As mentioned, I was not at the game yesterday, so I'll be just looking at it from the box score and the comments I have heard and what Coach said on the post-game.
I think it is clear that the defense keyed the victory. That's a great sign. It has been a long, long time since this team had a defensive identity...but the defense has shut down very good offenses two weeks in a row (note Akron scored 28 @OU) and is near the top of the MAC in a number of defensive categories.
Further, in addition to the injuries on the d-line, the Falcons played without their best linebacker, Dwayne Woods, who has a back injury. BG was able to adjust by depth, move Paul Swan into the middle and put DJ Lynch on the outside...Lynch has been getting a lot of snaps, so he was ready to go and Swan tied for the team lead with 8 tackles.
Anyway, Miami was controlled for the game. A few notes:
The Redhawks have been averaging 394 yards per game and 22 first downs. BG held them to 256 an 14.
Dysert came in pretty much unstoppable. He completed only 53% of his passes (10% below his average) and only 198 yards on 17 of 31.
BG's defense had the big plays they needed, getting six sacks, four of Dysert. There were also 5 hurries.
Chris Jones had 2.5 sacks and 3.5 TFL...I'd like to think that is a Player of the Week performance.
BG kept Dysert in the pocket, perhaps their biggest accomplishment of the game. Dysert had zero positive rushing yards--I don't mean net, I mean he didn't gain positive yards even once.
Also, BG made 2 INTs, one by Jude Adeji-Barimah and one by Boo Boo---and that one was a back breaking pick six.
Without sacks, Miami tried only 14 running plays in the game. Their leader rusher had 5 carries.
Miami was 4 of 14 on 3rd down.
Just, in general, a complete shut down of what appeared to be really good offensive unit, and without their second best player. If this type of defensive performance can continue, our team gets very difficult to beat. It is starting with strong play up front, but I do believe that the entire unit is producing at a high level.
More on the offense later.
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