Preparing for Ohio State: New coach, no film

I showed up at Wednesday's football practice wondering how Miami was preparing to play a team with a new coach with no film of those players playing in that coach's system.

The RedHawks, who play first-year Ohio State coach Urban Meyer Saturday in Columbus at noon, use video of the Buckeyes' spring game and also film of Meyer's teams at Florida.

"They probably didn't show much in the spring game," Miami senior quarterback Zac Dysert said about Ohio State. "They showed a little bit of stuff, but I think the coaches have a good game plan for us and they have a pretty good idea of what they are going to do. We have to be ready for a lot of stuff.  We have to make adjustments as the game goes on too, so that's a big part of it."

Miami junior wide receiver Nick Harwell said they then use that film and try to "imitate and remake what we see on film on the (practice) field."

Harwell added that he expects Ohio State to use three down lineman while adding an extra linebacker or defensive back to try to slow down the RedHawks' passing attack.

Dysert and Harwell both had outstanding seasons in 2011. Dysert threw for 3,513 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while Harwell had 97 receptions for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns. But both admitted they would like to see more of a balanced attack this year.

"(We need to) run the ball," Harwell said about the one thing he would like to see Miami do well this Saturday. "If we can run the ball, then we'll definitely be able to throw the ball."

Miami will lean on trio of running backs in senior Justin Semmes, junior Robert Williams III and freshman Jamire Westbrook.

Semmes ran for 293 yards on 170 carries in 2011, while Williams III red-shirted.