When Terry Hoeppner took over the football program at Miami, he was depending on the legs of All-America candidate Travis Prentice to win the school's first Mid-American East Division championship.

        This season is Hoeppner's fourth at the helm in Oxford. And the RedHawks, who are looking for their first MAC Championship Game appearance, will rely on the right arm of standout sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

MIAMI

Aug. 31 at North Carolina, 1:30 p.m.     Sep. 7 Iowa, Noon     Sep. 14 at LSU, 8 p.m.     Sep. 21 Kent St., 2 p.m.     Sep. 28 at Akron, 6 p.m.     Oct. 5 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.     Oct. 12 N. Illinois, 2 p.m.     Oct. 19 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.     Oct. 26 at Toledo, 7 p.m.     Nov. 2 Ohio, 1 p.m.     Nov. 12 at Marshall, TBA     Nov. 23 UCF, 1 p.m.

        The Findlay, Ohio, native threw for school records of 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns last season as a redshirt freshman on his way to an All-MAC second-team selection and freshman All-America honors.

        Not only is Roethlisberger back with a season of experience under his belt, but he's bigger. The 6-foot-5 quarterback added 30 pounds in the weight room this offseason, putting him at 240.

        “He's the real deal,” Hoeppner said. “Hopefully he can live up to everyone's expectations, but I know his are higher than anyone's.”

        If his expectations are high, Roethlisberger has good reason for them. Last season he set Miami records for completions (241), completion percentage (.663) and total offense (3,294) while leading the RedHawks to a 7-5 (6-2 MAC) record and second-place finish in the MAC East.

        But the season got off to a rocky start. In his college debut at a sold-out Michigan Stadium, Roethlisberger threw three interceptions in a 31-13 loss.

        “I was almost kind of thrown in there last season -- in front of 110,000,” Roethlisberger said. “This year there won't be that kind of pressure because I have more confidence in myself and in the system. We're still going to be playing in front of big crowds against good teams, but now we've all been in that situation before.”

        The RedHawks start this season Aug.31 at North Carolina. Then after playing host to Iowa, they are at No.14 LSU.

        Miami also must travel to Cincinnati, No.19 Marshall and last year's MAC champion, Toledo.

        “Yeah, on paper it's pretty salty,” Hoeppner said. “But we're not complaining about it. It's not like someone did this to us. We're willing and eager to play these teams.”

        Hoeppner will have to rely on a number of underclassmen other than Roethlisberger. Miami's 95-man roster boasts only 11 seniors. Hoeppner is quick to point out, however, that the fate of the team relies on the seven seniors projected to start.

        “As coaches, we try to develop team chemistry. Not only are we a very talented team, but I think right now this is a very tight team,” he said. “We have a small senior class, but those seniors are playing well. We're pleased with how far they've come, but they need to continue to cultivate that chemistry if we want to be successful.”

        Roethlisberger, who should benefit from a stable of talented receivers, said chemistry will not be a problem on offense. Miami's top three at the position from a year ago -- Jason Branch, Eddie Tillitz and St.Xavier product Mike Larkin -- are back.

        “It's pretty nice,” Roethlisberger said of his passing options. “If I put it anywhere near them, I know they'll make the play.

        “People always ask me which one is my favorite, but I can't answer it because they all bring something different to the table.”