2002 Statistics

written by Markus Videnieks

Roethlisberger is a massive (6-5, 242 pounds.), strong-armed and mobile quarterback who draftnicks have already placed on the short list for top QB in the 2004 NFL Draft - should he come out. A junior, he's already thrown for 6,343 yards and 46 touchdowns in his career (3,238 yards, 22 TDs, 11 INT, 63% completions in '02). Offensive Coordinator (and former NC State QB) Shane Montgomery's spread offense is the perfect vehicle for Roethlisberger's versatility. Designed rollouts, screens, and shovel passes keep defenses on their toes and open up the vertical passing game, where Roethlisberger's cannon arm becomes supremely dangerous. He is backed up by sophomore Josh Betts and third-string redshirt freshman Ryan Busing (whose twin John is in the mix to start at OLB).

Senior tailback Luke Clemens has come a long way from being a freshman walk-on. Now a senior, he saw time at free safety and special teams in 2000 before earning time as a backup tailback in 2001, then burst upon the scene last year. Starting from day one, he was an afterthought to defenses determined on slowing down the RedHawk passing attack. Staying under everyone's radar, Clemens rushed for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns, at 4.5 yards per carry. He also proved to be a great safety valve for Roethlisberger, hauling in 27 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown.

Joining him in the backfield again this season will be senior Cal Murray, more of a speed-back, who ran for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Murray's father, Calvin, starred at Ohio State and played briefly in the NFL. Fullback isn't much of a priority in the spread offense, but when the RedHawks use one, they have a rock in 6-2, 263-pound Andy Capper.

Many teams would be crippled by the loss of their two starting wide receivers. The nature of Miami's spread offense is so balanced and the depth on the edges is so strong though, that Roethlisberger has reliable, experienced hands ready to take over this year. Jason Branch (40 receptions, 505 yards, 7 TDs) and Eddie Tillitz (31-358-2) will be replaced by a group that includes junior Mike Larkin (Barry Larkin's cousin), senior Korey Kirkpatrick, junior Andre Henderson, and sophomore Martin Nance, among others. Larkin (39-436-8) is the leading returning receiver, and has sprinter's speed as well as a reputation for being fearless over the middle. Kirkpatrick averaged 14.4 yards per catch as a junior WR/KR, while Purdue-transfer Henderson and Nance (6-4, 210, sub-4.5 40) played supporting roles last season.

Many spread offenses ignore the tight end, but not Miami. Canadian TE Matt Brandt (6-5, 248) pulled in 33 passes for 348 yards and a touchdown. It's unlikely that any one member of the receiving corps will step up and have a dominating season, but the speed, versatility, and experience they collectively bring to the table could make the Roethlisberger experience difficult for defenses.

Senior tackles Jacob Bell and Ben Herrell anchor Miami's offensive line. Bell, a 6-5 four-year starter, and Herrell, a 6-7, 316-pounder have the long arms and footwork to keep defensive ends out of Roethlisberger's face. Senior left guard Frank Smith has three years of starting duty under his belt, and will tandem with Herrell to make the left side Clemens' favorite place to run. At center, 6-7, 284-pound redshirt sophomore center Todd Londot returns for his second year calling the shots on the line, and to his right, classmate Nate Bunce is expected to win the starting job.

Mobility is key in Montgomery's offense, with various rolling pockets, screens, and shovel passes -- and that is reflected in the size of the linemen. Though on average, the projected starters are almost 6-6, only Harrell weighs more than 300 pounds. The future of Miami's line looks strong, as the second team is littered with similarly-built sophomores who should be ready to step in alongside Londot and Bunce next season.

TB Luke Clemens

written by Markus Videnieks

Phil Smith leads the inexperienced RedHawk defensive line. He is a converted linebacker who had a successful season last year at defensive end. He finished with five sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 51 total tackles. He'll be flanked on the right side by sophomore Jarrod Rich, who had all of seven tackles.

The situation at defensive tackle is not much more promising, as junior Larry Burt, he of 19 tackles will be counted on to throw his 299 pounds into the backfield frequently enough to free up all-MAC MLB Terrell Jones. The other DT position is somewhat unsettled, though it appears as if 5-11, 269-pound sophomore John Galvin will be responsible for playing bigger than his size if this defense is to stop the run. Considering the rawness of the starting group, expect Miami to experiment with multiple combinations up front, particularly early in the season. Younger players, like 6-4 264-pound sophomore DE Mike Barz will have the chance to step up and earn significant playing time.

The smallish Jones has left a battlefield of tackled running backs in his wake during his tenure in Oxford. Though he's just 5-9, 218 pounds, Jones uses his smarts to find backs inside the tackles, and his speed to get them when they go outside. He'll be joined at linebacker by speedy sophomore Terna Nande, who had 49 tackles and two sacks as a freshman. At LOLB sophomore Busing will be in the mix for the starting position, along with David Hutzelman and freshman Dontae Wright. Also in the rotation will be sophomore linebacker Matt Cohen, younger brother of former MAC Defensive Player of the Year Dustin Cohen.

The secondary is anchored by yet another walk-on turned standout in junior strong safety Matt Pusateri. The junior led the team with 125 tackles, and also broke up nine passes. He will be counted on to help out against the run, which will leave the slowish defensive backs vulnerable to deep balls. Senior cornerback Ryan Sprague had two interceptions and 71 tackles in his starting role last season. His partner on the other side will be Alphonso Hodge, a hard-hitting CB who has experience in nickel and dime packages. The free safety position is up in the air, as underclassmen Steve Burke (sophomore) and Joey Card (freshman) are likely to split time ball-hawking. It's still unclear who the nickel and dime backs will be - but they certainly will be young and inexperienced - just like most of the defense.

LB Terrell Jones