« Oh, snap! Miami U. commits record 3 safeties »

OXFORD, Ohio — After Tuesday night's game against Bowling Green State University, Dave McClain knows what he'll be doing during practice for the next week: throwing the ball between his legs.

McClain, the long snapper for the Miami University Redhawks, misfired on four of the team's seven punt attempts as they sailed over the head of punter Jacob Richardson. Two of those errant snaps went through the end zone for a safety, one was face-high and mishandled by Richardson for another safety, and the fourth bad'un tricked backwards 41 yards.

• Losses by virtue of high punt snaps: 105 yards, 6 points


• Net yardage accrued by virtue of successful punts: 95 yards

The three safeties tied an NCAA record for most safeties scored by one team, the other times being:

• 1996, when Arizona State University (with current Denver Broncos QB Jake Plummer) conquered University of Nebraska (with current Green Bay Packers RB Ahman Green) by a 16-0 score


• 2003 when University of North Texas defeated University of Louisiana-Lafayette 44-23. But Tuesday night was the first time that three safeties were logged in one half

The first bad snap was most likely a direct result of the harsh weather conditions. The game was delayed more than two hours due to reported lightning strikes and potential tornado weather.

(Oh, by the way Miami lost to BG 42-14.)

Miami quarterback Josh Betts didn't have such a hot day either, finishing the night 17-for-37 with 258 yards and two touchdowns while getting sacked 4 times for 34 yards and throwing a career-worst 5 interceptions.

BG win adds more drama to upcoming rivalry game

The Bowling Green Falcons, now at 5-2 in the MAC East division, is now in first place and can clinch the division and a berth in the MAC Championship with a win over rival Toledo next Tuesday (11/29, ESPN2).

Toledo lost to Northern Illinois Wednesday night 35-17 in their final home game, breaking a 17-game home win streak. Now the UT Rockets need a win in BG next week and NIU to lose to Western Michigan next Wednesday, or else NIU goes to the MAC Championship. (Breathe.)

Basically, this MAC football champ outlook makes this year's MLB Wild Card chase look straightforward.