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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 9:06 AM ET Young RedHawks will suffer growing pains By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Miami RedHawks 2000 record: 6-5 (5-3). Coach: Terry Hoeppner (3rd year, 13-9 record). Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense. Outlook: The RedHawks may be in for some growing pains with only 11 seniors on the roster. Still, Hoeppner has recruited well and now is the time for the youngsters to step up, including an inexperienced quarterback. Either Ben Roethlisberger, who was highly rated as a prep standout, or Ryan Hawk will run the team and it helps that four of five starters return on the offensive line. Tailback Steve Little is talented (986 yards rushing), but a back injury prevented him from playing during the spring. During the '90s, Miami was renowned for its playmaking defenses but there's been a drop off in recent years. Injuries have hindered the defense, especially at linebacker, where sophomore Terrell Jones played well as a freshman. The secondary is inexperienced and will be tested early. Keep an eye on: Ben Roethlisberger. He was ranked in Tom Lemming's top 10 nationally in 1999 and was the Ohio offensive player of the year. Key game: The RedHawks play on the road for the first three games of the year -- Michigan, Iowa and Kent State -- before facing Cincinnati in the home opener. A win against the Bearcats would do wonders for Miami's confidence. It's a good year if ... Roethlisberger lives up to his press clippings. Even if he does, though, this team is still a year away serious contention. Next season, Miami should challenge for the MAC title. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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