The RedHawks rode their MAC-best defense to the conference championship game last year, and in 2008 that unit should be even stingier.

The defense is anchored by swarming linebackers Clayton Mullins, Joey Hudson and Caleb Bostic, the team's top three tacklers.

"That threesome is as good as any in the conference, and I don't think that there are many who are better in all of college football," coach Shane Montgomery said.

Even without that trio in the spring game -- they were nursing injuries -- the defense dominated, allowing just one touchdown.

The defense returns nine starters, which is a good thing. The struggling offense returns eight starters, which may or not be a good thing.

Miami didn't show much big-play ability in the spring. But one bright spot was the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Clay Belton, who is pushing junior Daniel Raudabaugh for the starting job.

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