Nov. 7, 2005

ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio Athletics Department has announced future football dates with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Missouri Tigers. The Bobcats will visit Ohio State during the 2008 season, while a meeting with Missouri helps round out the non-conference slate for next season.

Ohio last visited the Buckeyes in 1999, and the 2008 contest will mark the sixth time Ohio and OSU have met on the gridiron. The date of the future meeting is set for Sept. 6, 2008.

Next season's meeting with Missouri is schedule for Saturday, Sept. 23. Two other recently-reached agreements dot the 2006 slate. Head Coach Frank Solich's team will open the season at home, hosting the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks on Sept. 2 at Peden Stadium. Following the opener, the Bobcats will play at Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 16.

Ohio was originally scheduled to host Virginia Tech next season. However, that game has been replaced by the trip to Missouri. The Bobcats have agreed to a game at Virginia Tech in 2007, which will be significantly more lucrative to Ohio Athletics than was the previously scheduled game.

"Our goal related to scheduling is to create an overall balance that puts our student-athletes and coaches in a position to pursue championships," said Ohio Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. "This philosophy will include an annual game versus a BCS opponent. However, it is imperative that those games be financially beneficial to the operation of our football program and entire athletics department."

"It is disappointing that our game versus Virginia Tech in 2006 was cancelled," Hocutt added. "We worked diligently for a number of months to find a solution that would work for both programs, allowing us to play next season. Unfortunately, none of the options fit the wishes of both programs. Our focus will continue to be on what is in the best interest of Ohio Football."

The Mid-American Conference schedule for 2006 features home games with Akron, Buffalo, Bowling Green and Western Michigan. The Bobcats will travel to Miami, Kent State, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan.

The newly announced contract with Louisiana-Lafayette also includes a game at Peden Stadium in 2007.