Austin Peay to play FBS trio in 2013

Oct 18, 2012 - 8:57 PM Clarksville, TN (Sports Network) - Austin Peay will play three FBS schools, including the University of Tennessee for the first time, in 2013, the Ohio Valley Conference school announced Thursday.

The Govenors will travel to Knoxville for an Aug. 31 season opener.

"It was an opportunity that arose that we couldn't turn down," coach Rick Christophel said. "It will be exciting for our players and our fans. It also will help us in recruiting."

"A lot of the kids we recruit are from Tennessee. Many of them grew up with the hope of some day playing in Neyland Stadium."

Austin Peay also will visit the only other Tennessee-based Southeastern Conference member, Vanderbilt, on Sept. 7.

After a Sept. 14 game against Southern Conference member Chattanooga, Austin Peay will play a third FBS game on Sept. 21 at Ohio University.

The NCAA is allowing FCS teams to play 12 games, instead of the usual 11, during the 2013 season.