March 14, 2007

2007 Football Schedule

2007 Football Schedule in PDF Format
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OXFORD, Ohio -- Miami University and the Mid-American Conference have announced a highly-competitive 2007 football schedule for the RedHawks, who are going in search of their fourth MAC East Division title in the last five years. Included in what is arguably the most challenging non-conference schedule in program history are two games versus the Big East and one each against the Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference.

"Our program is very excited about our 2007 schedule," says head coach Shane Montgomery. "Miami has always been one of those programs that faces a tough non-conference schedule, and 2007 is no different. Being able to play teams from some of the best conferences in the country, along with competing in a challenging Mid-American Conference, will help take our program to new heights. Our program continues to grow as we bring some of these high-profile teams to Oxford".

For the first time since 1985, Miami opens the season with a conference road game versus Ball State. The MAC will be using an unbalanced conference schedule this season, as it did during the 2000 and 2001 seasons, where divisional games are the primary factor in determining the divisional champion. The cross-over game versus Ball State would be a deciding factor in the divisional if multiple teams tied for the division lead at the end of the year.

After Ball State, the RedHawks jump into the heart of one of the nation's most difficult non-conference slates, traveling to Minneapolis to take on the University of Minnesota and new head coach Tim Brewster on Sept. 8. In the only other meeting between the two teams, the Gophers knocked off the then-Redskins, 35-5 in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1988.

The following week on Sept. 15, Miami renews one of the longest running and most played rivalries in college football when it hosts arch-rival the University of Cincinnati for the 112th edition of the "Battle for the Victory Bell." Miami has won five of the last seven contests, including the last three in Oxford.

The RedHawks continue their tour of the Bowl Championship Series conferences on Sept. 22 when they return to the "Mile High" area for the first time since 2003 to play the University of Colorado at Boulder. The Red and White has not played a team from the Big 12 conference since meeting Iowa State in the 2004 Independence Bowl and is meeting Colorado for the first time.

On Sept. 29, a Parents' Weekend crowd will be entertained by the Big East's Syracuse Orange, in a return trip for last year's trek to New York. The RedHawks are looking to get their first win in four tries versus the Orange.

Following Syracuse, Miami, the MAC's all-time winningest program, returns to conference play with three straight league games at Kent State (Oct. 6), home versus Bowling Green (Oct. 13) and at Temple (Oct. 20). The Noon kickoff versus Bowling Green on Oct. 13 highlights the festivities for Homecoming Weekend `07.

As it was announced yesterday, Miami's Oct. 27 game versus Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., is the first game of a home-and-home series with the SEC contender. This will be the third meeting between the two schools, who split their first two meetings.

After Vanderbilt, the RedHawks wind down the regular season with three key divisional contests. Miami hosts Buffalo on Saturday, Nov. 3, and Akron on Wednesday, Nov. 14, before a clash at 2006 MAC East Champion Ohio University on Saturday, Nov. 24. The Akron game, Miami's only home non-Saturday game, is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kick on ESPN2.

"I am thrilled with the competitive challenges and opportunities of a schedule that features some of the best teams from across the country," says Director of Athletics, Brad Bates." It is difficult to imagine a more anticipated schedule. Along with an intensely competitive conference schedule where each week is a `championship' game, playing the Big Ten, the SEC, the Big 12 and the Big East in the same season provides an extraordinary opportunity for our program, fans and students. In addition, every one of the teams on this year's schedule, like Syracuse this season, will be making return trips to Oxford and Yager Stadium."

Season ticket packages for Miami's 2007 five-game home schedule are on sale now by calling the Miami Athletic Ticket Office at 1-866-MUHAWKS (684-2957). Reserved seat season ticket packages range from $85 for the general public to $70 for Miami University faculty and staff. Once again, Butler County residents have the chance to support their "home team" for $75 per season ticket--a savings of 25 percent.

The RedHawks open Spring Practice on Saturday, March 24 and wrap up with the Red and White Game the evening of Friday, April 20. The Red and White Game is open to the public.