From the Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/186602.html

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
Owls' coach: FAU may soon face UM
By MANNY NAVARRO
[email protected]

ALEXIA FODERE / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD
Current Florida Atlantic and former University of Miami football coach Howard Schnellenberger said takes it 'a personal compliment' that the Hurricanes and Owls haven't yet scheduled a date to face each other.
TAMPA – Howard Schnellenberger was asked Sunday how it makes him feel that unlike the state's other Division I-A schools, his seven-year-old football program at Florida Atlantic has yet to find its way on the University of Miami's schedule.

''I look at it as a personal compliment,'' the 73-year-old said with a smirk.

Schnellenberger, who led Miami to its first national title in 1983, has made it no secret he has always wanted his Owls to get a crack at the Canes. And according to Schnellenberger, it could happen soon.

''We hadn't talked to [UM] before, but we've been questioned recently about a game,'' he told a small group of reporters at the Florida Sports Writers Association college football media days. ``It's an ongoing conversation now. And it could happen in the not-so-distant future.''

UM athletics director Paul Dee could not be reached for comment. But UM assistant associate athletics director Connie Nickel recently told The Miami Herald that the Hurricanes' future schedules were booked through 2013.

According to the UM media guide, which lists future nonconference opponents, the only season in which Miami has an opening in its 12-game schedule is 2009, when the Hurricanes are scheduled to host Oklahoma and play away games at South Florida and Central Florida.

? Schnellenberger also said FAU is looking to build a 40,000-seat, open-air on-campus stadium by 2010. The school had been trying to build a domed stadium. In the meantime, Schnellenberger said, home games in 2008 and 2009 will be played in the infield of the school's new track facility, which opened in January.

Schnellenberger said he is also planning to make FAU's schedule easier in the near future. This season, the Owls have five tough out-of-conference games including trips to Oklahoma State, Kentucky and Florida.

''We're not going to play this advanced schedule for long. This year is the last one we'll have,'' he said. ``We'll have probably three [tough games] next year and probably two after that.''

fauowls44 said

? Schnellenberger also said FAU is looking to build a 40,000-seat, open-air on-campus stadium by 2010. The school had been trying to build a domed stadium. In the meantime, Schnellenberger said, home games in 2008 and 2009 will be played in the infield of the school's new track facility, which opened in January.

Schnellenberger said he is also planning to make FAU's schedule easier in the near future. This season, the Owls have five tough out-of-conference games including trips to Oklahoma State, Kentucky and Florida.

WOOT! This is FANTASTIC news. No MORE lockhart. Hope its correct.

No more lockhart is a definite, it's a matter of NO MORE DOLPHIN STADIUM that's the big deal. I have a good feeling about being on campus next year

Hey we can all bring our Red Shovels to the Temp Stadium Ground breaking Ceremony ? Like a dress rehearsal, for the real deal !! Can not wait !!!