Miami Football Accepts Bid to 2004 Independence Bowl in Louisiana
12/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 5, 2004
OXFORD, Ohio -- Miami University head football coach Terry Hoeppner and his football RedHawks have accepted a bid to go "bowling" for a second straight year, Director of Athletics Brad Bates announced Sunday evening. The RedHawks, who own an 8-4 record and have won back-to-back Mid-American Conference East Division Championships, face Iowa State University in the Dec. 28th Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.
"Having this opportunity to play a BCS team in a BCS bowl is a tribute to Coach Hoeppner, his entire staff and the students that play football at Miami University," Bates said. "We're very excited to be able to showcase this great University and its remarkable football tradition in a bowl game that is steeped in history."
The Red and White, which defeated Louisville, 49-28, in last season's GMAC Bowl, is making its ninth overall bowl appearance and has posted a 6-2 record through the first eight contests.
"This has been a very rewarding season and being able to compete in a bowl as prestigious as the Independence Bowl is one more great reward for our seniors and the entire program," Hoeppner said. "We are looking forward to being able to match up with a Big 12 team on Dec. 28 and expect a great experience."
One of a league-record five MAC teams to earn a bowl bid this season, Miami faces Big 12 power Iowa State University, which owns a 6-5 overall record and came a win away from its first Big 12 Championship game appearance. Mentored by Big 12 Coach of the Year Dan McCarney, the Cyclones earned a share of the Big 12 North Championship in 2004 and are advancing to a bowl for the third time in the past four years, including the 2001 Independence Bowl.
Started in 1976, the Independence Bowl, which takes place at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, is being played for the 29th time. The $1.2 million payout of the Independence Bowl is the largest ever to the Mid-American Conference. Arkansas defeated Missouri, 27-14, in the most recent playing of the Independence Bowl.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, Dec. 28 and will be televised by ESPN. The Dec. 28 bowl date is Miami's latest since it competed in the 1950 Salad Bowl, which took place on Jan. 1.
Miami supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets through Miami's ticket office so that the ticket revenue can directly impact Miami's athletic programs. Tickets can be purchased at MURedHawks.com or by calling 1-866-MUHAWKS (866-684-2957). More information on the Independence Bowl can be located at www.IndependenceBowl.org. Travel packages will be available beginning Monday morning through the Miami Alumni Association. Check MURedHawks.com for details.
