March 11, 2008

OXFORD, OHIO - For the first time in Miami University history, the RedHawks' 2008 football schedule includes six home games, Director of Athletics Brad Bates announced today.

Miami, co-champions of the 2007 Mid-American Conference East Division, will be seeking its fifth division title in the last six years.

"For the first time in Miami's tremendous history, our football team will have six home games," said Bates, "including an exciting home-opener against Southeastern Conference opponent Vanderbilt University and the opportunity to play the Big Ten, Big East, four bowl teams and two division co-champions."

Miami's season and home opener features Vanderbilt of the Southeastern Conference making an historic visit to Yager Stadium. The Thursday, Aug. 28 game marks the first time that an SEC opponent will travel to Oxford to play the RedHawks on their home field. The Commodores, 5-7 a year ago, feature a defense that includes all-star candidates D.J. Moore, Reshard Langford and Myron Lewis. Miami and Vanderbilt hooked up in a competitive game a year ago in Nashville, eventually won by the Commodores, 24-13.

Other teams visiting Miami in 2008 include I-AA opponent Charleston Southern on Saturday, Sept. 13. The Buccaneers, members of the Big South Conference, compiled a 5-6 record in 2007. Among CSU's victories last season was an upset victory over Virginia Military Institure. The Bucs' potent offense is led by quarterback Eli Byrd and All-Big South receiver Dee Brown.

Temple makes its first-ever trip to Oxford on Saturday, Oct. 4 for the the MAC opener. Coach Al Golden's Owls beat Miami in Philadelphia last year by a score of 24-17. Temple expects to improve upon its 4-8 record due to the return of record-breaking quarterback Adam DiMichele and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. The Miami vs. Temple game will also be part of Miami University's "Family Weekend", with special events scheduled for MU families.

Miami's Homecoming opponent on Saturday, Oct. 25 will be Kent State. The RedHawks knocked off the Golden Flashes in exciting fashion last season, 20-13, at Kent. First-team All-MAC tailback Eugene Jarvis, the nation's fifth-leading rusher in 2007, will challenge the RedHawks' all-star defense at Yager Stadium. Coach Doug Martin's talented quarterback, Julian Edelman, also will be a feature performer in that game.

Interstate MAC rival Ball State travels to Oxford on Nov. 11. Coach Brady Hoke's Cardinals suffered a 14-13 loss to Miami in the 2007 season opener at Muncie, and will be out for revenge this coming season. Ball State, 7-6 a year ago and a participant in the International Bowl, brings its all-star offensive tandem of quarterback Nate Davis and tight end Darius Hill to Miami. The Tuesday night game will be televised by ESPN2.

Miami's home finale features a Thanksgiving weekend clash against rival Ohio on Friday, Nov. 28. Last season, the Bobcats topped the RedHawks by a score of 39-28 in Athens. Ohio was 6-6 last year under Coach Frank Solich. The Bobcats will feature all-star tight end Andre Mooney and defensive end Jameson Hartke.

Miami's 2008 road schedule includes a trip to Ann Arbor on Sept. 6 to face Michigan of the Big Ten, a Sept. 20 match-up at Cincinnati of the Big East, an Oct. 11 MAC game at Northern Illinois, an Oct. 18 league contest at Bowling Green, an Election Night conference battle at Buffalo on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and a Friday night league game at Toledo on Nov. 21. With the exception of the Buffalo and NIU games, four of the RedHawks' road games (Michigan, Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Toledo) are less than 250 miles from Oxford, giving Miami fans the opportunity to see their favorites.

""We are very excited about our 2008 schedule, and we hope our fans and alumni are as well," said Miami head coach Shane Montgomery. "The combination of hosting Vanderbilt as part of our first six-game home schedule in school history, along with a very formidable road schedule , should make 2008 a very challenging and exciting season. We look forward to competing for another MAC East Title , another MAC Championship Game appearance, and a chance to participate in a bowl game."

Montgomery and his coaching staff return 17 of their 22 starting offensive and defensive players to the lineup in 2008, including 29 other varsity letter winners. The defense is anchored by three all-star-caliber linebackers in 2007 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Clayton Mullins, two-time All-MAC selection Joey Hudson, and future all-star Caleb Bostic. Offensively, the RedHawks have eight returning starters, including quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh and all-star receivers Eugene Harris, Dustin Woods, Armand Robinson and Chris Givens.

The RedHawks open spring practice on Friday, March 28 and wrap up with the Red and White Game the evening of Friday, April 25. Miami's spring game is open to the public.

Season ticket packages for Miami's 2008 six-game home schedule are on sale now by calling the Miami Athletic Ticket Office at 513-529-HAWK or toll-free at 1-866-MUHAWKS (684-2957). Reserved seat season ticket packages range from $99-$115 for the general public and are $85 for Miami University faculty and staff. Ticket renewal forms will be mailed in April.

2008 MIAMI UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

(starting times to be announced)

AUG. 28 (Thu.) VANDERBILT

Sept. 6 (Sat.) at Michigan

SEPT. 13 (Sat.) CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

Sept. 20 (Sat.) at Cincinnati

OCT. 4 (Sat.) TEMPLE (Family Weekend)

Oct. 11 (Sat.) at Northern Illinois

Oct. 18 (Sat.) at Bowling Green

OCT. 25 (Sat.) KENT STATE (Homecoming)

Nov. 4 (Tue.) at Buffalo

NOV. 11 (Tue.) BALL STATE

Nov. 21 (Fri.) at Toledo

NOV. 28 (Fri.) OHIO

--MURedHawks.com--