JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Feb. 1, 2016) – After announcing the Buccaneers will play a home game with Western Carolina at Bristol Motor Speedway last week, head coach Carl Torbush released the full 2016 ETSU football schedule on Monday.

The Bucs, who returned to the gridiron for the first time since 2003 and played as an FCS Independent a year ago, will play a full Southern Conference schedule in 2016. Six home games, including a visit from rival and reigning conference champion Chattanooga and the game at BMS, highlight the schedule.

“We are truly excited about announcing our complete 2016 football schedule,” said Coach Torbush. “Obviously, being back in the SoCon will be an exciting and challenging opportunity for our young football program.”

For the second straight year, ETSU kicks off the season against Kennesaw State, as the Bucs head to Georgia on Sept. 3. The two start-up programs squared off in the 2015 opener in Johnson City and conclude the home-and-home series in 2016.

Coming off their open week on Sept. 10, the Bucs begin SoCon play versus Western Carolina in the historic game at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept 17. This marks ETSU’s first SoCon game since Nov. 22, 2003 when the Bucs defeated The Citadel, 16-13.

Sandwiched between a pair of SoCon road games with Wofford (Sept. 24) and VMI (Oct. 8) is ETSU’s home game with Chattanooga on Oct. 1. The Mocs claimed a share of the conference championship, while also picking up a win in the FCS Playoffs last season.

Following their trip to Lexington, Va., the Bucs return home to host Furman (Oct. 15) and West Virginia Wesleyan (Thursday, Oct. 20). After back-to-back home games, ETSU hits the road for a pair of SoCon tilts at The Citadel (Oct. 29) and Mercer (Nov. 5). The Citadel earned a share of the conference championship and secured a spot in the 2015 FCS Playoffs last year, while the Blue and Gold make the trek to Macon, Ga., for a second straight season.

The Bucs close out regular season play at home against Cumberland University (Nov. 12) and Samford (Nov. 19).

To purchase season tickets for the 2016 ETSU football season, please call (423) 439-3878.

For more information on Buccaneer football, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football page.