The Miami-Ohio Redhawks enter 2017 coming off of a historic 2016 season, finishing 6-7. The 6-7 record was by no means impressive, but the growth of the RedHawks over the season was unprecedented. Miami became the first FBS team in history to start 0-6 and finish the regular season 6-6.
If it weren't for overly conservative play-calling, the RedHawks could have finished 7-6 with a résumé-building win over Mississippi State of the SEC. Miami fell 17-16 to the Bulldogs in the St. Petersburg Bowl, due to several kicking woes. Kicker Nick Dowd had an extra point blocked in the first half and his potential game-winning field goal blocked from 37 yards out.