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Armand Robinson gets gets knocked out of bounds just short of the goal line. Photos by Mike Smith.

After his team finished last in both scoring and rushing among Mid-American Conference teams last season, Miami coach Michael Haywood knew elevating play in those two areas were key to improving on the RedHawks 1-11 (1-7 MAC) record of 2009.
If the spring game is any kind of indicator, MU may be heading in the right direction. Senior running back Thomas Merriweather carried 23 times for 106 yards and one touchdown as MU White defeated MU Red 17-7 Saturday at Yager Stadium.

Merriweather, who gained just 291 total yards and scored three TDs last year, appeared to turn it up a notch Saturday. However, he also benefitted from improved line play.

After struggling in 2009, the youth along Miami’s offensive front is a little bigger, stronger and more experienced halfway to a new season. Haywood also thinks the RedHawks will benefit from the use of fullbacks in the 2010 offensive scheme.

Michigan transfer Vince Helmuth (6-1, 283, R-So) is one of a trio of fullback candidates who could be either paving the way for tailbacks or carrying the ball in tough yardage situations this fall. Haywood indicated Helmuth’s contributions could grow as he becomes more experienced with Miami’s offense. “He’s a load,” offered RedHawks safety Anthony Kokal. “He’s going to get better.”

Likewise, sophomore Erik Finklea, who played on the defensive side in 2009, could see more game reps as he continues to learn the offense. In Saturday’s intra-squad contest, Finklea filled in for injured redshirt sophomore Danny Green and scored the Red team’s only TD on a one-yard run.

“The running game is coming along really well,” said Haywood, who committed focus, reps and personnel to the ground game this spring.

“We ran the ball well today,” echoed MU sophomore quarterback Zak Dysert, who stands to benefit from any new running game threat the RedHawks can generate.

Dysert assumed the starting quarterback reins in Game 4 last season and completed 61.6 percent of his passes while throwing for 12 touchdowns and 216 yards of offense per game through the air (6th among MAC passers). At the same time, he tossed a league-leading 16 interceptions. Eleven of those picks came in the season’s first six games.

According to Haywood, Dysert’s inexperience as a redshirt freshman limited his performance on the field. “He couldn’t handle many audibles last year,” said the second-year Miami head coach.

Dysert completed 23-of-25 for 137 yards and a touchdown pass to sophomore Steve Marck Saturday. Afterward, Dysert indicated he feels more comfortable this time around. “It’s a lot better with that (year in the) offense under your belt,” Dysert said.

It’s also better when the line affords protection. Miami allowed a league-worst 38 sacks (almost twice the next team’s total) for 258 yards in 2009. Haywood noted the staff is still looking at some options along the line.

As far as receiver options go, Dysert’s top target Saturday was senior wideout Armand Robinson. When the RedHawks regroup for fall practice, Dysert can also look to redshirt junior Chris Givens. The 6-2, 211-pound receiver severely  injured a shoulder against Boise State. That was Miami’s second game of the campaign, so Givens was gone before Dysert got his first start.

Several others – such as Air Force transfer Nick Harwell - could figure into the wide receiver competition by the time MU opens at Florida. “We’ve got a dynamic bunch of receivers,” Dysert said.

The RedHawks, according to Haywood also have a good bunch of linebackers. “They had an unbelievable spring,” he said.

Junior Jerrell Wedge (5-9, 211), who led the team in total tackles (114), sacks (5.5, 54 yards), forced fumbles (3) and tackles for loss (18.5, 101 yards) was busy again Saturday. He led the defenses with 10 tackles. Senior defensive lineman D. J. Svabik, meanwhile, recorded eight tackles and two sacks.

As with the offensive line, Haywood sees the defensive line as playing a key role in Miami fortunes this season. Although the RedHawks were first in pass defense (158.4 yards per conference contest), that likely was related to a next-to-last showing against the run (197.4 ypg).

“We had a lot of young guys last year,” said safety Anthony Kokal, who finished second behind Wedge with 105 tackles in 2009. The 6-0, 202-pound junior said stopping the run – and playing hard - was a point of emphasis all spring. “We’ve gotten leaps and bounds better in (being physical),” Kokal said. “We played with a lot of passion this spring.”

Haywood noted the RedHawks have quite a bit of depth at safety this year but need to create more competition and depth at the corners. Brandon Stephens (5-10, 205-pound senior) and D.J. Brown (6-1, 174, sophomore) combined for 91 tackles last season.

Plenty of work remains before Miami visits “the Swamp” for a Sept. 4 game against Florida and an early MAC game the following week at home against Eastern Michigan, But Haywood noted he is seeing some good signs. “I think the biggest improvement is in the attention to detail … along with the physicality (of our play),” he said.

FOR MORE MIAMI SPRING GAME PHOTOS, GO TO:
http://newlondonridge.smugmug.com/Sports/Miami-FB-2010/Miami-FB-Spring-Game-2010/11797317_z38JZ#833376015_YL4a8

NOTES:
- One problem area from 2009 which didn’t fare well Saturday was the kicking game. Haywood noted the kickers missed a pair of “chip shots,” while Trevor Cook connected on a 20-yarder for the only field goal of the day.
- Kokal pointed out another area in which the RedHawks are seeking improvement is turnovers. Miami finished 2009 last in the MAC at -15. Toledo, which Miami defeated for its only win, was next at -13. No other team had a double-digit, negative turnover margin.
- Miami’s football schedule is considerably friendlier this season. While the opener against Florida is a huge challenge, MU plays three of the next four games at home. Last year, the RedHawks had one true home game (against Cincinnati) among their first seven contests. Miami also missed Eastern Division foe Akron altogether and played Western Michigan, with standout QB Tim Hiller at the helm.
- Many freshmen saw action (including as starters) last season. Haywood still maintains freshman who perform are part of the competition for positions. Few veterans are likely to doubt Haywood after last year’s influx of young talent.