MOUNT PLEASANT, MI-Central Michigan University will make at least three appearances on the ESPN family of networks according to the 2009 Mid-American Conference football schedule released today.

"This schedule poses a great challenge to everyone associated with our football program," said head coach Butch Jones. "Seven of our 12 opponents played in bowl games last season, including each of our three nonconference road opponents. Year-in and year-out there is great competitive balance in the Mid-American Conference, and all of those factors combine to create a schedule that will be not only challenging but also exciting for our program."

The Chippewas' conference slate includes home games against Akron (Sept. 26), Eastern Michigan (Oct. 10), Toledo (Nov. 11) and Northern Illinois (Nov. 27).

CMU will travel to Buffalo (Oct. 3), Western Michigan (Oct. 17), Bowling Green (Oct. 24) and Ball State (Nov. 18).

Each of the Chippewas' final three games of the season will be carried on the ESPN family of networks. The Wednesday, Nov. 11 matchup against Toledo will be televised on ESPN2, the Wednesday, Nov. 18 date at Ball State will air on either ESPN2 or ESPNU and the Friday, Nov. 27 regular season finale against Northern Illinois will be carried on either ESPNU or ESPN360.

"This schedule provides a number of opportunities for our program and our university to be showcased in the national spotlight," said Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. "The schedule also features matchups that are exciting not only for our program but also for anyone who is a fan of Chippewa football."

Along with its five traditional MAC West Division Opponents, CMU will face Akron, Buffalo and Bowling Green from the East Division.

CMU and Akron will meet for the fourth time in the past five years and seventh time since 2000. The teams' last meeting in Mount Pleasant was a 24-21 CMU victory in 2006.

CMU will travel to defending MAC champion Buffalo for the fifth time in six all-time meetings. CMU is 4-1 all-time against Buffalo, including a 27-25 victory at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in 2008.

The trip to Bowling Green will be the Chippewas' first since 2003. The teams have not met since a 31-14 CMU victory at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in 2006.

CMU opens the 2009 season at Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 5.

2009 Central Michigan Football Schedule

Date Opponent Television Kickoff

Saturday, Sept. 5 at Arizona TBA TBA

Saturday, Sept. 12 at Michigan State TBA TBA

Saturday, Sept. 19 Alcorn State TBA TBA

Saturday, Sept. 26 Akron* TBA TBA

Saturday, Oct. 3 at Buffalo* TBA TBA

Saturday, Oct. 10 Eastern Michigan* TBA TBA

Saturday, Oct. 17 at Western Michigan* TBA TBA

Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bowling Green* TBA TBA

Saturday, Oct. 31 at Boston College TBA TBA

Wednesday, Nov. 11 Toledo* ESPN2 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Ball State* ESPN2 or ESPNU 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27 Northern Illinois* ESPNU or ESPN360 TBA

Friday, Dec. 4 MAC Championship Game ESPN2 8 p.m.