Cure Bowl: Miami (OH) Coach Chuck Martin Assesses QB Situation, App State Matchups Ahead of Saturday

Just days away from the Cure Bowl, Miami Ohio RedHawks head coach dives into a couple of topics in his first

On Wednesday, Miami (OH) head coach Chuck Martin, running back Rashad Amos, linebacker Ty Wise, and linebacker Camden Rogers all spoke the media for the first time since arriving at the Cure Bowl.

"We're ecstatic to be here in Orlando," said RedHawks coach Chuck Martin as he opened up the press conference. "I always make a joke that I would go to any bowl game, anywhere. If there is one in Alaska, I'd be happy to go there."

Martin was asked about preparing for Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar. However, for Martin, he's worried about the entirety of the Mountaineers' offense.

"He [Aguilar] can run, he can throw, they're a very complete offense," Martin remarked. "They're much like Toledo, in that they can hurt you on every play. You've gotta be ready on every play. If you aren't, they'll make a big play. Doesn't matter if it's play seven, play 22, play 30, you can be playing great defense and then you take your foot off the gas and you step out of position and they're gonna make you pay."

In regards to his own starting quarterback on Saturday, redshirt sophomore Henry Hesson, Martin mentioned that it is "awesome" that his quarterback will be seeing action in a bowl game.

"You talk about challenge, what kinda challenge, I don't know," said Martin. "He was a really good high school quarterback in Indianapolis...he's been in our program for a while. He's backed up some really good players, so as I always say, he's practiced great, he's capable, he's smart, he's accurate, he can throw the ball, but you never know until you put him into the arena. The high school arena is not like the high school arena."

Hesson did see some college action in 2022, but this will be his first collegiate start. He's 2/5 for 37 yards as a college quarterback. Hesson is replacing Aveon Smith, Miami's starter for the back half of the season, after Smith entered the transfer portal.

The Cure Bowl will kick off on Saturday, December 16 at 3:30pm ET on ABC.