"Rain fell the whole game. The Bearcats’ defense was stout and their run-oriented offense wasn’t nearly as affected by the conditions as Miami’s pass-reliant attack. The RedHawks missed a couple of opportunities to get back in the game on both sides of the ball, from not recovering a fumble at Cincinnati’s 9-yard line despite having the ball surrounded to senior quarterback Gus Ragland missing sophomore tight end Andrew Homer on what could have been a big play – perhaps even a touchdown...
One key factor was the impact that hidden yardage – the yards teams gain or lose based on special teams compared to their opponents – had on the game. Field position always is vital in football games, and even more crucial in those played in Saturday’s environment.
Where it hurt the most was in the second quarter, when senior Kenny Young’s punt return from Miami’s 47-yard line deep into Cincinnati territory was called back by a clipping penalty. The RedHawks were left with first down from their own 37.
“We were plus-18 in hidden yardage in the first half,” Martin pointed out. “We would’ve been plus-60 if not for the clipping. In the second half, we were minus-60 in hidden yardage. They kicked away from Kenny in the second half. Losing that field position in a game like that is critical.”
Miami also was hurt by its inability to run the ball. The RedHawks have gained a combined 146 yards rushing in their first two games, fewer than both of their opponents picked up in their game, and rank last in the Mid-American Conference with an average of 73 rushing yards per game. They’re 10thin the 12-team MAC with an average of 3.2 yards per carry..."
https://www.journal-news.com/sports...sota-looming-saturday/nT0l2vTmOzqLKgJUfoAIPL/
One key factor was the impact that hidden yardage – the yards teams gain or lose based on special teams compared to their opponents – had on the game. Field position always is vital in football games, and even more crucial in those played in Saturday’s environment.
Where it hurt the most was in the second quarter, when senior Kenny Young’s punt return from Miami’s 47-yard line deep into Cincinnati territory was called back by a clipping penalty. The RedHawks were left with first down from their own 37.
“We were plus-18 in hidden yardage in the first half,” Martin pointed out. “We would’ve been plus-60 if not for the clipping. In the second half, we were minus-60 in hidden yardage. They kicked away from Kenny in the second half. Losing that field position in a game like that is critical.”
Miami also was hurt by its inability to run the ball. The RedHawks have gained a combined 146 yards rushing in their first two games, fewer than both of their opponents picked up in their game, and rank last in the Mid-American Conference with an average of 73 rushing yards per game. They’re 10thin the 12-team MAC with an average of 3.2 yards per carry..."
https://www.journal-news.com/sports...sota-looming-saturday/nT0l2vTmOzqLKgJUfoAIPL/
