|
OXFORD,OH. - Miami University will continue its long tradition of facing some of the nation's finest football teams this fall, according to a schedule released by MU Director of Athletics Brad Bates Monday. The RedHawks don't waste any time in tackling top-flight opposition. Miami opens the 2010 campaign by traveling to "The swamp" - home of the Florida Gators.
"Opening against Florida in The Swamp will be a great opportnity for Miami's football program," MU coach Michael Haywood said. "It will be a tremendous atmosphere for our kids, because there's nothing like SEC football."
Florida, coached by former MAC mentor Urban Meyer, headlines a schedule that includes seven 2009 bowl participants. Three-of-four non-conference foes went to bowls last season, and three teams on the schedule won 12 or more games in 2009.
Another big road date for Miami will be Sept. 25 when the RedHawks take on Missouri. Two weeks later, MU visits rival Cincinnati.
The fourth non-conference game takes place at Miami's Yager Stadium as the RedHawks host Colorado State Sept. 18.
Unlike 2008 when MU played just one true home game among its first seven contests, the 2010 RedHawks will play two of their first three and three of their first five at home. Eastern Michigan provides the opposition for Miami's home opener Sept. 11, followed by the Colorado State matchup a week later.
After traveling to Missouri, Miami hosts Kent State Oct. 2. Ohio (homecoming, Oct. 23) and Temple (Nov. 23) are MU's other two MAC home games. Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan of the MAC West are Miami's "crossover games" for 2010.
"We are looking forward to having a great crowd on hand for the home opener against Eastern Michigan and building momentum for the rest of the season, all the way through the last game at Temple," Haywood said. "With two Saturday games in September and two in October, our first four home games against Eastern Michigan, Colorado State, Kent Stateand Ohio should all have great weather conditions."
MU's first nine games are on Saturday. Two of the last three are on Wednesday (both on the road), while the finale will be played on a Tuesday night.
Miami finished 1-11 in 2009 while fielding a very young team in Haywood's first season at the helm. Redshirt freshman Zac Dysert was one of many freshmen who broke into the starting lineup by season's end.
As he did before the 2009 season, Haywood indicated the best players will play, even if they are freshmen. Haywood and his staff during recruiting concentrated on bringing more speed and size to the roster.
Miami 2010 Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 4 @ Florida; Saturday, Sept. 11 EASTERN MICHIGAN; Saturday, Sept. 18 COLORADO STATE; Saturday, Sept. 25 @ Missouri; Saturday, Oct. 2 KENT STATE; Saturday, Oct. 9 @ Cincinnati; Saturday, Oct. 16 @ Central Michigan; Saturday, Oct. 23 OHIO (HOMECOMING); Saturday, Oct. 30 @ Buffalo; Wednesday, Nov. 10 @Bowling Green; Wednesday, Nov. 17 @Akron; Tuesday, Nov. 23 TEMPLE.
|
