Tuscon, Ariz. — Kevin Davis delivered a career-best performance with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, leading Miami (Ohio) to a commanding 43-17 victory over Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl on Saturday. Jordan Brunson also contributed with two rushing touchdowns, as the RedHawks capitalized on turnovers and explosive plays to secure the win.
Davis opened the scoring in the third quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving Miami a 15-3 lead. Shortly after, linebacker Matt Salopek forced a fumble recovered by Silas Walters, setting up quarterback Brett Gabbert’s first rushing touchdown of the season—a 10-yard scramble that capped a quick 47-yard drive and extended the lead to 22-3.
The game’s turning point came when Colorado State failed to convert on a fourth-and-4 from the Miami 5-yard line. On the very next play, Davis broke free for a 97-yard touchdown run, extending the RedHawks’ lead to 29-3. The run stands as the second-longest in program history, just behind George Swarn’s 98-yard score against Western Michigan in 1984.
The RedHawks (9-5) improved their all-time bowl record to 9-7. They capitalized on Colorado State’s four turnovers, converting them into 19 points.
For the Rams (8-5), Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi connected with Stephon Bailey on a 56-yard touchdown pass, and Peter Montini added a 1-yard rushing score. However, Colorado State’s miscues proved costly, as they made their first bowl appearance since a 31-28 loss to Marshall in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl.
Miami kicker Dom Dzioban was instrumental in the victory, hitting field goals from 34, 26, and 24 yards. Dzioban’s 26 made field goals this season tie him with Sam Sloman (2019) for second on the RedHawks’ single-season record list. The program record of 27 was set last year by Graham Nicholson, who also earned the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker.
With the win, the RedHawks showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on mistakes, closing their season on a very high note.
