It could’ve been a battle for first place. Now Miami University’s football team may be playing the role of spoiler.

The RedHawks’ stunning 27-24 loss at Buffalo over the weekend dropped MU into fourth place in the Mid-American Conference East Division, with leader Kent State coming to Yager Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Flashes are 5-0 in the East, followed by Bowling Green (4-1), Ohio (4-1) and Miami (3-2), which is 4-5 overall.

“Those are the ones that stick with you, but those are the ones that I feel like push you even harder,” RedHawks quarterback Zac Dysert said of Saturday’s defeat, which ended a six-game losing streak by the Bulls.

“It just puts a big chip on your shoulder,” MU strong safety Brison Burris added. “We will rebound.”

Kent (8-1) has won its last seven games and is coming off a 35-24 triumph over Akron. The Flashes have perhaps the MAC’s most dynamic player, redshirt junior Dri Archer.

Archer has rushed 97 times for 892 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 25 passes for 333 yards and three scores, and returned 13 kickoffs for 547 yards (42.1 average) and three TDs.

Sophomore Trayion Durham, a Colerain High School product, has carried the ball 190 times for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Spencer Keith is 123-of-211 for 1,266 yards and eight TDs with three interceptions.

Miami holds a commanding 46-13 advantage in this series and has won the last two meetings.