Miami Honors Western College Legacy with Dramatic 23-20 Overtime Win Against UMass
Miami Honors Western College Legacy with Dramatic 23-20 Overtime Win Against UMass
OXFORD, Ohio — Miami University narrowly avoided a Homecoming disaster, edging UMass 23-20 in overtime to secure their first win of the season. The RedHawks, wearing special blue, white, and red jerseys to honor the legacy of the Western College for Women, staved off what would have been a disastrous 0-4 start for the defending MAC champions. Instead, they rallied late to send the Oxford crowd home happy with a dramatic victory.
Keyon Mozee provided a spark for the RedHawks (1-3), rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, while kicker Dom Dzioban played the hero role, nailing a 47-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to force overtime. Dzioban followed that up with a 43-yard game-winner in the extra period, lifting Miami past UMass (1-4), who will officially rejoin the MAC in 2025.
The game was filled with big plays and tense moments as both teams battled back and forth. Miami struck first after taking over in UMass territory following an exchange of punts. Mozee broke through the Minutemen defense for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the RedHawks a 7-0 lead. UMass quickly responded, with quarterback Taisun Phommachanh connecting with Jakobie Keeney-James on a 64-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 45-yard field goal to make it 10-7.
Dzioban’s 37-yard field goal late in the second quarter tied the game at 10 heading into halftime, but the RedHawks squandered an opportunity to take the lead with an interception by Jalen Harrell near the UMass goal line as the half expired.
The third quarter saw another explosive play from Mozee, who ripped off a 66-yard run that set up Brett Gabbert’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Javon Tracy, putting Miami ahead 17-10. The lead, however, was short-lived. UMass marched down the field early in the fourth quarter, with running back CJ Hester capping a drive with a one-yard touchdown to knot the score at 17.
With just 40 seconds left in regulation, the Minutemen appeared poised to spoil Miami’s Homecoming, taking a 20-17 lead on a 23-yard field goal. But Gabbert quickly led the RedHawks down the field, and Dzioban delivered under pressure, sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights as time expired to force overtime.
UMass had the first possession in the extra period but missed a 44-yard field goal. Miami then turned to Dzioban, who calmly drilled a 43-yard field goal to seal the victory and save the RedHawks from an 0-4 start.
Notable Performances
Mozee’s 114-yard rushing performance was his second career 100-yard game, highlighted by his 66-yard breakaway run. Gabbert added 150 passing yards, while Dzioban’s clutch kicking performance was a standout, going 3-for-3 on field goals and accounting for 11 of Miami’s 23 points.
On the defensive side, Matt Salopek recorded a game-high 10 tackles, moving into ninth place on Miami’s all-time career tackles list with 428, surpassing Terrell Jones.
Up Next
Miami heads into Mid-American Conference play with renewed momentum as they prepare to face Toledo next Saturday, Oct. 5, at 3:30 p.m. in a rematch of the 2023 MAC Championship Game. The RedHawks will look to build on their first win of the season and avoid any more close calls as they defend their conference title. UMass will hit the road to face Northern Illinois.