The RedHawks had to fill several holes in the starting line up, due to the Graduation of 19 seniors, including eight all-MAC selections.
With the graduation of Josh Betts, head coach Shane Montgomery also had to pick a starting Quarterback from the returning Junior Mike Kokal, sophomore Jared Elliott and handful of redshirt freshman recruits, totaling seven possible options.
Senior wide receiver punt returner Ryne Robinson had the opportunity to set on at least two NCAA career records.
[1] Wide receivers Offensive line Tight ends Fullbacks Quarterbacks Running backs Defensive line Linebackers Defensive backs Punters Kickers Deep Snapper [2] This was an emotional evening as Miami honored the former head coach of both schools Randy Walker, who died unexpectedly earlier this summer.
Miami missed pulling the upset when the Boilermaker's Anthony Spencer blocked Nathan Parseghian's potential game-winning field goal attempt with 17 seconds left forcing the overtime.
The RedHawks finally crossed the goal line in the 3rd quarter for their first touch down of the season, when Mike Kokal hit Jake O'Connell 2-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 10.
[5] The Orange's Curtis Brinkley ran for 108 yards on 15 carries including one Touchdown to lead Syracuse to a 34–14 victory over the Redhawks.
The line problems were compounded by injuries of starting left tackle Charlie Norden and right guard Matt McKeown.
[6] After a first quarter fumble, Trevor Cook kicked a 49-yard field goal to give the RedHawks their first lead this season.
The RedHawks’ office led by redshirt freshman Daniel Raudabaugh, starting in place of the injured Mike Kokal, did not score the rest of the game.
[10] With 1:11 remaining in the game Ball State's Nate Davis threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Madaris Grant to give the Cardinals a victory over the RedHawks.
[11] With 1:16 left in the game, Nate Meyer kicked a 21-yard field goal to lift Western Michigan over Miami 27–24.
Even with Robinsons strong performance, Western Michigan's defense dominated Miami's running game limiting the RedHawks to only 93 total yards rushing.
The Broncos defense was led by linebacker Ameer Ismail, who tied a school record with his 15th sack of the season.
Miami was led by quarterback Mike Kokal who completed 12-of-24 passes for 130 yards and the game-winning touchdown to Dustin Woods with 11:24 left in the game.