Although the 2011 football schedule looks tough on paper, Head Coach Henry Frazier III and his players still have high expectations. They will look at each game the same, regardless the name of the team.
"We're going to play every team like they're number one in the nation," said running back/kick returner Arthur Goforth.
The first game of the season will be at Division I-FBS, Big East opponent Rutgers University, in Camden, N.J. on Sept. 1. Frazier is excited to get things going.
"We'll get film and figure out their tendencies, but every team changes from year to year," said Frazier.
This past season Rutgers amassed four wins and eight losses, but still has the potential to be the toughest opponent on the schedule. The Eagles still appear confident that they can overcome the monumental feat in front of them.
"Just like App State beat Michigan, we can beat any team," said Goforth. He was referring to 2007, when Appalachian State defeated powerhouse Michigan 34-32 in maybe the biggest upset in college football history.
N.C. Central University's first of five home games will be against Elon University at O'Kelly Riddick Stadium. Only 43 miles separate the schools and it will be the first time the teams will battle in 15 years.
The last game of the season pits the Eagles against longtime rival N.C. A&T University.
The game will be played in Greensboro. The game which used to be called the Aggie-Eagle classic is a much-anticipated rivalry game, as it has always been. The Eagles have that game especially highlighted on their schedule.
Coach Frazier and players are elated, remarking that any time you play your rival it's a big game. NCCU has won four out of the last five games versus the Aggies.
The Eagles look to continue to win against A&T in arguably the biggest rivalry among HBCUs in the state.
More importantly, NCCU will be eligible to compete for the MEAC championship this upcoming season.
In its first season they will face such familiar foes as Hampton, to whom they lost in the final minutes of last year's games. Also, defending Co-MEAC champions Bethune-Cookman visit O'Kelly Riddick stadium for the second straight year.
The Eagles travel to Dover to avenge its 29-7 loss to Delaware State.
Sept. 24 matches Savannah State and NCCU for the first time as full- fledged MEAC members.
Also this fall, Florida A&M University, visits Durham for the first time since 1973.
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