The loss was just Miami's fourth in 21 MAC games and its first versus Akron since 1996.

Sophomore Brandon Payne, the 1999 MAC Freshman of the Year, rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns, and cornerback Dwight Smith had two interceptions for Akron. Smith leads the country with eight interceptions in five games.

Miami fell behind 23-3 before the RedHawks reeled off 17 unanswered points to pull within three at 23-20. But on Akron's next possession following Andy Dooley's 2-yard TD run, the Zips quickly moved ahead by 10 again on Payne's 13-yard scoring run.

"I give Akron all the credit," said Miami coach Terry Hoeppner. "They outplayed us in every phase of the game. I was glad to see us respond after halftime -- we just couldn't sustain it, however."

Zac Derr kicked first-half field goals of 38, 34 and 38 yards and Butchie Washington threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to Jake Schifino to give the Zips (3-2, 2-1) their 23-3 lead.

"Butchie did a nice job against us," said Hoeppner. "Defensively, their secondary did a good job on our receivers, especially Dwight Smith. But our poor play with the passing game made them look even better. We didn't look sharp at all -- not even during the pregame warmup."

Steve Little's 5-yard TD run, followed by Dooley's score, brought Miami back to 23-20.

Led by Little, Miami rushed for a season-high 256 yards. Mike Bath completed 20 of 49 passes for 174 yards with two interceptions for the RedHawks. Sly Johnson totaled a career-high nine receptions, but was held to just 72 receiving yards -- 20 below his average.

Miami, which has played four of its first five games away from home, now plays back-to-back contests at Yager Stadium. The RedHawks (3-2, 1-1 MAC East) entertain Ball State at 2 p.m. next Saturday in Miami's annual homecoming contest.