By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

OXFORD - As Miami's Redhawks get ready to face Marshall's Thundering Herd, police and security forces are hoping to avoid the trouble that marred last year's game.

Police and private security will be beefed up for Wednesday night's game at Miami's Yager Stadium. Police and Miami officials cited rowdy behavior at last week's game against Bowling Green and concerns that some fans may have revenge on their minds after last year's debacle at Marshall.

Last November, Miami lost to Marshall 36-34 in West Virginia . After the game, Redhawk defensive coordinator Jon Wauford was arrested for shoving a fan and another assistant coach damaged the visiting coaches' box. Wauford later resigned and the charges against him were dismissed in July.

In an open letter to students, head Coach Terry Hoeppner will discourage them from rushing the field after the game and encourage good sportsmanship, according to Mike Harris, Miami athletic department spokesman.

"Students have never been that much of a problem before," he said. "We are confident students will have the highest integrity and will represent Miami well."

Harris said Contemporary Services Corporation, a private company, plans to bring extra guards for the Marshall game.

After last week's game against Bowling Green State University, some of the 28,032 people in attendance pelted those on the field with plastic bottles. Three people were arrested for rushing onto the field.

Miami University Police Lt. Andrew Powers said the bottles were in response to a "very concentrated effort" by police and security to keep people off of the field.

"They couldn't get on the field, so they threw things instead," he said.

As for Miami students, fans are ready to celebrate what would be a sweet victory.

"I think just because of last year, a lot of people are going to rush the field," sophomore speech communication major Jesse Ghiorzi of Elmsford, N.Y., predicted. "We're definitely getting back."