goal range and still had time to go for the endzone. Two plays later Boucher completed a pass to Armand Robinson who was wide open in the middle of the field and Armand ran straight into the endzone with 33 seconds left in the game. The RedHawk fans cheered louder hoping our defense could hold NIU and preserve our win. An Austin Brown sack as time expired finally sealed the deal for the RedHawks as the team rushed the field. Final score: Miami – 26 NIU – 21.
Miami completed a true worst to first turnaround going from 1-11 in the 2009 season to 9-4 and MAC Champions in 2010. This is only the third time this feat has been accomplished and Miami students, fans, and alumni could not be any happier. Now as we prepare for a trip to Alabama there is plenty of action going on in the friendly confines of Millett Hall and the Goggin Ice Center to keep everyone occupied. The men’s basketball team is currently 1 – 1 against cross town rivals, beating Xavier by 11 and losing to Dayton by 12. Next up is the University of Cincinnati on 12/21 at Millett. Ice Hockey just completed a series against Notre Dame which the RedHawks and Fighting Irish split. Next up the Brotherhood (the nickname for Miami’s Hockey team) will travel to Florida for the Florida College Classic before taking on Ohio State in Columbus.
Before I end this post I would like to also let all the readers that have already applied know that we are still processing your transcripts and recommendation letters. Please allow at least 10 business days for your paperwork to be processed and updated on your appcheck website. If you know these forms have been submitted do not worry, you are still eligible for the Early Action deadline! If you have problems with your application other than the transcript/recommendation letter please make sure you contact us (513) 529-2531.
I am going to leave you now with some pictures from the MAC Championship Game. Enjoy. Go RedHawks!
The RedHawk Offense
Lining up for the 4th and 20 Miracle Play
The Video Screen
Love and Honor! Let the Celebration Begin!
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