Miami University

Miami to play Louisville in GMAC Bowl

Miami’s football team, ranked 11th in the nation by the Bowl Champion Series and 14th in an Associated Press poll, is preparing for the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

It’s Miami’s first bowl appearance since the 1986 California Bowl.

The RedHawks, who have the nation’s second-longest winning streak at 11 games, will face the University of Louisville at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.

"We are excited for the well-deserved recognition for our students and alumni and fans," said Brad Bates, director of athletics.

Miami currently is the nation’s fifth-highest scoring offense, averaging 42 points per game and is sixth nationally in total offense, putting up 486.9 yards per game.

One of college football’s rising stars, junior quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ranks fourth in the nation in passing yards (3,670), seventh in passing touchdowns (29) and eighth in quarterback rating (159.0).

With a perfect 8-0 mark in the MAC to date, the team earned its first MAC East Division Championship since the league was split into divisions in 1997. For Hoeppner, this will be the second trip to a postseason bowl in his career. Miami is 5-2 all-time in bowl games, including consecutive wins in the Tangerine Bowl against Florida (1973), Georgia (1974) and South Carolina (1975).

"Our goal at the beginning of the year was to play 14 and now that is a reality," Hoeppner said.

Bowl information, including how to purchase tickets, is available on Miami’s Web site. Go to www.muredhawks.com and click on "Nest" features.

The alumni association is offering a package with two nights’ hotel accommodations and air charter from Dayton. For details, visit www.miamialum.org.

Date Published: 12/04/2003
Volume: 23   Number: 17