DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — There's a definite buzz around the Miami University campus about this weekend's historic hockey series against Michigan.

The top-ranked RedHawks (25-3-0) will host the second-ranked Wolverines (22-3-3) in the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in Miami history Friday and Saturday night at Steve Cady Arena.

Both games are sold out, and students are reportedly planning to camp out hours — possibly days — in advance to line up for the best general admission seats in the student section.

The players certainly feel the hype.

"You have so many people asking you for tickets, and you hear about students camping out (for the best general admission seats) on Wednesday," said junior forward Justin Mercier after Monday's practice. "You do start to feel the magnitude of the week, but you have to have the mental toughness to not get caught up in it."

While the top spot in the national polls — Miami is No. 1 and Michigan No. 2 in the United States College Hockey Online and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls — is on the line, the most important prize of the series is the four points up for grabs in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play.

Miami (17-3-0, 34 points) leads Michigan (15-2-3, 33 points) by one point in the standings with eight games to play. The RedHawks have won two regular-season CCHA championships (1992-93 and 2005-06).

"We're in a situation where we control our own destiny," said Mercier, who ranks second on the team and fourth in the nation with 20 goals. "Whether we're playing Michigan or any other team in the league, we're focused on getting two wins."

Miami, which was idle last weekend, is playing its best hockey of the season. The RedHawks have won seven straight and 11 of their last 12. The Wolverines are 0-1-3 in their last four after winning 10 straight.

"The most important game of the season is Friday night," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. "That's the way we've approached it all season. We've put ourselves in good position."