TUCSON, Ariz. — Kevin Davis showcased an impressive performance, rushing for a career-high of 148 yards and scoring two touchdowns on just nine carries on Saturday. Jordan Brunson also contributed significantly by adding two rushing touchdowns as Miami (Ohio) triumphed over Colorado State with a score of 43-17 in the Arizona Bowl.
Davis made an impactful play with a 4-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, putting Miami ahead. Moments later, a fumble forced by Matt Salopek was recovered by Silas Walters, leading to quarterback Brett Gabbert’s first rushing touchdown of the season. Gabbert executed a 10-yard scramble that capped a swift 47-yard drive, extending their lead to 22-3 just two minutes after Davis’s touchdown.
Following a turnover on downs by the Rams on a crucial fourth-and-4 attempt from the 5-yard line, Davis received a handoff and sprinted 97 yards for another touchdown, marking a significant 26-point advantage for the RedHawks with 6:45 left in the third. Notably, this run is the second longest in Miami history, just behind George Swarn’s 98-yard run against Western Michigan in 1984.
Finishing the season with a 9-5 record, Miami improved its all-time bowl game record to 9-7. Meanwhile, Colorado State, which ended the season at 8-5, faced difficulties, giving away the ball four times, which Miami capitalized on for 19 points.
For the Rams, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi connected with Stephon Bailey for a 56-yard touchdown pass, while Peter Montini added a 1-yard touchdown run. Miami’s Dom Dzioban had a productive game, successfully making field goals from 34, 26, and 24 yards, giving his team a 9-3 lead at halftime. Dzioban’s 26 field goals made this season tie him with Sam Sloman, who had 26 field goals in 2019 and was later drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams were making their first bowl appearance since 2017, when they suffered a narrow 31-28 defeat against Marshall at the New Mexico Bowl. Overall, the game highlighted Miami’s strength and the challenges faced by Colorado State throughout the contest.
