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OXFORD — If the first quarter has been one vast wasteland for the Miami University football team this season, the third quarter has been a sort of oasis.

"Even though we haven't played real consistent this year, our quarter in which we have played well has been the third quarter," Miami coach Shane Montgomery said.

The RedHawks have outscored their opponents 40-35 in the third period, and they held Vanderbilt, Michigan and Temple scoreless in that quarter.

It was the third quarter in which Miami took a 13-10 lead at Northern Illinois last week, but the RedHawks have been unable to sustain any head of steam.

"We did a poor job of keeping the momentum (at NIU)," Montgomery said. "We allowed them to score and put our backs against the wall."

The Huskies answered the RedHawks' 15-play, 62-yard drive which resulted in Nathan Parseghian's 35-yard field goal with a five-play, 63-yard drive capped by Chad Spann's 2-yard touchdown run. That turned out to be NIU's winning score in a 17-13 victory.

Miami has been outscored in the first period 54-3. The opponents have scored the last 54 points.

Big injuries? Not yet

"We're hanging in there physically," said Montgomery, whose team has yet to suffer any devastating injuries, unlike the last several seasons.

Three RedHawks missed the Northern Illinois game — defensive tackles Sean Redwine and Morris Council and free safety Jordan Gafford.

But only Gafford, who has missed the last four games with a stress fracture of his shin, is questionable for the next game at Bowling Green Saturday, Oct. 18.

"If it goes any further we'll have to look at what the circumstances and what opportunities are open to him," Montgomery said of Gafford.

Another of Miami's defensive backs, cornerback Brandon Stephens, was scheduled to have an MRI Tuesday, Oct. 14 after hurting his knee at NIU.

"We don't think it's anything real long term," Montgomery said, "but it could be something that holds him out (this week)."

Stephens' status is doubtful.

Left offensive tackle Dave DiFranco (shoulder) and left guard Bob Gulley (elbow) will be evaluated later this week but are expected to play Saturday.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.