2015 HBU Football ScheduleHOUSTON – HBU will play seven home games as part of its 11-game football schedule in 2015, Director of Athletics
Steve Moniaci and Head Coach
Vic Shealy announced Monday.
"Everybody will tell you that there's nothing like playing at home," Shealy said. "The student-athletes get so much more rest and recovery time, so hopefully, that is a bonus each week. I'm grateful to our administration that we've been able to bring in a couple of home games this year. Not only will it help us physically, but also academically, because our guys will be better prepared on Mondays to start classes."
The Huskies open the season at home at Husky Stadium against Bethany College on Saturday, Sept. 5. Bethany is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Swedes went 6-5 overall and 5-4 in conference play last season.
Family Weekend culminates with HBU's home game against Northern Colorado on Sept. 12. UNC went 3-8 last season and 2-6 in Big Sky Conference play. The Huskies will look to avenge last year's 28-20 loss to the Bears in Greeley, Colorado.
"I know our guys are looking forward to playing Northern Colorado at home," Shealy said. "We went on the road last year and had an opportunity on the goal line to tie, so to know how close we came and get that rematch on our home field is exciting."
The Huskies begin Southland Conference play on the road against Abilene Christian on Sept. 19. The Wildcats tied for sixth in the league, finishing 6-6 overall and 4-4 in SLC play.
"We're excited about our second year in the Southland Conference," Shealy said. "After spending our first year with a young team, I am continually impressed with the quality of teams the league has come to be defined by. I think we have a squad that we will continue to see improvement in areas that are challenging, like our interior linemen. Our ongoing ability to show competitiveness will help us with our confidence, so I expect us to have a better season.
"For the past several seasons, being one of the top two or three teams in league has put you among the top teams in the country, so everybody is looking for a way to be at the top of the league."
HBU will also be on the road the following weekend when they face Sam Houston State Sept. 26 in Huntsville. The Bearkats have won three of the last four Southland titles, including a share of the crown last year, and made its fourth-straight NCAA postseason appearance. SHSU finished the season 11-5 overall and went 7-1 in conference games.
On Homecoming weekend, the Huskies host College of Faith on Oct. 3. As a member of the American Small College Athletic Association (ASCAA), the Warriors from West Memphis, Ark., will be playing their inaugural football season this year.
HBU returns to conference play by hosting Central Arkansas on Oct. 10. The Bears tied for third last year, going 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the league. The Huskies then have a road game against Nicholls on Oct. 17 in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The Colonels were winless in 2014, going 0-12 overall and 0-8 in SLC play.
The Huskies then finish the season with three of their last four at home and a bye week. Defending league co-champion Southeastern Louisiana visits on Oct. 24. The Lions were 9-4 last season and 7-1 in the conference. HBU hosts Lamar, who went 8-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference, on Oct. 31, before getting the next week off.
HBU hits the road to face Stephen F. Austin, which went 8-5 overall, 5-3 in the league and advanced to the NCAA playoffs, on Nov. 14 in Nacogdoches. The Huskies host Incarnate Word, which went 2-9 overall and 2-6 in the league, in the season finale on Nov. 21.
In their first official NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season last year, the Huskies were 2-9 overall and 1-7 in the SLC. HBU returns four all-conference selections in linebacker
Garrett Dolan, cornerback
Eric Amoako, running back
B.J. Kelly and punter
Christian Guzman.
"Last season was successful in many ways," Shealy said. "Winning our first Southland Conference game was great and we expect to grow on that number. I'll be disappointed if we're not in thick of many games late with a chance to win."
Game times will be announced when television broadcast information is determined. Visit HBUHuskies.com for season ticket information. Individual game tickets will go on sale in the summer.
2015 HBU Football ScheduleSept. 5 BETHANY COLLEGE
Sept. 12 NORTHERN COLORADO (Family Weekend)
Sept. 19 *at Abilene Christian
Sept. 26 *at Sam Houston State
Oct. 3 COLLEGE OF FAITH (Homecoming)
Oct. 10 *CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Oct. 17 *at Nicholls
Oct. 24 *SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
Oct. 31 *LAMAR
Nov. 14 *at Stephen F. Austin
Nov. 21 *INCARNATE WORD
*Southland Conference game
Times to be determined
