N. C. Central University released its football schedule for the upcoming 2008 season yesterday.

Last season, NCCU finished its inaugural NCAA Division I with a 6-4 record.

This year’s schedule features five home and six road contests for NCCU.

The Eagles are scheduled to play in Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, South Carolina and California.

In 2005, NCCU played 12 football games and never left North Carolina.

NCCU will open the season at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium against Fayetteville State on Aug. 31 for the Labor Day Classic. On Sept. 6, NCCU will have its first road game against James Madison. JMU has been in the playoffs three consecutive seasons.

The Eagles will renew their heated rivalry against North Carolina A&T on Oct. 4; however, the location for the contest has yet to be announced.

Last year, nearly 20,000 fans witnessed the Eagles and Aggies in Greensboro.

NCCU will round out its home schedule with back-to-back contests against Winston-Salem State and Savannah State in November.

Presbyterian College will host the Eagles on Oct. 11.

Last season, they had the third-ranked offense in FCS competition.

NCCU’s Nov. 8 battle with Cal Poly will pit the Eagles against the 24th ranked team in the nation as well as mark NCCU’s first journey to California in 20 years.