DOVER, Del. - A game against Division I FCS Charleston Southern on October 1 highlights Wesley College's 2011 football schedule.

The Buccaneers are a fully funded program featuring 63 scholarships and compete in the Big South Conference. 

"We are excited to play a I-AA team," said Wolverine head coach Mike Drass. "We know it will be a huge challenge, playing a fully funded team. But we are going to give them everything we have."

Charleston Southern plays a very challenging schedule itself, opening the season with games at Division I FBS opponents Central Florida and Florida State.  The Knights played in the Conference USA Championship Game and the Seminoles reached the ACC Championship Game a year ago.

Another game of note comes when Wesley travels to Ohio to take on Walsh University at Fawcett Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on October 22.

"Walsh is an NAIA team transitioning to NCAA Division II," notes Drass.  "I think playing a game in Canton, Ohio at the Hall of Fame stadium we be a big thrill for our kids."

The Wolverines will host four opponents on their 2011 slate, starting with the season opener against East Texas Baptist on September 3.

Drass says the Tigers will give Wesley a stiff challenge to open the season.  "ETBU took Mary Hardin-Baylor to overtime. Enough said. We know we'll be in for a battle."

After road games at Kean (9/10), Husson (9/17) and Charleston Southern, the Wolverines return to Scott D. Miller Stadium for Homecoming against Frostburg State on October 8.

From there it is road trips to Virginia University of Lynchburg (10/15) and Walsh before Salisbury visits Dover on October 29.

November features a contest at Apprentice before the November 12 regular season finale at home against Huntingdon (Ala.). 

From there, Wesley will be looking for its seventh straight trip to the NCAA Division III Football Championships.  The Wolverines went 12-1 last season and were the top overall seed in the tournament.  Wesley advanced to the national semifinals before bowing to the eventual national champions from Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Over the past six seasons, the Wolverines have compiled a 70-10 mark, the third most wins in Division III.  Wesley's 15 playoff victories in that time frame are also the third best in Division III.