Any discussion of the Miami football program this off-season centered around the RedHawks’ schedule, a 12-game monster that some have called the most difficult in MAC history.

While that remains to be determined, there is no doubt it’s difficult. Miami opens at North Carolina, plays host to Ohio and travels to LSU in the first three weeks. The RedHawks play three more bowl teams in Cincinnati, Toledo and Marshall, and only three of their opponents (Akron, Buffalo and Ohio) had losing records in 2001. Some teams may dread such a schedule, but not Miami. The team’s web site even had a countdown to kickoff feature that changed by the hour throughout the off-season.

"Our schedule speaks volumes for who we are and the caliber of football we play," Miami coach Terry Hoeppner said. "You can’t beat the best unless you play the best. From our non-conference schedule through our MAC schedule, we have to play 12 of the best teams you can find anywhere in the country."

The RedHawks, a young team, are not entering this endeavor empty-handed. Miami has a rising star in sophomore quarterback Ben Roethlisberger , who earned freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America, and several talented receivers with the ability to thrive in the team’s exciting spread offense. The defense returns seven starters, including All-MAC first-team linebackers Terrell Jones and Matt Robillard.

"One of my goals always is to improve quality depth across the board and I think we’ve done that," Hoeppner said.

There really isn’t much more Roethlisberger could have done in his first season as a college starter. He set school records with 241 completions, 3,105 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, a .663 completion percentage and 3,294 yards of total offense. He also ran for 189 yards and three touchdowns, including an 80-yarder at Iowa. His passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense ranked first in the nation among freshman quarterbacks.

Sure, Roethlisberger (6-5, 240) brought impressive credentials from Findlay (Ohio) High School, where he threw for 4,041 yards and 54 touchdowns in his only season as a starter, but did anyone really expect this after just one red-shirt season? Well, yes.

"I’m a real optimist, I guess," Hoeppner said, "but that’s kind of what I was hoping he would be."

Roethlisberger, the runner-up for Mr. Football in Ohio in 1999, made his first start in front of 109,676 at Michigan’s "Big House" and showed a flair for the dramatic throughout the season. His 70-yard "Hail Mary" pass to Eddie Tillitz on the game’s final play gave Miami a 30-27 win over Akron. He also threw for a school record 452 yards in a 52-51 last-second loss to Hawaii.

So how did he perform so well, so fast?

"Just that natural talent," Hoeppner said. "He’s really athletic, he’s very accurate, he makes good decisions most of the time and he has a feel for the game. When a play breaks down he can still make something good happen."

So can backup quarterback Josh Betts (6-3, 206), who took the majority of snaps in spring practice while Roethlisberger recovered from a hand injury.

Hoeppner felt good enough about Roethlisberger and Betts that he allowed Ryan Hawk, who competed for the starting quarterback job with Roethlisberger last season, to transfer to Ohio University in December. Hawk will have two seasons left when he becomes eligible to play next season.

Incoming freshman Ryan Busing (6-3, 190) will be the RedHawks’ third quarterback. He brings impressive credentials from Chattahoochee High School (Alpharetta, Ga.) where he threw for 2,335 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for seven more scores as a senior. His twin brother, John Busing (6-3, 210), is also part of the incoming class as a safety/linebacker.

Junior Cal Murray , who suffered a severely bruised shoulder last season, followed it up with a tremendous off-season to win the starting tailback job in the spring.

"He’s talented, skilled and has good instincts," Hoeppner said. "That’s a good combination and he’s a great kid."

In 2001, Murray (5-10, 194) was the RedHawks’ third leading ground gainer with 342 yards and enjoyed some big moments before getting banged up. He sealed the RedHawks’ 21-14 victory over Cincinnati in week three with a 76-yard run in the final two minutes and ran for 183 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-20 win at Ball State the following week.

Junior Luke Clemens (5-10, 213), a former walk-on, made the move from defensive back last spring and started the opener at tailback at Michigan. He ran for 63 yards against the Wolverines and finished the season with 431 yards rushing, 10 receptions and a touchdown. Clemens finished second on the team in rushing to Steve Little, who ran for 587 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season.

Sophomores Mike Smith (6-0, 193) and Jay Wallace (6-1, 209) are also hoping to contribute. Wallace is a transfer from Pittsburgh with plenty of potential.

Even Hoeppner admits that fullback label is just "on the depth chart for the other team," but the RedHawks will need a blocking back in certain situations. Red-shirt freshman Derek Rehage (6-1, 236) has been moved to linebacker to get him on the field more, but will see some time in short-yardage sets on offense.

You can’t succeed with Miami’s style of offense without good receivers, and the RedHawks are blessed with a stable of them.

"This receiving group is probably the highest quality depth position on the team," Hoeppner said. "We’ll probably travel with eight and play eight."

Senior Jason Branch (6-6, 219) missed spring practice with a sprained ankle, but is a huge target who led the RedHawks with 46 catches (for 565 yards) and six touchdowns last season. The winner of Miami’s Keith Swailes Award as the team’s outstanding junior, he also has a flair for the dramatic and was cited twice for his circus catches on ESPN’s Plays of the Week.

Tillitz (5-9, 175), a senior, also returns after ranking second on the team with 43 receptions for 577 yards. A zoology major with a 3.47 grade-point average, Tillitz also tied for second on the club with five touchdown catches.

Sophomore Mike Larkin (5-8, 163) burst onto the scene last season, taking his first reception 56 yards for a touchdown against Iowa in week two. He went on to lead the team in receiving yards with 672, the fifth-highest total in school history, and score five touchdowns.

"He’s not very tall and not very big and he doesn’t know that he’s too small to play college football," Hoeppner said in obvious tribute to Larkin’s desire and attitude.

Freshman Martin Nance (6-4, 203) sat out last season as a red-shirt, but showed what he can do by catching three touchdown passes from Roethlisberger in the spring scrimmage.

"He might be the most talented out of all of them," Hoeppner said. "He’s got tremendous size and talent."

Purdue transfer Andre Henderson (6-2, 199) and junior Korey Kirkpatrick (6-1, 197) could also be regular contributors. Henderson caught 10 passes for 110 yards and Kirkpatrick hauled in seven for 122 in the spring scrimmage.

Henderson caught seven passes for Purdue’s 2000 Rose Bowl team and was the 25th ranked receiver by Prep Football Report coming out of Loffman High School in Dublin, Ohio.

"He could be a real find for us," Hoeppner said.

Senior Randy Stegman (5-10, 195) and sophomore Mike Iriti (6-0, 175), who played on Roethlisberger’s high school team, will also be in the mix. Stegman had 14 catches and a touchdown last season.

Miami also has several candidates to succeed the departed Robert Frazier at tight end with juniors Matt Brandt (6-5, 244) and Geoff Robinson (6-4, 265) the leading candidates. The "Tyler brothers," converted linebacker Tyler Vogel (6-3, 242) and Dan Tyler (6-4, 238), both red-shirt freshmen, have good speed and may earn time with their ability to stretch the field.

The buzzword along the line is "streamlining" as the RedHawks attempt to mold a well-conditioned, athletic unit rather than relying primarily on bulk.

The biggest challenge this season will be finding a suitable replacement for All-MAC center Paul Thaler. The top candidates are sophomore Ben Hartings (6-4, 272) and red-shirt freshman Todd Londot (6-7, 276). Hartings, the younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers standout center Jeff Hartings, missed spring practice with a back injury, which gave Londot the chance to take valuable reps.

They aren’t related, but the left side of the line is affectionately referred to as the "Smith brothers." Senior Justin Smith (6-5, 294) moves from right guard to take the left tackle spot vacated by Joe Costello and junior Frank Smith (6-3, 287) is the incumbent at left guard.

Junior Jacob Bell (6-5, 300) started the first two games at left tackle last season, but moves to right guard this fall and junior Ben Herrell (6-7, 302) returns to start at right tackle.

The RedHawks struggled with consistency last season, making just 8-of-18 field goals and 35-of-41 extra points while using three different kickers in the process. Hoeppner made upgrading this position a priority in the off-season, and feels better about it heading into summer camp.

Sophomore Jared Parseghian (5-10, 186), the great nephew of Miami and Notre Dame legend Ara Parseghian, was the best of the group, having made 6-of-10 field goals and 28-of-30 extra points. He improved his strength and confidence in the off-season.

Junior Brett Jackson (5-10, 171) also got a chance and went 1-for-2 on field goals. He also enters the season stronger.

Andy Brumbergs, who led Miami in scoring in 2000 but struggled mightily last fall (1-for-6 on field goals, 7-for-10 PAT) graduated and did not return for his final year of eligibility.

Todd Soderquist (6-2, 195), an incoming freshman from College Grove, Tenn., may also get a chance. He made 10-of-11 field goals, including a 52-yarder, and was a perfect 19-for-19 on extra points his senior season at Battle Ground Academy. He also placed 94 percent of his kickoffs in the end zone for touchbacks.

Only two starters return, but the RedHawks have enough talent and depth to make this a strong position.

Junior Phil Smith (6-1, 262) started at left end last season but moves to right end where he succeeds fellow St. Ignatius (Cleveland) alum Bob Petrovic. Smith, a converted linebacker, made 57 tackles, five sacks and an interception. Right tackle Ryan Terry (6-2, 353) has started for three seasons. Terry has as much ability as any interior lineman in the league, but weight problems have prevented him from reaching his full potential. He finished with 58 tackles, nine tackles for losses, and three sacks last season.

Senior Matt Edwards (6-2, 231) has battled injuries and may be a bit undersized but could be the man at left end. Senior Kurt Mester (6-4, 268) and sophomore Will Rueff (6-4, 276), who made one start last season and is coming off a strong performance in the spring, will also contend for starting spots. Sophomore Jeremy Thompson (6-4, 249) and senior Will Stanley (6-1, 248) provide depth at end.

Junior Larry Burt (6-4, 302) and freshman John Glavin (5-11, 270) could earn time on the interior along with red-shirt freshman Marcus Johnson (6-3, 285), who has added about 15 pounds of muscle.

The return of starters Jones, Robillard and Nathan Clayton makes the first group one of the strongest units on the team, but the reserve pool is untested so any injuries could present potential problems.

Jones (5-9, 225) followed up a stellar freshman season with an all-league effort in the middle. He led the team with 124 tackles, including 67 solo stops, and was a steadying force. He missed the spring practice with a groin injury, which allowed Rehage to show his skills and the RedHawks to build a bit of depth.

Robillard (6-3, 238), a senior, played the entire season at linebacker after moving up from safety the year before and put together a monster season.

Clayton (6-2, 232), who finally shook off the effects of a 1999 ankle injury to finish with 67 tackles and three sacks, also returns on the outside. He will be pushed by sophomore Marshall Upshaw (5-10, 222), who plays fast and has drawn favorable comparisons to former Miami star JoJuan Armour.

The incoming freshman class could provide some reinforcements. Miami signed Matt Vogele (6-1, 230), Cincinnati’s Greater Catholic League Player of the Year, and Terna Nande (6-1, 210), an all-state choice from Michigan who averaged 16 tackles per game as a senior at Creston High School in Grand Rapids.

Miami has a strong tradition of excellence in the secondary and, after a couple of down years, may be returning to that level.

"The defensive backfield is probably our most improved position in the spring," Hoeppner said.

Senior Milt Bowen (6-2, 204) started every game at cornerback, but has been moved to free safety to maximize his skills. Bowen ranked fourth on the team with 79 tackles, made two interceptions and broke up 11 passes last season.

"He’s that guy that can make a difference," Hoeppner said.

So can strong safety Matt Pusateri , a third-team freshman All-American last season. Pusateri (5-11, 192) is a fierce hitter and former walk-on who finished second on the team with 122 tackles during his first season as a starter.

Miami will have two new starters on the corners. Junior Ryan Sprague (5-10, 198) played in all 12 games last season, making 43 tackles and breaking up eight passes, and should lead the push for one of the starting spots.

Sophomore Mike Wafzig (6-4, 233), who walked on as a receiver in 2000 and emerged as the punter the following spring, had a solid first season averaging 38.6 yards on 59 punts with 13 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line. He was a bit raw as a freshman, but should continue to refine his technique and improve.

"He’s got a huge leg," Hoeppner said. "He can be a real weapon for us."

Roethlisberger is his backup.

The RedHawks boast two of the MAC’s better return men in Bowen and Tillitz. Bowen ranked fourth in the MAC and 48th in the country in kickoff return average (23.1) and Tillitz was third in the conference and 35th in the nation in punt returns (10.76). He has returned three punts for touchdowns in his career, including an 80-yarder against Buffalo last season.

"I think we’re pretty good on special teams, but we’re young," Hoeppner said.

Miami does have some experience, though. Senior Scott Sagehorn (6-3, 212), a former walk-on quarterback, enters his fourth season as the team’s long snapper. "He’s as good as we’ve had," Hoeppner said.

Hoeppner continued to mold the program in his image by signing 13 players, including some that may be able to contribute right away. Miami focused on defense, signing eight players. Vogele and Nande should be able to compete at linebacker and John Busing, Joey Card (6-1, 175), Darrell Hunter (6-1, 180), Marcus Tate (5-10, 165), Bryan Tyson (6-0, 190) and Dontae Wright (6-3, 180) in the defensive backfield. Hunter (6-1, 180), a track standout from nearby Middletown, Ohio, could see action on both sides of the ball. Kenneth Getch (6-4, 250), a tenacious blocker from Carmel Ind., is the only lineman in the class. Soderquist could be the long-term solution at kicker.

Some of the most famous and successful football coaches in history have worked the Miami sideline. Earl "Red" Blaik, Woody Hayes, Weeb Ewbank, Paul Brown, Ara Parseghian and Bo Schembechler all learned the tools of their trade in Oxford, Ohio, but no coach has worked at Miami longer than Hoeppner.

Hoeppner, who enters his fourth season as head coach and 17th at Miami, has worked tirelessly to restore the tradition of his predecessors and the RedHawks could be on the cusp of breaking through as a perennial power in the MAC. While the upper echelon has belonged to the likes of Marshall, Toledo and Western Michigan in recent years, Miami has climbed the ladder and is certainly within reach of the top.

Roethlisberger is a record-breaking difference maker who could elevate the program to the next level. If he continues to develop, Roethlisberger has the ability to play on Sundays, and as he improves, so will Miami. The RedHawks are loaded at the other offensive skill positions and should be potent on offense as long as their offensive line continues to mature. The defense and special teams should also be stout, as long as a consistent kicker emerges.

The biggest challenge this season may be surviving the first three games. If Miami can avoid serious injuries against North Carolina, Iowa and LSU, it should be able to compete well the rest of the way. Traditional rival Cincinnati will provide its usual stern test, and playing at Toledo and Marshall before wrapping up against Central Florida will also be difficult. The RedHawks need to take care of business in games they should win and could possibly spring an upset or two. It may not be totally reflected in the record at the end of the season, but 2002 certainly holds plenty of promise and should be another season of moving forward.