April 16, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University football's 2008 season opener on August 28 vs. Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt will be played before a national television audience on ESPNU, director of athletics Brad Bates announced today.

The game, slated for a 7:30 p.m. start, pits two teams that battled toe-to-toe a year ago in Nashville, Tennessee. Miami led Vanderbilt by a score of 13-10 in the third quarter, but wound up losing a hard-fought 24-13 decision last October.

Coach Shane Montgomery's RedHawks return 17 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters in 2008 and will be trying to win their fifth Mid-American Conference East Division title in the last six years. They will be on public display in just more than a week when they play their annual Spring Game at Yager Stadium on Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. There is no admission charge.

"To have ESPNU open its 2008 college football coverage with our game against Vanderbilt is a big plus for our program," said Montgomery. "We're excited about our prospects this coming season, and to be able to play an SEC opponent on national television is a great way to kick off our season."

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 MU faculty and staff.

MIAMI'S 2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 VANDERBILT (ESPNU)

Sept. 6 at Michigan

Sept. 13 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

Sept. 20 at Cincinnati

Oct. 4 TEMPLE (Family Weekend)

Oct. 11 at Northern Illinois

Oct. 18 at Bowling Green

Oct. 25 KENT STATE (Homecoming)

Nov. 4 at Buffalo (ESPN2)

Nov. 11 BALL STATE (ESPN2/ESPN360)

Nov. 21 at Toledo (FSN Ohio)

Nov. 28 OHIO (ESPNU)

Dec. 5 MAC Championship Game (ESPN2) (Detroit)

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