Miami University’s football team is getting down to Mid-American Conference business this week.

The RedHawks are just 1-2, but will begin their quest for a record 16th MAC title Saturday when winless Massachusetts comes to Yager Stadium for homecoming.

“It’s exciting just to have that more or less be your focus now,” said MU coach Don Treadwell, whose squad has just one nonconference game remaining (Oct. 6 at Cincinnati). “We believe if we focus on ourselves and we’re performing well, that will certainly lend itself to good things happening.”

Miami has been less than great thus far in 2012, getting outgained in every contest and allowing an average of 495.3 yards per game. The RedHawks topped Southern Illinois at home, yet got pummeled by Ohio State and Boise State on the road.

The trip to Boise last Saturday was disheartening because MU had a 9-8 lead late in the first half, then gave up 28 consecutive points.

“For a half, I really felt that we performed well at times,” Treadwell said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. “You go into the half only down 15-9 to a Top 10 program, and that shows the growth that is truly taking place in our program. I thought they did a really good job of seizing the momentum in the third quarter.”

Two key players, wide receiver Nick Harwell (knee) and defensive tackle Austin Brown (back), did not see action against Boise.

Treadwell said Harwell is doubtful at best for the UMass game (he won’t discuss the extent of Harwell’s injury) and Brown likely will be a game-time decision. The MU coach announced a policy Monday that injured players can’t do any media interviews until he gives his approval.

Looking back at the Boise game, Treadwell said there’s nothing specific he would’ve changed in terms of what Miami was doing. The RedHawks drove near midfield and had timeouts available at the end of the first half, but opted to let the clock run out and took a 15-9 deficit into the break.

“I’m sure (the receivers) would’ve been tired because you’re playing a heck of a game, but I wouldn’t say that was an overriding scenario (in my decision),” Treadwell said. “I think it was a combination of the time ticking on the clock and where we were at and what we were trying to get accomplished.”

Massachusetts has been outscored 145-19 by Connecticut, Indiana and Michigan, but Treadwell said those scores are deceiving. He expects to be challenged by the Minutemen.

“They’ve had a full plate of nonconference teams,” Treadwell said. “I really believe their record, much like us, does not indicate or reflect their ability. I think a lot of people will be very surprised. When you turn on the tape, I don’t care what score you read, this team is a big, physical team that I think is going to be very competitive as we get into the MAC.”

He said the UMass offensive line is big and strong. It paves the road for senior running back Michael Cox, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound Michigan transfer who’s gained 113 yards on 38 carries. The Minutemen have scored just one offensive touchdown this year, a run by 6-5, 215-pound freshman quarterback Mike Wegzyn.

Defensively, Treadwell said the UMass secondary is a speedy group. “They’ll play man coverage and press you,” he continued. “You don’t normally see that unless you really feel good about your skill on the back end.”

UMass is allowing 510 yards per game, 248.7 on the ground and 261.3 through the air. Senior linebacker Perry McIntyre has a team-leading 26 tackles.

The Las Vegas odds have Miami favored by 24 to 26.5 points.