The game was telecast on ESPN and matched Miami from the MAC versus Middle Tennessee from the Sun Belt.
Entering the game, offense leaders for the Blue Raiders were RB Phillip Tanner (149 att., 841 yds.
Miami was one of the most improved program in the country, capped a dramatic turnaround season by winning the 2010 marathon MAC Football Championship.
The RedHawks defeated Northern Illinois, 26–21, with a touchdown with 33 seconds left in regulation.
Miami clinched the East Division with a 23–3 win over Temple on November 23.