DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Miami University released its 2008 football schedule on Tuesday, March 11, and RedHawks fans can start preparing for plenty of action at Yager Stadium.

For the first time in school history, MU's slate will include six home games. Those contests will be against Vanderbilt (season opener on Aug. 28), Division I-AA Charleston Southern, Temple, Kent State, Ball State and Ohio.

The season opener will mark the first time that a Southeastern Conference opponent will travel to Oxford to play the RedHawks on their home field.

"We are very excited about our 2008 schedule, and we hope our fans and alumni are as well," Miami coach Shane Montgomery said. "The combination of hosting Vanderbilt as part of our first six-game home schedule in school history, along with a very formidable road schedule, should make 2008 a very challenging and exciting season."

Road games for the RedHawks will feature the following opponents: Michigan, Cincinnati, Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, Buffalo and Toledo.

Homecoming is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, against KSU. The Family Weekend game is slated for Saturday, Oct. 4, against Temple.

MU, co-champion of the Mid-American Conference East Division last season, will be seeking its fifth division title in the last six years.

Miami returns 17 of its 22 starting offensive and defensive players to the 2008 lineup, and there are 29 other varsity letter winners.

The RedHawks open spring practice Friday, March 28, and end with the annual Red-and-White game on Friday, April 25. The spring game is open to the public.