Feb. 13, 2009

Complete Schedule in PDF Format

DURHAM, N.C. - The North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics has announced the 2009 Eagles football schedule, which features eight games played in North Carolina, including first time meetings with Duke University and Appalachian State University.

The 2009 slate is considered fan-friendly because NCCU Eagles supporters can witness all 11 games without having to travel more the 200 miles from Durham. NCCU's three road games not contested in-state, will take place in neighboring Virginia, all less than a four-hour drive campus.

That is in sharp contrast to the team's 2008 travel itinerary, which saw the Eagles visit five different states, including California, Connecticut, Maryland, South Carolina and Virginia.

"That's huge," NCCU head coach Mose Rison said about the close proximity of the Eagles' opposition. "I like the fact that we play five games in Durham. Plus, all of our road games are within a four-hour drive, so our fans are going to have a tremendous opportunity to see us play."

In 2009, NCCU will face eight NCAA Division I-Football Championship Subdivision programs and will meet six opponents for the first time on the gridiron.

NCCU will open the upcoming season with its longest road trip (199 miles one way), visiting former CIAA foe and current MEAC member Hampton University on Sept. 5. The Pirates finished with an overall record of 6-5 in 2008. This will be the 19th meeting between the Eagles and Pirates, with Hampton holding a 13-5 lead in the series, dating back to 1926. Hampton won the last match-up 31-19 on Nov. 14, 1992, in Hampton, Va.

On Sept. 12, the Eagles will travel to Lynchburg, Va. to take on Liberty University, the two-time defending champions of the Big South Conference. The Flames posted a school-best 10-2 record last season, while finishing among the national rankings at No. 14 in the Sports Network poll and No. 15 in the Associated Press FCS coaches poll.

NCCU's first of four home contests is on Sept. 19 against Morehead State University. Based in Kentucky, the MSU Eagles finished with a 6-6 record last year as members of the Pioneer Football League. This will be the first gridiron meeting between NCCU and MSU.

The Eagles then take their shortest bus ride of the season (4.8 miles one way) for a historic first-ever meeting with neighbor Duke University on Sept. 26, as the Blue Devils celebrate Homecoming. Duke posted a 4-8 record in 2008. This will also be NCCU's first contest against a team from the NCAA Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision.

On Oct. 3, the Eagles travel to Greensboro, N.C. to face long-time rival North Carolina A&T State University. NCCU defeated the Aggies last season in Charlotte, N.C., 28-27. A&T leads the series 45-30-5, dating back to the first meeting in 1924, but the Eagles have captured three straight victories over the Aggies.

On Oct. 10, NCCU will visit Boone, N.C. for a first-ever gridiron meeting with Appalachian State, winners of four consecutive Southern Conference titles and three of the last four NCAA Division I-FCS National Championships. The Mountaineers finished the 2008 campaign with an 11-3 overall record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. This will serve as Appalachian State's Homecoming game.

NCCU returns home to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Oct. 17 to host Central Methodist University. The CMU Eagles, out of Fayette, Missouri, posted a 3-8 record last season as members of the NAIA. These two teams have never met on the football field.

After an open week in the schedule, NCCU celebrates Homecoming on Oct. 31 against Central State University. The NCAA Division II Marauders finished with a 2-7 record a year ago. The two programs have met twice before (1995, 1996) with each team winning on the road.

On Nov. 7, NCCU visits Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. for a first-ever meeting with the Monarchs. ODU will be playing in its first season of football since ending the program in 1940. This will be the Homecoming game for the Monarchs.

Another rival contest will pit the Eagles against the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on Nov. 14 in Winston-Salem, N.C. NCCU defeated WSSU 23-16 last season to even the series at 21-21.

The 2009 campaign will close for NCCU with a home contest against Savannah State University on Nov. 21. The Eagles edged the Tigers 10-7 in Durham, N.C. last season. NCCU holds a 3-0-1 advantage in the series with SSU.

"This schedule is a true indication of where we are going with this football program," said Rison. "This is a very strong schedule."

Inside the Numbers:

1st - first meetings with Liberty, Morehead State, Duke, Appalachian State, Central Methodist and Old Dominion

3 - number of Homecoming games the Eagles will serve as visitors (Duke, Appalachian State, Old Dominion)

4.8 - length in miles on NCCU's shortest road trip (at Duke)

8 - number of Football Championship Subdivision opponents

199 - length in miles on NCCU's longest road trip (at Hampton/drive time 3 hours, 42 minutes)

1,623 - total miles (round trip) to road games