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The Miami RedHawks picked up their first win in conference play with a 28-13 (2-8, 1-5 Mid-American Conference) win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-9, 0-6 MAC). The RedHawk defensive front dominated with nine sacks, picked up 291 rushing yards on offense too. And while they where rolling, the Eagles defense allowed 6.8 yards per play while the offense was only able to get 3.3.
After a bad game out of Brogan Roback and Reggie Bell looking good with a 4-for-5 start, but still also had a poor performance finishing 5-for-13 with an interception. Rushing, Bell looked fine and his ankle didn't seem like it was an issue, had 22 rushing yards, but a lot of that had to do with being sacked so much.
Miami's defense just had their way with the offensive linemen, getting nine sacks (four by J.T. Jones, three by Bryson Albright) and 15 tackles for loss.
The RedHawks got on the board first, scoring on their first drive of the game where Alonzo Smith had a few medium-sized gains to help them score on the 75-yard drive, capped off by Gus Ragland running it in for 9 yards untouched.
None of the Miami running backs reached 100 yards individually, but collectively the team still picked up 291 yards on the ground. Redshirt-freshman Smith, led things with 93 yards on 20 carries, and even scored once in the beginning of the second quarter.
When the RedHawks went on a 21-0 start until Dylan Mulder put the Eagles on the board with a 49-yard field goal. He'd later kick another field goal from 55-yards out, a school record.
On the first drive of the second half, the Eagles scored on a 75-yard drive finished by Darius Jackson from 11 yards out. Jackson carried the load with 17 handles picking up 47 yards, but Shaq Vann had the more impressive day with 62 yards on six carries.
Freshman quarterback Billy Bahl had 119 passing yards including one touchdown in the first half. He also threw an interception in the first half.
The RedHawks play their home finale against Akron next week. The Eagles return home for their last home game of the season too, facing the Massachusetts Minutemen.