The RedHawk defense started the year strong as standout linebackers Ty Wise and Matt Salopek cleaned up the Wildcats.
On the offense’s first drive, quarterback Brett Gabbert slung the ball to redshirt senior receiver Cade McDonald for his first play back from an injury that ended his 2023 season. Gabbert, back for his sixth season after missing the second half of last year with a leg injury, finished 22 of 37 for 227 yards.
After a short punt, Northwestern kicker Jack Olsen was able to knock through a 45-yard field goal.
Miami’s second drive featured a combination of senior running backs Keyon Mozee and Kevin Davis along with big plays from McDonald, who had eight receptions for 105 yards, that got the RedHawks the first trip to the red zone.
Junior kicker Dom Dzioban split the uprights from 43 yards out to tie the game.
Dzioban missed field goal from 50 yards out in the second quarter. And Miami senior defensive end Brian Ugwu recovered a pair of fumbles, including one in the red zone.
Both teams went into the locker room with three points on the board.
Miami received the ball to start the second half but showed little progress.
Northwestern’s first drive of the second half resulted in the game’s first touchdown. After multiple completed passes, quarterback Mike Wright, a Mississippi State transfer, scored on a 13-yard TD run to put the Wildcats (1-0) up for good.
After another Miami punt, the Wildcats tacked on three more points to make it 13-3 entering the fourth quarter.
Miami’s next drive ended with sophomore defender Evan Smith grabbing an interception after Gabbert’s pass was tipped.
After a late fourth-quarter stop, the RedHawks ended their next drive with a 26-yard field goal making the score 13-6.
After a quick stop, Gabbert then drove the Miami offense to the Northwestern 35. But Robert Fitzgerald intercepted a pass intended for Reggie Virgil in the final minute to put the game away for the Wildcats.
After the game, Miami head coach Chuck Martin said the RedHawks played well in three out of four quarters, but that wasn’t enough.
“It was a long battle in the first half,” Martin said. “It was hot and it was physical, and we had another 30 minutes left to fight and find a way to get it done. You know, they got it done the third quarter. That’s where they won the game.”
The RedHawks (0-1) have a week off beofre hosting rival Cincinnati at Yager Stadium in Oxford on Sept. 14.
NEXT GAME
Saturday, Sept. 14
Cincinnati at Miami, Noon, ESPNU, 980, 1450
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