Hampton has tough start to 2016 schedule

Feb 9, 2016 - 7:27 PM (STATS) - After enjoying a bounce-back season last year, Hampton will need to ride the momentum into its 2016 schedule, which was announced Tuesday.

The Pirates went 6-5 last season for their first winning record since 2011. But they will face a rugged four-game start to their 11-game schedule.

They will travel to Conference USA member Old Dominion (Sept. 3), host defending CAA Football co-champion William & Mary (Sept. 10), go to RFK Stadium in Washington to face rival Howard (Sept. 17) in the AT&T Nation's Classic and travel to 2015 Celebration Bowl winner North Carolina A&T (Oct. 1) to kick off Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.

Coach Connell Maynor's team also will host MEAC opponents Morgan State (Oct. 15, Homecoming), South Carolina State (Oct. 29), Savannah State (Nov. 12) and Norfolk State (Nov. 19). The Pirates also will travel to Delaware State (Oct. 8) and Florida A&M (Oct. 22) within the MEAC and transitioning FBS program Coastal Carolina (Nov. 26), which is considered an FCS independent this season.

2016 Hampton Football Schedule

Sept. 3, at Old Dominion

Sept. 10, William & Mary

Sept. 17, at Howard* (RFK Stadium in Washington)

Oct. 1, at North Carolina A&T*

Oct. 8, at Delaware State*

Oct. 15, Morgan State* (Homecoming)

Oct. 22, at Florida A&M*

Oct. 29, South Carolina State*

Nov. 12, Savannah State*

Nov. 19, Norfolk State*

Nov. 26, at Coastal Carolina*

* - MEAC game