Nov. 23, 2002

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Miami Postgame Notes UCF at Miami Saturday, November 23, 2002 Yager Stadium - Oxford, OH

Team Notes

· For the first time in three games, the RedHawk offense scored on its opening drive with a Mike Smith touchdown run.

· The 28 first half points surrendered by the Miami defense marked a season high, surpassing the 23 points scored by L.S.U. In addition, the 10 first half points scored by Miami tied a season low (Iowa).

· For the first time this season, the RedHawks had a punt blocked that resulted in a touchdown.

· For the first time, a team joining or rejoining the MAC was victorious over the RedHawks. Prior to the game, Miami had beaten Northern Illinois 42-0 in 1997 and Buffalo 49-0 in 1999.

· Miami failed to convert its lone interception of UCF into points. On the season, the RedHawks have forced 31 turnovers resulting in 75 points.

· The RedHawks converted on seven of their 15 third down opportunities, moving them to 79/179 on the season.

· Despite the loss, Miami had its ninth consecutive winning season.

Individual Notes · Luke Clemens' 67 yards on 17 carries gave him 1,009 yards on the season. In addition, Clemens caught a pass in his 11th straight game.

· With his 271 yards on 23 completions, Ben Roethlisberger became the first Miami player to pass for 3,000 yards in consecutive seasons and broke his own single-season passing record of 3,105 set in 2001.

· Milt Bowen intercepted his sixth pass of the season, moving him into a tie for seventh in Miami history. In addition, Bowen's 90 kickoff return yards moved him into second all time in MAC career kickoff return yardage, passing Western Michigan's Cliff Reed.

· Michael Larkin caught a ball for the 23rd consecutive game, giving him a catch in each game he has played for the RedHawks.

· Jared Parseghian made his 14th field goal of the year on a 27-yard attempt in the first quarter. The kick extended his MAC record for consecutive field goals made to 17.

· Mike Smith's first quarter touchdown tied a career high for single-game scoring.

· Senior Eddie Tillitz scored his first touchdown of the year on a six-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Tillitz added his second touchdown grab of the season with two seconds remaining in the game.

· Jason Branch's 67 yards receiving on a career high 8 catches and one touchdown moved him into sixth all time on Miami's career receiving yardage list and second on Miami's touchdown receptions list. Branch also moved into third-place all time at Miami in career receptions.

· Josh Betts had career highs in completions, yardage, and touchdowns on his four completions for 57 yards and two touchdowns.