Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel will renew the Military Classic of the South against VMI and take on in-state FBS opponent University of South Carolina for the first time in 21 years, according to the 2011 Bulldog Football schedule released by The Citadel Athletics Department on Wednesday.
The 2011 slate consists of 11 games, six of which will be played at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The Bulldogs open the season on Sept. 3 hosting first-time opponent Jacksonville of the Pioneer Football League. Southern Conference action will kick off earlier next season as The Citadel will then host Furman in their SoCon opener the following week on Sept. 10, followed by a bye week on Sept. 17.
Back-to-back road trips to conference foes Elon and Chattanooga will take place on Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. The Bulldogs will then return home to host the 2010 SoCon Co-Champions Wofford on Oct. 8 and Appalachian State for Parents Day on Oct. 15. A trip to the mountains of Cullowhee, N.C. to face Western Carolina will fall on Oct. 22, before The Citadel takes a break in SoCon action to host longtime rival VMI on Oct. 29.
The Bulldogs, who have not competed against the Keydets since a 70-28 Citadel victory in Lexington in 2007, will play the first of a six-game series against the military rival at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The teams will alternate home fields, playing three games in Charleston and three in Lexington. The series between the two schools dates back to 1920 and they have met every year since 1946 with the exception of 1956, 2004 and 2008-2010.The Bulldogs lead the series 34-30-2 with 21 of those wins in Charleston, where they have played on 31 occasions.
The Citadel will return to conference action on Nov. 5 when they travel to Paulson Stadium to take on the Georgia Southern Eagles, who advanced to the semi-finals of the 2010 FCS Championships. A battle of the Bulldogs will wrap-up SoCon play as The Citadel hosts Samford for the 84th Homecoming celebration on Nov. 12.
A trip to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. will conclude the 2011 regular season as the Bulldogs take on the SEC East Champion Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina. The Nov. 19 matchup will mark the first time these two teams will have met since The Citadel defeated the Gamecocks in Columbia on Oct. 20, 1990. The Citadel's running back coach and Hall of Famer Everette Sands led the Bulldogs in a 38-35 upset with 20 carries for 105 yards and one touchdown.
All times for home games are listed below and can also be found online. Season tickets will go on sale on March 19 when the Bulldogs host their annual Blue and White Spring Game. However, fans can purchase or renew season tickets now by phone. For more information or to purchase tickets, call The Citadel Ticket Office at (843) 953-DOGS (3647). For more information on Bulldog Football, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
