OXFORD, Ohio — It’s officially week one of college football and while players have spent all off-season preparing for the start of the season- so have the broadcasters.
For the Miami University Redhawks, they have a particularly unique opponent this week which will make broadcasting the game a little more difficult.
What You Need To Know
- The Miami University Redhawks will take on the University of Miami Hurricanes in week one of college football
- The teams are playing for the first time since 1987 and the fourth time in history
- Steve Baker, the voice of the Redhawks, said it's a mental challenge preparing to call this game
- Baker plans to try to take Miami out of it and use 'Redhawks' and 'Hurricanes' as much as possible in his broadcast
Steve Baker is the voice of the Redhawks.
“It’s the number one place in the world for me," Baker said of Oxford, Ohio.
In Baker’s 36-year career with Miami University, including seeing some of the school’s greats.
“I was lucky enough to do all of Ben’s [Roethlisberger] games here at Miami University," Baker said.
He’s about to have a first in his career- what’s dubbed the ‘Confusion Bowl’. The Redhawks are facing the University of Miami-something that can certainly get confusing as the broadcaster for the game.
“I’m not saying Miami has the ball on the Miami 20-yard line and people are going which Miami has the ball and which Miami 20-yard line?” Baker said.
But Baker has a plan- to try to keep Miami out of it.
“This week, it’ll be the Redhawks versus the Hurricanes," he said.
Baker says it presents a unique challenge and something he is mentally preparing for as the game approaches.
“In my mind, it’s not that difficult," he said. "The problem is if you’re watching a game on TV, you have no problem telling which one is the University of Miami and Miami University, it’s pretty clear on the football field and on television what you’re seeing. When you’re listening on radio, it’s a whole other job.”
While it creates some confusion, Baker said at the end of the day, it’s a great opportunity for the Redhawks to start off another college football season.
“That’s the kind of thing that you look forward to, those games," Baker said. "I know the players do because they’re stepping into an NFL Stadium, taking on an ACC team, have a chance to make a name for themselves. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what college sports is all about.”
The Redhawks take on the Hurricanes in week one on Friday in Miami, Florida.