Dysert and Boucher Put Miami in Solid Position to Succeed

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami quarterbacks coach MIKE BATH has been through the wars as a player, so RedHawk fans should believe him when he talks so confidently about his QB unit who will be heading to Columbus in just more than two weeks to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"I really like where we're at right now with our quarterbacks," said the RedHawk mentor. "Today was our best individual practice of the fall. They really attacked it and that's been their mentality since day one. We're climbing upward and I'm enjoying working with our young men."

Statistically, perhaps no other quarterback tandem in college football has combined for as many passing yards-9,726-as senior ZAC DYSERT (Ada) and junior AUSTIN BOUCHER (Kettering). Cumulatively, they've completed 64 percent of their passes and thrown for 55 career touchdowns.

"In Zac and Austin, we've got two guys who have played a bunch of snaps," said Bath. "But you can also see improvement in our young guys. They're trying to match the effort of our older players and, conversely, the older players are doing a great job of teaching them from the sideline, on the field or in the meeting room."

Dysert, who's getting plenty of attention from NFL scouts, is rated among the very best collegiate quarterbacks in 2012. Bath calls him a technician.

"Zac has improved since last spring and I thought he was better in the spring than he was at the end of last season," said Bath. "He's worked extremely hard at his craft. The thing that stands out most is that Zac has become a technician and understands how fundamentals fit into the overall play."

No college quarterback has a better starting record than Boucher. When Dysert went down with an injury in the 2010 Bowling Green game, Boucher more than took advantage of his opportunity. He made four starts and won four games, including one in 2010 that gave Miami its 15th Mid-American Conference title, a 26-21 win over highly ranked Northern Illinois.

"'Bouch' has made great strides this fall," said Bath. "After sitting out the spring due to his shoulder surgery, he's basically had to re-learn how to throw because he was in a brace for quite a while. His arm is getting stronger every day and it's been fun to see his improvement. It's hard to say that a guy like him is a back-up quarterback, but he's won a MAC Championship game and won a bowl game. It's neat to have him in the on-deck circle and ready to go."

On the rise, but waiting his turn, is redshirt freshman DREW KUMMER (Cincinnati).

"Like Zac, Drew Kummer is better today than he was in practice 15 last spring," said Bath. "He always works hard and he had his best practices today. It's been fun to watch his progression."

Franklin, Ohio freshman AUSTIN GEARING is competing hard as well.

"Gearing is coming along," said Bath. "He's a big athlete and he's becoming a better thrower day by day. He's what I call a gym rat, always studying film and doing what it takes to get better."

A fifth quarterback on Miami's roster is sophomore KYLE SEYFRIED (Wyoming).

So, with just 15 days left before the season opener at the Horseshoe, how does Miami's quarterbacks coach feel?

"Zac and Bouch have been in hostile situations before, so they know what to do." Said Bath. "I have confidence that they'll stay even-keeled and get done what they need to accomplish.

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ARE YOU ALL-IN?: The Miami RedHawk football squad is "All In" for the 2012 season! Are you? Get your tickets today so that you can be part of what promises to be an exciting season. The 2012 schedule includes five daytime home games, including Southern Illinois (Sat., Sept. 8, Band Day and Youth Day), Massachusetts (Sat., Sept. 22, Homecoming), Ohio (Sat., Oct. 27, Family Weekend), Kent State (Sat., Nov. 10, Military Day) and Ball State (Fri., Nov. 23). Season tickets start at just $70. To order, call (513) 529-HAWK, visit the Athletic Ticket Office at Millett Hall, or order tickets online at www.MURedHawks.com.

Regular Reserved - $90

Miami Faculty/Staff Reserved - $75

Senior Citizen (65 & older)/Butler County resident - $80

Youth (under 18) - $70

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