THURSDAY
Miami of Ohio (9-4) vs. Middle Tennessee (6-6), 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Middle Tennessee by 2.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Miami has already achieved a remarkable turnaround season, with a 9-4 record one year after finishing a dismal 1-11 in 2009. Should the RedHawks win, they’ll be the first team in Football Bowl Subdivision history to finish with 10-plus wins after a season with 10-plus losses. Middle Tennessee is trying to close what started as a disappointing season with a flourish. The Blue Raiders won three games in a row to become bowl eligible, including two by one point each.
KEY MATCHUP
Miami WR Armand Robinson vs. Middle Tennessee’s defense. Robinson was fantastic in the MAC title game, catching 14 passes for 176 yards. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior has been the RedHawks’ go-to receiver all season. Middle Tennessee’s defense has had its good moments, but also some rough ones, and must know where Robinson is at all times.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Miami RB Thomas Merriweather was the MAC title game MVP after rushing for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He’s rushed for 821 yards this season, including 5.5 yards per carry.
Middle Tennessee QB Dwight Dasher. The dual-threat quarterback has had a rough season after being suspended four games by the NCAA for receiving impermissible benefits. He’s played better in the past month, helping the Blue Raiders to three straight victories.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Middle Tennessee has scored just 38 points off turnovers this season compared to 119 by opponents. … The Blue Raiders are 23-1 when scoring 30 or more points under coach Rick Stockstill. … Miami will be led by interim coach Lance Guidry, who took over after Mike Haywood left for Pittsburgh. Guidry has been the team’s defensive backs coach the past two years. … This is the RedHawks’ first bowl game since 2004.
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