Miami forces four interceptions in 34-14 victory over Akron

The Miami RedHawks (4-3, 2-1 MAC) needed a statement win in a big way and got one on Saturday afternoon over the Akron Zips (1-6, 0-3 MAC), securing four interceptions (including a pick-six) and forcing four fumbles to set the tone in a dominating 34-14 home victory.

Akron struck first on both sides, forcing a quick punt on Miami's first offensive series and then going 97 yards the other way on a steady 11-play drive lasting six minutes before Brayden Roggow found Marcel Williams for a six-yard touchdown to go up 7-0.

The Zips forced another three-and-out defensively to get the ball back, seemingly putting them in position to add to their lead– but that's as close as it got for the valiant visitors.

Miami's defense would turn the game on its face three plays into the new Akron drive, as Amariyun Knighten's pass break-up on a toss towards would tilt upwards in the air and land in Ben Minich's hands, giving the RedHawks the ball at the Akron 26-yard line.

Rodney Nelson would pound the ball through to tie the game at 7-7 three plays later.

Akron found another chance to score in the second quarter, marching down to Miami's 29 on a tough third-and-eight conversion play– but they drew a penalty for false start to force first-and-15, then fumbled the ball backwards eight yards to make it a second-and-23. A 10-yard gain on third-and-23 was negated by a personal foul penalty on the Zips, and Akron found themselves punting two plays later from Miami's side of midfield– marking a frustrating end to an 14-play drive lasting over six minutes of game clock.

Miami would take advantage of the field position, but not for maximum points, as Ronald Hull and Cyrus Durham combined to sack Caleb Heavner on third-and-seven, forcing a 28-yard field goal by Kellen McLaughlin to put the RedHawks up 10-7.

The RedHawks defense forced another Akron three-and-out, and Joseph Castle shanked the punt for a 15-yard boot, placing the ball at Akron's 35-yard line. Two plays later, Damarion Witten got behind his man and burned him for a 27-yard touchdown to extend the Miami lead to 17-7 with 1:16 to go in the first half.

Akron had a chance to try and bridge the gap after defensive back Rodrick Hunter plucked an interception with 22 seconds remaining, but the Zips missed on both pass attempts and chose to run the clock out going into the break, knowing they would get the ball back at the half.

The Zips put together another long drive to start the third quarter, aided in part by two major penalties on the Miami defense, but were stymied once they crossed into RedHawk territory, as a seven-yard sack on second-and-10 and a no-gain pass on third-down set up a 53-yard field goal for Matthew Schramm.

The try was no good, squandering a 12-play, 42-yard drive lasting nearly seven minutes.

Miami added 10 quick points afterwards on a McLaughlin field goal followed by a Blayne Myrick pick-six to go up 27-7 with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter.

Akron seemed to finally be gaining some positive momentum late in the final minute of the third quartrer, as Jordan Gant scored on a direct snap touchdown to pull the Zips within 13, and then special teams caught Miami off-guard on the onsides kick to retain possession.

However, the RedHawks kept up the pressure and Amariyon Knighten plucked a pick to start the fourth quarter, setting up Rodney Nelson for a 58-yard touchdown run one play later to knock Akron back down to a 34-14 deficit with 13:57 remaining.

Roggow's fourth interception of the night– this one to Kaleb Martin on third-and-two– on the next drive would essentially ice out any chance of an Akron comeback.

Miami came into their game against Akron ailing in the run game, averaging under 90 yards a game. At least for one week, they fixed that in a big way, as Rodney Nelson picked up his first two rushing touchdowns of the season and 142 yards to lead the team on the day. The unit collectively ran for 339 yards on 35 carries, rushing for an average of 9.3 yards per carry.

Quarterback Caleb Heavner wasn't asked for very much and his box score reflected it, finishing 8-of-16 for 65 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Witten's 27-yard TD accounted for a third of Miami's passing production and was the lone receiving score. Lynel Billups-Williams had a team-leading three catches for 21 yards.

Malcolm McCain led the RedHawks with 10 tackles from the linebacker position, while four different players each had an interception on the night. Grant Lyons had two tackles-for-loss, two sacks and five solo tackles to lead the charts.

For Akron, Brayden Roggow's nightmare season continues, taking three sacks and going 22-of-38 for 234 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions passing. Miles Burris led the team with six catches for 49 yards, while Marcel Williams (six catches, 42 yards) had the team's lone receiving score. Jordan Gant, who ran for 100+ yards the previous two weeks, was limited to 46 yards against Miami.

Akron linebacker Donelius Johnson adds to his absurd season totals with 10 more tackles. Tairan Davis' emergence continues, with five tackles (all solo) and an onside kick recovery to aid the Zips' efforts. Cyrus Durham looked like his old self again with a team-leading two TFLs and 1.5 sacks on the evening.

Both teams are on the road next week, with Miami facing Central Michigan, while Akron preps for the Wagon Wheel Rivalry with Kent State.

Both games are scheduled for next Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern time.