Preview: Miami football takes on Ohio University in a MACtion edition of the ‘Battle of the Bricks’

The Miami University football team (5-4, 3-2 in-conference) takes the field one last time in the 2026-27 season at Yager Stadium for a Battle of the Bricks matchup against Ohio University (7-2, 5-0 in-conference).

After the RedHawks suffered a heartbreaking and frustrating defeat to the University at Buffalo Bulls in the first Tuesday night game of the season on Nov. 3, the Mid-American Conference (MAC)-leading Bobcats will drive just over three hours to Yager Stadium for another week of MACtion on ESPN. 

The game will be the final at Yager Stadium in the 2026-27 season. 

Looking back a week prior, Miami fell in overtime to a Buffalo team that stormed back in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter. The RedHawks owned a 31-16 lead at one point in the game. 

“(It was) very disappointing,” Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin said in his midweek press conference. “Particularly with how good we played and not being able to finish. Six of the last seven (games) have come down to the last possession. We’ve won three, we’ve lost three. We’ve got to find ways to close out games …

For Miami, the story of the game was not just the coverage in the secondary, but the defensive pass interference calls that came with it, seven in total – two of which were declined due to double the amount of yardage gained from a completed pass. 

Now, the focus turns to the team with the best record in the MAC and one of the program’s biggest rivals. 

Similar to Buffalo’s style of play, the Bobcats are one of the best threats on the ground in the MAC. They’re second in the conference in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. They’re also third in rushing touchdowns. 

Ohio’s running back room has three players with over 200 yards, including the duo of junior Duncan Brune and graduate student Victor Rosa, who have combined for 832 yards and nine touchdowns. 

As for the Bobcats’ passing game, they’re ninth in the MAC in overall yards and yards per game. However, they’re tied for second in passing touchdowns with 13, with graduate student quarterback Nick Poulos still yet to cross the 1,000-yard passing mark this season and has seven of those 13. 

Overall, the Bobcats’ offensive efficiency is second in the MAC. 

In terms of the defense, Ohio ranks fifth in passing yards allowed (Miami ranks last) and third-best in rush defense (Miami ranks first).

The RedHawks defense will be on the lookout for the run game, just as they were against Buffalo, who entered last week with arguably the best rushing offense in the conference. However, the focus will now be on discipline in the secondary and making sure there's consistency all around on the defensive side of the field. 

“A high tide raises all boats,” redshirt senior defensive lineman Grant Lyons said. “If one guy is out there balling out, we’re all striving to match that level of play. Any o-line unit you put against us, we’re going to be able to try to affect the game within our own unit.”

Miami’s offense last week came primarily from the run, with 196 yards out of the backfield compared to 154 through the air. Redshirt sophomore running back D’Shawntae Jones finished with a career-high 112 yards on 17 carries. He was the first RedHawk with a game of 100+ rushing yards since Nov. 19, 2025. 

With Ohio coming to town, Miami will play its last game in Yager Stadium for this season. 

While they need a win against the Bobcats (and in the final two games of the schedule afterward), along with plenty of help to have a chance at a MAC Championship appearance, the memories of playing in front of the RedHawk faithful and making close friendships will always stick with the seniors being honored on senior night. The results will be on the backburner during the short time honoring their contributions to the program.

“Looking back, it’s definitely been a long journey, and it goes by so fast,” Lyons said. “It’s crazy that it’s been five years. I’ve loved the opportunity to come here and play college football. I’ve had so many great memories. More than anything, it’s been fun just playing with the guys, the brothers I’ve been able to call teammates. As far as emotions of the stadium, it’s going to be sad playing the last one at Yager, but I’m very optimistic about the relationships that I have that will last me a lifetime here.”

The RedHawks and Bobcats will kick off their rivalry bout at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 10 at Yager Stadium.