Two weeks removed from a shocking collapse in South Bend against a MAC opponent, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish find themselves in an eerily similar situation entering this coming Saturday. The RedHawks from Miami (Ohio) visit Notre Dame Stadium for what will be just the third matchup all-time between the two programs. Notre Dame is 2-0 against the RedHawks, with the most recent triumph coming in 2017, a game the Irish dominated, 52-17, at home.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
Miami entered the season off something of a unique campaign in 2023. Despite losing star quarterback Brett Gabbert to a season-ending knee injury, the RedHawks managed to finish the season 11-3, one that was capped off with a MAC Championship. Part of that success can be drawn up to their head coach: former Notre Dame offensive coordinator, Chuck Martin. Martin most notably served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during Notre Dame’s 2012 BCS National Championship run. He accepted the Miami head coaching job following the 2013 season, and still remains in charge of the RedHawks program eleven years later.
The RedHawks enter Saturday seeking their first win of the season after coming up short in their first two meetings. In its season opener, Miami suffered a 13-6 loss at Northwestern in a game where offense was nonexistent for both teams. Coming off a week two bye, the RedHawks then dropped a 27-16 defeat to in-state rival Cincinnati.
One of coach Martin’s calling cards has always been team discipline. Despite a 56-64 head coaching record at Miami, his teams play the game correctly. In their two contests this season, Miami has committed just five total penalties for a total of 25 yards. In comparison, the Irish committed five penalties against Purdue (40 yards). The RedHawks’ 12.5 penalty yards per game are currently the fewest in the nation. Last season was no different, as Miami finished the year with the 16th-fewest penalty yards per game in the country, totaling 66 total penalties for 547 yards.
Offensively, Martin's side will need to rely on the returning sixth-year senior Gabbert. The Miami signal-caller, who is the brother of NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert, has unfortunately dealt with injuries during his time at Miami, which greatly limited his playing time the past two seasons. When fully healthy, Gabbert has shown he can be the best quarterback in the MAC. For example, see Gabbert’s 2021 sophomore campaign where he completed more than 59-percent of his passes and averaged 264.8 yards per game (led the MAC). His 26 touchdowns and 158.6 passer rating -- both which led the MAC -- against only six interceptions, were also standout numbers.
As far as this season is concerned, Gabbert has grappled with success. He struggled at Northwestern in week one, completing 22 of 37 attempts for 227 yards in addition to two interceptions and no touchdowns. And while he was more efficient the next time out where he completed 23 of 35 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns, there is still room for improvement. That being said, signs exist that he is once again becoming more comfortable in the offense.
On paper, the Miami offensive line is talented. The RedHawks return both of their Second Team All-MAC offensive tackles from a year ago. The interior line, however, is where question marks exist. Whether it be from a lack of talent or injury, this offensive unit has allowed seven sacks across two games this season, tied for 20th-most in the nation. Notre Dame’s front-seven outclasses that of Northwestern and Cincinnati, so expect the Irish to bring the pressure.
Gabbert’s receiving corp possesses talent as well, and it's a group that is considered one of the best in the MAC. Despite losing top target Greg Larvadain to South Carolina, there are enough talented options for Gabbert to work with. The expected go-to pass catcher coming into this season was the shifty Cade McDonald, and he has proven why three weeks into the year.
The former Michigan State transfer has posted eight receptions and 100-plus yards in both outings this year, leading the team in both categories. McDonald impressed last week when he totaled 135 yards and a touchdown on his eight catches. Behind McDonald is a steady group of weapons consisting of Reggie Virgil, Javon Tracy, and Arizona State transfer Andre Johnson. All four receivers are capable of going for over 100 yards any given week, if Gabbert has time to get them the ball.
Along the same terms of the offensive line, Miami may struggle in the run game. 1,000-yard rusher Rashad Amos transferred to Ole Miss this offseason, leaving a huge void in the RedHawks offense. Unfortunately, the 'Hawks are already down another expected key contributor in the run game, as Kenny Tracy has been ruled out for this season. It appears Miami will use a running back by committee system with Keyon Mooze and Purdue transfer Dylan Downing taking the majority of snaps.
If Notre Dame takes this game as seriously as they did Purdue, they could be in position to put this game away early. The Irish defense has been stellar to begin the year, and there is no reason for that to not continue this Saturday in South Bend.
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