OxfordPress.com

OXFORD — Even though the Miami University and University of Toledo football teams are both 2-8 this season, the RedHawks will have one distinct advantage when the two teams meet Friday night, Nov. 21, at the Glass Bowl:

Rest.

Miami's most recent game was a 31-16 loss to Ball State last Tuesday, meaning the RedHawks will have 10 days between games.

Toledo, on the other hand, lost 27-17 at Western Michigan on Saturday, giving the Rockets just six games to prepare for MU.

"We gave our kids a couple of days off (because) we'll have a couple extra days compared to them after they just played Saturday," RedHawks coach Shane Montgomery said Monday at his weekly press conference.

"At this time of the year, it's always good to give the guys a couple of days off, just to get their minds cleared," Montgomery added. "It's been a disappointing season, but we still have a lot to play for. We've got a good group of seniors who only have a couple of games left, and we'd like to send them out on a high note."

In addition to clearing their minds, Montgomery is hoping the days off will soothe some bodies.

"We always tell our guys that after the first couple days of practice, you're not going to feel 100 percent the rest of the year," Montgomery said. "When you play a 12-game season, especially when you play different days of the week, it's good to have a couple extra days to get those guys away from football and get them refreshed."

But even a couple of days off may not be enough for a handful of recentlty injured RedHawks.

Freshman quarterback Clay Belton (shoulder), freshman defensive tackle Jordain Brown (ankle) and junior cornerback Jeff Thompson (knee) all are questionable for Friday's game. All three were injured two weeks ago against Buffalo.

Montgomery also said he is optimistic junior free safety Jordan Gafford, a two-year starter, will be granted a medical redshirt after suffering a stress fracture at Michigan on Sept. 6.

"We're gonna try to get him another year," Montgomery said. "He did not redshirt (as a freshman), and he got hurt in the second game this year, so I would think we'll be able to do that."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.