HINKEL, REDHAWKS ON RISE

The question isn't who is going to let me. It's who is going to stop me. -Howard Roark, The Fountainhead


I am going to lead off another strong week with a little dap for one of my very best friends Pat Hinkel and his Miami Redhawks. They moved to 3-0 in the MAC on Saturday, making quick work of Central Michigan. The solid road win puts them alone atop the MAC East standings. They have another big one at home this week against OU. Life in the MAC conference is a lot like the SEC conference, as well as the OAC conference in basketball: never a night off.

Year two under Mike Haywood has brought about solid improvement in all areas of the program. The guy might be a jerk most days, but his no non-sense, fast, mean and physical approach has created a grittier culture. And that hunger and grit has been a big part in the maturation process, and allowed them to start to learn how to win games. They have been spearheaded by a nasty D and an ball control offense that moves the football efficiently. That Florida game the first week of the season was not a fluke. That was 60 guys who were tougher and stronger than they were last year, wearing the same uniform ready to get busy. Ready to fly around and compete against the Gators. No fear.

There is a pretty good player and leader in that secondary. And he goes by Patty H. It's not a coincidence that the Miami D has played very well since Pat was named the starting safety. Pat ability to come from level three and make plays at the line of scrimmage has given the front seven another steady tackler. His instincts and ability to read the play have gotten him two picks, with a couple more on the way. And I am sure everyone remembers his scoop and score against Fla--ah well, we'll wait to the holidays to joke with him about that. But more than anything, aside from his tangible skills, Pat's just a winner. His track record speaks for itself. He's a guy that you wanna go to battle with. You're not winning shit, I don't care what sport we're discussing unless you have a handful of guys like Pat on your team. For everyone that knows Patty, knows that he leads by example. And his actions speak loudly and contribute to W's.

Takeaways: the life blood of good football teams and defenses. Miami is the best in the MAC. They are also the best defense in the red area, another significant trait of great teams. Couple those two things with a offense that eats up the clock and throws the ball efficiently, and an ice cold field goal kicker and you're going to be in a position to win every week.

So here we are, just a little past the half way mark of the college football season. Let's hope the Redhawks team can continue to grow as a program. Rest assured though that the defensive unit is in good hands and will only get stronger and more cohesive with Patty H in charge.


Willing to work harder,

JC