Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel football program has completed its goal of scheduling at least one school from each of the six BCS conferences in the next five years, announced Thursday by Athletics Director Les Robinson. By 2010, the Bulldogs will have played at least one member from the ACC, BIG EAST, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10 and Southeastern conferences.
“Arizona is the last piece of the puzzle that gives our football team the opportunity to play against all six BCS conferences during the next five seasons,” Robinson said. “The fact that we are probably the only I-AA football program in America playing in all six BCS conferences during this time frame is a testimony to the respect The Citadel has as an institution throughout the country.”
After kicking off their 2006 football season at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, on Sept. 2, the Bulldogs will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers at Heinz Stadium three weeks later. The 2007 season will consist of a road trip to Wisconsin, while The Citadel will take on Florida and Clemson in 2008.
“This exposure for our football team is invaluable to our overall athletics program in so many ways. At a time when fundraising is critical to our college, gaining as much exposure nationally is paramount to these efforts,” Robinson added. “It has the potential to help our recruiting, not only for our sports programs, but for our overall cadet recruiting at The Citadel.”
Part of a plan to attract interest among in-state competitions, the Bulldogs will head to Columbia in 2009 to take on Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks at the University of South Carolina. The Oct. 3rd match-up is one of several future dates USC scheduled with four in-state Division I-AA opponents.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to play against opponents from all six BCS conferences,” said The Citadel Head Coach Kevin Higgins. “Our goal is to recruit athletes that want the challenge of playing against the best players in the country. Our schedule will allow us to do that.”
The Citadel will also take on the Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina in 2009, while also competing against Princeton at home in 2008 and on the road in 2009, before making the trip to Arizona in 2010.
The Citadel BCS Football Schedule
2006 Texas A&M; Pittsburgh
2007 Wisconsin
2008 Clemson; Florida
2009 UNC; USC
2010 Arizona
